“Jewelry is like the perfect spice – it always complements what’s already there.” – Diane Von Furstenberg

A stair runner can be the finishing touch to your house, much like a necklace or pair of earrings can complete an outfit. It’s a relatively small space, so it’s a great opportunity to select a bold carpet that has a fun pattern or texture to really make a statement without being overwhelming. This is a great opportunity to make your house unique. It’s the perfect spot to incorporate color and detail. A stair runner can be a fabulous piece of artwork for friends and family to admire! Another chance to enhance a runner – the edge detail. You can choose from nylon binding, cotton surging, cotton tape, nail heads – all to blend or contrast! Use a bold color to make a pop with a neutral texture or pick the bright color from the geometric pattern to really make it sing! Properly installed nail heads over a cotton tape can make your staircase look like it’s straight out of a high-end magazine. For a super traditional impact, add metal rods, which are available in several finishes and detailed finials.

Now that we have discussed the pretty, let’s talk function and durability. Yes, a stair runner is pretty, but first and foremost it adds safety! Finished wood stair treads are beautiful, but they are also smooth, which can lead to slips and falls. We speak from personal experience! A stair runner is a great way to add traction and slip resistance for the whole family – even the pets! And if someone does still happen to slip, a padded stair runner makes the fall a bit more carpet material you select. The wrong fiber can make for a big mistake! Natural fibers such as seagrass and sisal are beautiful, but do not wear well on stairs, because this is typically a hightraffic area. Wool, nylon and polypropylene are all much better options. And, for your cleaning day sanity, we like a medium tone. Too dark or too light will show lint and dirt and make you crazy! Added bonus – stair runners reduce the noise of foot traffic on stairs! Stomp away, kiddos! Okay, actually we may be rethinking that one.

These last two details are also very important, perhaps the most important. First of all, make sure you use a professional installer. You’ve devoted time and money to picking the perfect material and an incorrect installation can lead to material not wearing well, which would decrease the longevity of the runner. A professional installation is well worth the money, especially on pie shaped or curved stairs. The amount of exposed wood left on each side is also important. A typical set of stairs is three to four feet wide and we generally recommend three to four inches exposed on each side. A wider set of stairs might need more coverage–consult a designer for an expert opinion about your specific runner needs.

Enjoy your fabulous new piece of jewelry for your home!