Stair Runner Styles and Accessories

Stair runners are a stylish and practical way to transform your staircase, adding texture, colour, and character. We have everything you need to know about stair runners – from choosing the right style to measuring up, installation tips, the best accessories, and answers to your most commonly asked questions.

Choosing The Right Carpet Runner for Your Stairs

When it comes to making a statement in your hallway, stair runners are the perfect addition. Beyond style, stair runners offer practical benefits too — adding grip, protecting your staircase, and softening the sound of footsteps. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one for your home? Here's some things to consider:

Size: Measure your staircase carefully, taking into account both the tread and riser dimensions. A typical runner leaves a 10–15cm border on each side to reveal the wood underneath, but this can vary depending on the look you’re after. Most stairs will fit a standard carpet runner, but there are narrow runners available for slimmer staircases.

Texture: The texture of your stair runner is an important feature. Consider how much traffic your staircase gets. Loop pile or low-pile textures are durable and great for busy households, while plush pile offers a softer, more luxurious feel underfoot for lower-traffic spaces.

Colour: Choose a colour or design that suits your interior decor vision. Light tones open up the space, while darker shades hide wear and dirt. Patterns can also disguise daily scuffs and bring personality to your staircase.

Shape: Straight staircases are the easiest to fit runners on, but curved or winding stairs can look stunning with a bespoke runner — just be sure to consult a professional fitter for these more complicated layouts.

Material: Wool runners are a timeless, hardwearing choice with natural stain resistance. For a budget-friendly option, synthetic fibres like polypropylene offer great durability and are easy to clean.

What Are the Different Types of Stair Runners?

Stair runners come in a variety of styles to suit different needs, stair shapes, and interior tastes. Whether you're aiming for practicality, luxurious style, or a mix of both, understanding the different types will help you make the right choice for your home.

Standard Runners: Ideal for most homes, standard runners are usually fitted over wooden or laminate/LVT stairs. We recommend loop pile or short cut pile, as they’re both durable and maintain their look even with heavy foot traffic. These are available in a wide range of colours and patterns to suit every interior.

Narrow Runners: Narrow runners are designed for slimmer staircases, adding character without overwhelming the smaller space.

Textured Runners: Sisal, flatweave, or jute runners bring natural texture and rustic charm. However, they are often not as durable as other materials like wool.

Washable Runners: Perfect for busy family homes, machine-washable runners are low-maintenance and ideal for stairs that see muddy paws and little feet.

How To Measure a Carpet Runner For Your Stairs

Accurate measurements are crucial when ordering and installing your stair runner to ensure a perfect fit. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Decide on the Starting Point: Determine where you want the runner to begin. Some prefer it starting from the very top step, while others opt to leave a bit of exposed wood at the top.
Measure the Width: Measure the full width of your staircase. Typically, a runner leaves 10–15 cm of exposed wood on each side, but this can be adjusted based on personal preference.
Measure the Length: For straight staircases, measure the depth (tread) and height (riser) of one step, add them together, and multiply by the total number of steps. For landings or winding stairs, measure each section individually and sum the lengths.
Consider Overlaps: If you desire the runner to extend onto landings or hallways, include these areas in your measurements.
Double-Check Measurements: Always re-measure to ensure accuracy before making any purchases.

Accurate measurements ensure your stair runner fits seamlessly, so it looks its best and is safely installed.

How Do You Fit a Stair Runner?

Fitting a stair runner is a beginner friendly DIY project if you have the right tools and a bit of patience. Here’s a quick overview of the installation process:

Clean and prep the staircase, ensuring surfaces are smooth and dry.
Position gripper rods at the top of each tread and base of each riser (cut 10cm shorter than runner width).
Cut and fix underlay between the gripper rods on each step.
Align the runner centrally at the base of the stairs.
Secure into place using a bolster chisel and carpet tacks or heavy-duty stapler.
Work your way up the stairs, keeping tension in the runner and checking alignment on each step.
Trim any excess carpet at the top before fixing it in place.

Always follow manufacturer advice or consult a professional for intricate or curving staircases.

How Do You Maintain a Stair Carpet Runner?

