Stair Runner Ideas

Rags

• Rag runners give your stairwell a homey, bright, and colorful look. Pieces of old fabric, such as old clothing, blankets, and rugs, are cut into strips and braided together into an intricate pattern. The pattern for a rag runner can be consistent over the entire runner, or it can be woven into separate rectangles that sit on each stair. Darker colored fabric is better for rag runners because they will not show dirt or use as much.

Stripes

• Striped stair runners give your stairwell an eye-catching look that will make it stand out visually. Stripes on the runner will almost appear to be flowing down the stairs, making the steps look longer. Stripes can repeat all the way across the width of the stair runner, or they can just be located in the center of the stair runner as well. Stripes are sometimes in a bright contrasting color from the background color of the stair runner, or they are a slight contrasting color that isn’t quite as bold.

Pattern

• There are a variety of types of patterns for stair runners. They can be diverse, just like any other rug, to match the décor and theme of your home. Diamonds are a popular theme among stair runners. Diagonal lines in the runners intersect to form the diamond pattern in the carpet. Another popular pattern is paisley, which is a more ornate type of look. Paisley patterns are usually found on dark, rich colored fabrics, and the paisley is printed in gold or brown, or another contrasting color. Oriental patterns, much like oriental rugs, are another common pattern for stair runners. This pattern is also more suited for a home with a more traditional décor. The rich palette of the Oriental rug will give a rich, grand look to your staircase.

Paint

• If you are looking for a different, more original type of stair runner, simply create your own using nothing but paint. Give the illusion of a stair runner by painting a stair runner down the center of a set of stairs. Another take on a painted stair runner is to leave the center of the stairs exposed, and painting the sides of the stairs to make an exposed stair runner.