Take a look at your current staircase….I’ll wait. Are your current stairs covered in a worn out, dirt filled carpet that was once totally different color? Maybe you just moved into a new home and you’re living with builder basic fuzz they call carpet. Regardless of the situation you are in, updating your stair runner is a great way to refresh a functional feature in your home….with style!
When it comes to stair runners you can do one of two things. You can order a premade runner and have it installed. Or, you can order broadloom carpet and your installer will have this carpet cut, fabricated, and installed. Today we are talking the latter, these are considered custom stair runners.
Why install a stair runner?
Stair runners are not only a way to add to some fun color and texture to your staircase but they are practical. I once had a client who’s husband fell down a flight of stairs in their new home and they decided it was time to install a stair runner. Carpet, especially textured carpet provide grip underfoot as you walk up and down the steps. The stairs are typically the highest traffic area in a home. Growing up our rooms were on the second floor and we abused our staircase. A low-pile patterned carpet is the best solution as it will withstand all of the daily foot traffic your stairs will endure.
Style it!
Nowadays, it is common to install a bold color or pattern down the staircase. The stairs are a great place to add an exciting animal print or geometric shape in your space. Stairs are usually in the front of a home, making a beautiful runner an excellent first impression for your guests. Finding a style you love will add personality and interest to your home. As they say “you never get a second chance to make a first impression”.
Edgy
The whole idea is to create elements in your home that feel special and custom to you. One very simple way to make your stair runner feel custom is to specify the edging on the carpet. There are several ways to finish a runner. Some runners span wall to wall and cover the entire step, in this instance you will not specify any type of edging. Other runners are centered and you’ll allow a few inches of exposed wood to show and in this situation you will need to finish the edges of the carpet. I personally love a serged edge or a wide binding. I have included photos below for reference.
Small investment, large results
Updating your stair runner is one of my favorite ways to refresh your home because it is a small way to make a huge impact! Carpet is one of the most inexpensive flooring options on the market, good quality carpet can start around $1.50/sf. The low cost of carpet is great considering the fact that most stair cases are under 250sf so you will not need much material to cover your project.
To sum it all up.
Whether you take the leap and install an exotic pattern or opt for a classic plaid look, I encourage you to get rid of that tired carpet on your staircase. I assure you this is one update that will feel painless yet empowering. Step it up and go for it! Okay, that is my last bad stair runner pun.