Keeping your stair runner looking its best is all about regular, simple care. Start with frequent vacuuming using a lightweight vacuum – this helps lift dust and dirt before it settles deep into the fibres. A stiff-bristled brush is great for gently removing pet hair and debris. If you have a spill, act fast: blot the area with a cloth and use a diluted carpet shampoo to clean, avoiding any harsh scrubbing, especially on wool. Rinse with clean water and dry with a towel. For more stubborn stains, try using baking soda. For a deeper refresh, occasional steam cleaning works wonders.

Choosing the Right Accessories for Your Stair Runner

The right accessories can completely transform your stair runner, adding the perfect finishing touch. Here’s how each of our most-loved accessories elevate your staircase:

Stair Rods: These decorative rods sit across the base of each step, securing your runner while adding an elegant, traditional finish. Available in a wide range of finishes, they’re a timeless choice that adds instant character.

Stair Clips: A charming alternative to rods, stair clips are fitted at the outer edges of each step. They’re smaller and more delicate in appearance, making them ideal for vintage-inspired or period homes.

Carpet Press Studs: Perfect for tidying loose corners or holding down edges, press studs are small, stylish, and practical – giving your runner a clean, tailored look.

Easy Binding: A beautiful way to edge your runner or rugs without the need for stitching. Easy Binding gives a professional, piped finish that’s easy to apply at home.

Stair Nosing: Designed to protect the edge of each stair tread, stair nosing adds a clean, defined edge – ideal for modern, high-traffic homes.

Get Inspired to Makeover Your Staircase

It’s time to give your stairs a stylish refresh. Discover our favourite design ideas, colour combinations, and accessory pairings to suit every interior style – from classic charm to bold, modern looks.

Modern Runners

For a sleek and stylish finish, a contemporary runner is the perfect choice. Think clean lines and neutral colours. Pair with metallic stair rods in black or chrome for a sophisticated result, or keep it pared down with minimalist stair clips. This style works beautifully in modern homes where simplicity and sophistication shine — let your staircase become a calm, elegant focal point.

Colourful Runners

A colourful stair runner is a brilliant way to express your personality through your decor. Go bold with vivid patterns and contrasting hues for a maximalist statement, or opt for soft pastel colours to create a calm, elegant look. You can incorporate Easy Binding for that extra designer detail, or pair with sleek stair rods for the perfect finishing touch to celebrate colour in your space.

Oriental Runners

Rich in detail and steeped in history, oriental style runners such as Persian and Afghan inspired designs bring a classic grandeur to any staircase. Their intricate patterns and deep, luxurious tones are perfect for creating a bold, elegant hallway. Pair with black or brass stair rods for a beautiful finish, or add carpet press studs as a subtle finishing touch. This is a timeless look that brings traditional and refined character to your home.

Vintage Inspired Runners

Perfect for Victorian or Georgian home renovations, a vintage-inspired stair runner brings timeless charm and character to period properties. Think rich patterns, heritage colours, and woven textures that echo historic interiors. Complement your runner with wooden or brass stair rods, or choose antique brass stair clips for a classic finish. It’s a beautiful way to honour traditional style while adding warmth and elegance to your hallway.

Patterned Runners

Patterned stair runners are a wonderful way to add personality and depth to your staircase. Whether it’s a bold floral pattern, classic tartan, or a chic striped design, patterns can enhance your space with character and depth. Keep accessories simple – think chrome or brass stair rods or a neutral Easy Binding to frame the look.

Boho Style Runners

Bring warmth and texture to your staircase with a boho-inspired stair runner. Natural fibres like jute, hessian, and sisal are perfect for creating a relaxed, earthy feel. Pair your runner with brass stair rods or matte black stair clips for an eclectic finishing touch. Style with woven wall hangings, neutral tones, and leafy houseplants to complete the look – ideal for laid-back, characterful homes with a love of relaxed charm.

Animal Print Runners

Bold, playful, and forever on-trend, an animal print runner is a striking choice that instantly elevates your staircase. A leopard print runner, for example, adds chic glamour — perfect for modern interiors or eclectic, maximalist schemes. Style it with neutral tones for bold sophistication, or lean into the drama with bright colours and fearless pattern mixing. Pair with sleek black stair rods or carpet press studs to keep the focus on the print, and let your stairs make a style statement that’s anything but ordinary.

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Stair Runner Styles and Accessories