There are dozens of different ways to add warmth and luxury to the home, and currently adding stair runners is one of the more popular touches. But before you install a new stair runner you need to decide what suits you home and what style you want.
Here’s a look at some of the best styles to have in your home:
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Patterns or Plain?
Naturally, the pattern or colour you pick depends on your taste. But depending on your staircase, there are a couple of useful tips to consider. While longer patterns look great on flat wider surfaces, you don’t get their true style when bent or folded over steps. The majority of large patterned runners can be difficult to line up with the stairs so it looks organic, so if you can find something you like that offer less detail or a plain one in a colour that matches the room, tends to work far better for stair runners.
If you have a narrow staircase, smaller patterns can work well to make the space seem wider. The smaller patterns work well to highlight the tread and riser of a staircase, and if you want to add some life to your hallway, a small geometric or paisley patterns will work perfectly.
Stair Treads
An alternative option to a runner is to install stair treads. This is a type of stair carpeting that only covers the stair tread (the part you step onto) rather than running up the riser. This works well on wooden staircases to highlight the wood effect. If you’re looking for a minimalistic or modern finish, stairs are an excellent choice for the space.
Decorative Stair Rods
Traditionally stair rods were used to hold the runner in place on wooden stairs. They would be placed on each step where the tread meets the riser, but now they’re used just to show vintage finish. Because of the hidden pads and tracks used in modern runners the need for the rods isn’t necessary unless you like the look of them and their vintage finish.
Underpads
Runners aren’t just installed for their aesthetic, in many homes with creaky stairs adding pads to each step under the runner helps to muffle the noise and also adds comfort. It’s best not to buy ones which are too thick, as it can both ruin the effect of the runner and also make the steps too high.
Something around a quarter inch in thickness is ideal for most homes. There are different padded and rubber options to consider when buying underpads, depending on what you want it for. Just remember that the underpads need to be narrower than the runner, this will ensure that the runner can sit tightly against each stair, and so the underpad is never visible too.
Styles:
Floral – if you’re looking for something quirky, floral styles work perfectly with hallways and homes with plain flooring or carpets. Simply match a floral design to the room to have a staircase that adds a lot of character to the home.
Vertical stripes – what your stairs to look longer and never-ending? It’s a style that works really well in narrow hallways and townhouses. Find some sophisticated stripes in natural colours to add longevity to any room.
Polka Dot – The ideal choice for making a vintage statement. Dusky greens, pinks and yellows are a popular trend in the world of runners and home decor.
Author Bio: Amelia Morgan is a recent graduate of interior design with a passion for vintage styles around the home. After studying in Birmingham, Amelia now lives in Manchester and wants to pursue a career in the designer furniture industry. She enjoys reading and writing about the latest trends and loves to find a retro pieces of furniture to refurbish in her spare time.