Yesterday Robert one of our home repair expert wrote about installing carpet on stairs, today I want to show you another way to decorate your stairs easily with a stair runner.
Stair runners are convenient to hide stairs that are not in prime condition, and they add comfort and security to your steps. Using runners instead of carpet on stairs give you home a warm atmosphere and an air of elegance. It reduces noise and prevents falls.
Just like carpet you have a choice between natural fibers, more specifically wool, and synthetic fibers. Used with or without stair rods the runner becomes the primary decorative element of you stairs.
The particularity of a stair runner is in the proper width selection. For the best visual effect you should have about 4 inches of wood step showing on each side of the runner.
Measure your stairs very carefully, for a straight stairway, measure 1 step + 1 riser and multiply by the number of steps, then add 1 more step for a safety margin. This will give you the right length to cover your entire stairs.
If your stairway curves measure 1 step + 1 riser on the largest step and multiply this result by the number of steps, still adding 1 step for safety margin.
Laying stair runners is easy, a little more difficult in a curving staircase, and you might leave this task to a professional.
The choice of decorative motifs is varied and you will have no difficulties in finding the one that is perfect for you and your decor, whether you choose an animal motif, a very contemporary design or a classic look.
Wool stair runners are classic, they are usually put in place without glue and stair rods hold it in place. Contemporary synthetic runners are usually glued with a neoprene glue and they are secured with small nails.
To maintain your runners in good condition, vacuum them regularly. When spilling of a liquid substance occurs, act quickly to absorb as much as possible. Use a mild spot remover when needed.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m currently looking for a stair runner. The article while very interesting did not mention any place where a stair runner can be purchased. I’m having a lot of trouble finding a place in the GTA where I can purchase a plain colour (burgundy) stair runner.
I am sorry but we do not endorse one company other another one. We have sponsors links in our articles that can lead you to finding what you need, even though we recognize that the sponsors links are not always on target for what you are looking for, as we don’t really have control over the ads that are displayed. We provide articles for information to help people who are looking for knowledge about the topic. However your comment made me realize that this particular post did not have any sponsoring links. My apology and I have remedied this by including some sponsors. Have you considered using individual stair treads as seen on this link. While these may not be exactly what you had in mind they might lead you to additional ideas.
I wish you good luck in finding what you need.
Charlotte