Going Up: Stair Runners

I’m beginning to think about what to do with the main stairs in our new house, which is (still) under construction. I know that, for reasons of safety and aesthetics, I want to do a rug runner from the first floor to the second floor, but I’m unsure on just about everything else – color, material, style, width, etc. Lots to think about. In the meantime, I wanted to share some of the more interesting runner treatments I’ve come across – including one that isn’t a rug at all.

 

Vertical stripes guide your eye up (or, in this case, down). Mitered edging on the landing to turn the corner. Design by LDa Architecture & Interiors, via Houzz.

 

An organic design that looks formal, yet could also work well for a casual beach house. This one gradually widens with the staircase as it comes down, leaving the same amount of exposed dark-stained treads and white-painted risers. The runner comes all the way to the floor, which emphasizes the botanical motif. Via House Beautiful.

 

A casual hooked chevron runner gives this staircase a personality boost, and tells you exactly where to go with its up and down ‘arrows.’ Designed by Newton’s own Liz Caan, via One King’s Lane.

 

You know I am a fan of this one – a lime green medallion-patterned runner! This one goes wall-to-wall, completely covering the stair treads and risers, and ends at the bullnose of the first step for a polished look. Without this contemporary pattern, I think this staircase would appear dull and dated, but with it, it’s fresh and cheerful. Via studio | ten | 25 blog.

 

I’ve seen a lot of painted stair runners online, even some that used typography, wallpaper, etc. – all very creative. I have to say though I find most of them attractive, I have concerns about safety – not because of the surface itself, but the visual aspect. It’s hard to tell, in many cases, where to step, which could be even more challenging with kids and the elderly, or anyone with less-than-perfect vision (or attention!). There are some good examples, though, and they work not only on an aesthetic level but also a functional one. Case in point – the above nautically-inspired stairway, designed by Jonathan Adler (via Pinterest). The differing shades of blue contrast with the white treads, and help move you up the stairs. Which is a good thing because that rope railing isn’t going to break your fall very well!

 

I’m in the very early stages of runner research for my own home, but I’ve seen one that caught my eye on a recent visit to a local rug store…

I like how it is a classic design, but looks contemporary at the same time. And, of course, the Greek key border :). I don’t want to have to replace this thing in 5 years!! The rug is Nourison from the Cosmopolitan Collection (photo via Landry & Arcari).

 

What’s your runner style?