There’s something undeniably charming about a beautifully styled staircase. I have a few projects in the works right now where we’re planning to install stair runners, and let me tell you, I love the warmth, comfort, and character they bring to a space.

Not only do they soften a high-traffic area and make stairs safer underfoot, but they also present a great opportunity to add texture, pattern, or subtle elegance to a home. Here are a few stair runner looks that I find inspiring:

These are just a few of my favorites but there are so many great examples.

Some things to consider when planning for a stair runner:

1. You’ll need accurate measurements of your stairs.  Measure the tread depth and width and the height of the riser. 

2. To determine the total length of your runner, you’ll add the tread and riser measurements together and multiply this by the number of total stairs.   If you have a landing, turns or curves be sure to add extra length. 

3. Next you’ll want to determine the width of your runner.  Typically, you’ll want to leave about 2-4 inches of exposed tread on either side (called the “reveal”).  If you have a larger than normal staircase, you’ll want to choose a wider runner so it looks proportionate.

4. Finally, you’ll want to consider the style and material of your runner.  Durability is important here!  Also slip resistance! Be sure to include padding under the runner as this will really help with comfort, durability and noise reduction.  It is an added expense you may be tempted to cut out or but it is well worth the investment in the long run. 

I’ve started gathering samples for my projects.  For my projects we really need to consider durability. Think kids, dogs and lots of foot traffic. We also want something that feels soft and comfortable. Here are a few samples under consideration from Ernesta:

I need to gather a few more options.  Which ones are your favorite?  Do you have a runner on your stairs?  Let me know below!