Rugs are among the easiest ways to instantly cozy and warm up a space besides adding style and sometimes color and print to it. We speak a lot about faux fur rugs, knit and crochet ones, jute rugs and ways to layer these ones and many others but we never mention stair runners. A stair runner is a long rug that covers the steps completely or partly and serves many purposes. While you are hesitating, let me convince you that you need one.
What Are Stair Runner Advantages?
Safety
The main point here is safety that runners bring to the slippery wooden staircases. Every family member will profit from it some day! If you have small kids, a runner will save their knees. If you have a dog, they need softer surfaces to walk on to save their joints, and a stair runner will help them with that.
Noise Reduction
A runner guarantees that all the steps will be less heard if you walk on it, whatever shoes you have on and whatever claws your pet has.
Durability
A runner lets your staircase get worn less quickly, which is essential if you have natural wood, and especially if it’s an expensive type of wood. You can change the runner from time to time and make your staircase’s life span longer.
Style
A runner is a cool way to add interest, color and print to the space, highlight its style and tie up all the design elements into a cohesive space.
This boho runner is made of black and tan jute, with a boho print to add style to the staircase.
This black and tan geometric print runner is a very cool way to add print and interest to the space, it echoes with the black frames.
This black and white boho print runner accents the stairs and adds interest to it.
This black and white cheetah stairs runner is a bold accent for a neutral space, it adds color and print.
The staircase is done with a black and white textural runner that adds interest to the space.
The blue and white striped runner adds interest to the space and makes it more elegant and traditional.
The blue fish print runner is a perfect solution for a coastal or seaside home.
The bold blue runner is extended on the floor in front of the staircase, the artworks echo with the runner.
The jute black and tan boho print runner accents the staircase and makes it cooler and catchier.
The bright blue runner is extended on the floor of the entryway and it creates an unusual look.
What Are Stair Runner Disadvantages?
Price
If you have a long staircase, if you’ve chose an expensive runner, together with installation it may cost some money, and for a more budget-friendly version you can go for paint.
Cleaning
Cleaning your staircase will be much more difficult with a runner attached to it.
The brown deer print runner is a cool glam accent for the staircase, it adds print and soft color and brings a touch of whimsy as it's deer print.
The cheetah print runner is a fun and cool idea for a whimsical space, it brings interest to the stairs.
This cheetah print runner is a cool accent for the staircase, it looks very catchy and bright.
This cheetah runner is a super cool idea for a staircase, and clear banister adds to the look.
This pretty cheetah runner is accented with a black edge and it looks lovely adding interest to the staircase zone.
This colorful floral runner echoes with a glam gallery wall and add both color and print to the space.
This colorful print runner is a catchy idea and bright beads attached to the banister echo with it very well.
The bold fish print rug is a catchy addition to the bold turquoise space, it brings both a matching color and a print.
The colorful striped runner adds color and print to the space and makes it more eye-catching.
This dark floral runner makes the space more eye-catching as it stands out in the all-neutral backdrop.
How To Choose A Stair Runner?
Consider the style and colors of your space and try to match both or match the style but add a touch of color, if the space seems too neutral and plain to you. You may also add some print to the space with a runner, and I’d recommend to tie it to the space or add matching details after, for example, hang matching graphic artwork on the walls or attach colorful beads that repeat the rug colors to the banister. Find out what fabric is the best: it should be non-slippery, soft and comfortable and match the style again, sisal and jute will be great for a coastal home, while soft plushy rugs are perfect for modern and glam spaces.
This geo print runner is a cool ways to add interest to the all-neutral space, and a photo in the end adds a cool touch.
This green Persian runner is a lovely idea for a space, it adds color, a boho feel and interest to the all-neutral space.
This grey and white plush runner adds even more elegance and chic to the space making it more welcoming.
This grey and white striped runner is a lovely addition to the space, it brings a textural touch and a bit of restraint color to the stairs.
This dove grey and white striped runner is a cool match for a classic interior, it matches the cohesive style of the space.
This taupe plaid runner is a perfect addition to an elegant farmhouse home, and it beautifully contrasts the neutral stairs.
This light grey runner accents the dark space and adds a bright touch to the staircase.
This jute runner is a textural addition to the stairs and it adds both a neutral shade and a bit of texture to the room.
The leopard print echoes with the printed curtains and together with the gallery wall they fill in the blank and neutral space.
This lilac runner with neon pink edges adds to the space and the posters on the wall echo with it very well.
How To Install A Stair Runner?
To install a stair runner, you will need a staple gun and staples, some carpet padding if the runners are thin, and measuring tape and a utility knife. Use the measuring tape to measure the runner and then the knife to cut off the excessive carpet. The staple gun will help you to attach the runner to the stairs, staple under the steps and on the edge. The staples won’t be seen, so don’t bother with hiding anything. Get inspired!
The navy staircase is done with a navy rug and a gold edge, the rug doesn't stand too much from the stairs, and the gold edge adds a shiny touch.
The narrow cheetah runner adds a bit of print to the space, and together with a pink banister and a bright gallery wall brings some fun.
The green staircase is accented with a pink runner, and together with a gold frame they create quite a chic and glam look in the space.
The grey plaid runner and carpet are a cool combo for a traditional space, and this classic print matches the style.
This eye-catchy tan and black printed runner echoes with the zebra rug and they make the space more whimsical.
The indigo blue printed rug is a cool color touch to the space, and with a striped navy and white one highlight the coastal feel of the house.
This small grey and white woven runner is a lovely boho touch to the space, and it adds both color and print to the stairs.
The staircase is highlighted with a tan and black runner that echoes with the black railing and radiator and highlights the style of the space.
The tan and black striped runner is a cool and catchy addition to the stairs, and the black edges echoes with the black railing.
The tan and black runner is a perfect match for the light-stained staircase, black edge echoes with the black banister.
This tan and hot pink rug is a great match for the grey staircase and the hot pink touch brings color and interest to the space.
The tan runner adds a cozy feel to the all-white space, and brings texture together with the wooden bench and a plant in a pot.
The neutral textural runner is a lovely addition to the stairs, and it brings coziness to the neutral space.
The textured grey runner adds to the bold yellow staircase and calms it down.
Thin black and white stripes add a bit of geometry to the neutral walls, and graphic artwork echo with it in a cool way.
Thin stripes are classics and here they highlight the classic look of the space very well.
The bold navy and yellow runner adds a beach feel to the house and the yellow surfing board echoes with it to maximize the effect.
The yellow rug contrasts the navy staircase and walls and together they create a perfect match for the geometric navy, yellow and white floor.
This zebra print runner adds a glam and chic touch to the space and brings a print to the all-neutral staircase and walls around.