13 January 2023

Complete guide to choosing a stair runner

For most of us our stair case is the centre of our home; connecting each aspect of our home life. With patterned and texture carpets making a come back, ‘statement stairs’ have become an increasingly popular choice, when making home improvement’s. Whether you are wanting something a little different or can’t decide whether to have a full carpet or not; a stair runner is a great way to incorporate both.

Lets start at the very beginning….

What is a stair runner?

Unlike a fully fitted carpet (the full area of your stairs) a stair runner is a strip of carpet that runs down the centre of the stairs, exposing the edge of the steps. You can chose to have your runner on your stairs exclusively or you can also choose to include the landing too.

Why choose a stair runner?

Apart from the aesthetic advantages, a stair runner can also provide additional safety.

A hard wood  floor can become slippery when wet and on a stair case it can pose an additional risk of falling. If you already have a hard wood stair case that you love and have small children or elderly relatives; a stair runner can provide extra grip and cushioning on your stairs.

When it comes to making a statement of your stairs, a stair runner is the ultimate compliment. Although there are carpets that are specifically manufactured as a runner, you can also chose to go bespoke. Choose from any carpet you like, choose the width and choose the edging…

When your carpet is cut for installation, it is essential that the carpet is prevented from fraying. There are three options available:

Hemmed Stair runner

The carpet edge is folded over and then glued down.

Whipped Stair runner

The carpet is over-stitched on the edge using a special machine and yarn. The over-stitch is roughly 1cm in width. You can choose to have a matching colour or contrast. The over all effect can be minimal or bold depending on which colour you choose.

Binded Stair runner

Currently one of the most popular options; this is when a strip of material is wrapped around the edge and stitched on. You can chose from a range of different materials,  (including cotton, linen, leather and mixed blends) colours and patterns.

One of a kind

The standard width of a stair runner is typically 69cm. However, if you wish to go bespoke you can chose whichever width you want! Admittedly the bespoke option can come at a price. It is important to note that most carpets are made in either 4 or 5 metre widths. This can sometimes mean that choosing a runner can be wasteful and less cost effective.

Things to consider

When it comes to cleaning your stairs, a stair runner can be a magnet for dust. Vacuuming our stairs is already an awkward chore. Because a stair runner doesn’t cover the whole of the stairs, you may find you need to both wipe and vacuum your staircase to keep it looking fresh. The stairs and landing are known as a high traffic area; an area that receives a lot of footfall. It’s important to consider this when choosing your runner. You don’t want to invest in a gorgeous bespoke runner to find it has flattened and looks tired within months.

As general rule of thumb, the longer the length of the carpet fibres the faster it will flatten. The same applies in relation to density. To ensure your runner looks new for as long as possible, we recommended choosing a either loop pile, or short cut pile carpet. If you are looking for something a little bit different, you could consider going for a sisal or flatweave runner. These types of carpet have a wide variety of textures, patterns and colours and are incredibly durable. This option isn’t the most soft under foot but will stand the test of time.

If you would like to have something a little more luxurious, you may want to consider a nylon carpet. Nylon fibres have a better memory than most man made carpets and it will therefore keep it’s appearance for longer. This carpet tends to be incredibly soft and shady. So if you don’t like to see where you have walked or vacuumed, this is probably not the best option for you.

Colour and design

If you have an incredibly busy house hold, it may best staying away from lighter coloured carpets. If you don’t want to go darker either, you could consider going for a flecked carpet (two different coloured yarns), texture or patterned. This will help to disguise every day wear and tear.

Whether you wish to have a natural looking stair case or want something a little more dramatic, you will need to paint or treat your stair case before installation. It’s always best to check the width of your stair runner with your fitter, to ensure a perfect finish.

Installation

How your stair runner is installed depends of which type of carpet you choose. A standard stair runner is installed similarly to that of a room carpet (gripper, underlay), however, some options may need to be glued down. It can be important to know how your stair runner has been installed, in case for any reason in the future you need to uplift it.

Historically stair runners have been a popular feature in homes for hundred of years. And it’s easy to see why. Classical, timeless, contemporary and unique; stair runners can be the ultimate compliment to your home.