Choosing a Stair Runner: The Ultimate Guide

A stair runner—a strip of carpet down the middle of the stairs with wood showing on either side—is a hallmark of a stylish home. It says 'classic yet modern'.

The Gap: How much wood should you show? Standard advice is 5cm-10cm (2-4 inches) on either side. Too wide and the runner looks skinny; too narrow and it looks like a mistake.

The Paint: You must paint the stairs before the carpet is fitted. Use a high-quality floor paint or satinwood for the treads as they will get dusty.

Binding: The edges of the carpet need to be finished. Options include: 'Whipped' (stitched yarn, cheapest), 'Taped' (cotton or linen fabric border, premium look), or 'Turned and Tucked' (invisible edge).

Stair Rods: Putting metal rods at the back of the step is purely decorative (the grippers hold the carpet), but they add wonderful 'jewelry' to the staircase. Brass, black, and chrome are popular finishes.

Fitting: Runners can be fitted on straight stairs easily. On winders (turns), it gets tricky and expensive, as the runner has to be carefully angled and joined.