Choosing a Stair Tread Carpet Runner

Choosing a stair carpet runner, also simply called a stair runner or runner, can sometimes seem overwhelming.

For example my friend Bob was shopping for one and was simply overwhelmed by the choices online. He decided to go to a local store, and despite a very helpful sales person, he was certainly a bit overwhelmed as well. Here is what works well for most people, unless you just happen to be a natural at rugs like my grandmother was.

First, think about where the runner will be going. Measure the length and width. If it’s going on beautiful hardwood stairs you might want one thinner so that more of the hardwood shows. Since they are usually sold by the linear foot, length often doesn’t matter but it can if they only have a limited length available (sometimes as a "remnant" available at a discount) or if it’s a true Oriental carpet. Orientals are handmade and although they can be joined together length is an issue.

Once we have an idea of size, next I like to think about light or dark. Will this be going into a relatively light area or dark area and what effect if any do you desire here. For example, my grandmother had two staircases. One was a grand staircase, very wide, very open, and very brightly lit. She used a much darker stair runner there. The second stair case was smaller and definitely dark with close to zero natural light. Purposely she put a lighter runner there to help brighten up that area.

Of course there are other reasons to go for dark or light as well. A big example is on my staircase going upstairs, the most visible stairs in the house. With three little kids, a dog, and a yard that turns to mud every spring we opted for a dark pattern that helps hide dirt and stains!

Also is this for new construction or for a staircase in a not yet decorated and finished space, as when you move into a new house? Or maybe it’s somewhere already set up and you are adding or replacing a worn runner? Obviously if there is already décor in place you have less flexibility as you are not starting from a clean slate.

Only after we've thought about these should we even start looking.

You can chose accent colors and patterns found in other parts of the stairs and adjoining rooms to help visually integrate things, using the runner as a unifying element. Usually you do not want the main color of the rug to match the main color of the surroundings as it may be visual overload and one may fade over time, leaving them not looking quite right. As an extreme example, think of bright pink walls and a bright pink rug. It’s probably too much. Now think of the pink rug fading just a bit over time and it’s probably even worse, looking not quite right and possibly disjointed. If instead you match with a secondary color, any of the other colors that are present, you’ll get a unifying effect as well as contrast between the rug and its surroundings.

Of course there is no "rule" saying you need to match anything, although that is a typical  and common approach. What is most important is that the stair carpet runner matches your style and your personality, in other words that you like it. Take your time looking around, take pictures and bring them to rug shops if you’d like, bring carpet samples home, and ask other peoples' advice.

Now if you buy online you can’t do some of these, but they may not all be necessary either. In any case, looking online, for example at RugSale.com with their large inventory and discount pricing, can at least give you a starting point if not let you find a great runner for your space.

Bob eventually found a great one online that matched both his personality and style! It was pretty easy for him once he had thought about the issues above and wasn't simply looking "cold." You certainly can too, and remember that there is no rush. Take your time, and there is probably no one perfect choice but plenty of awesome choices you can make.