Unleash Stylish Stair Runner Ideas for Your Home
Please note that Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may receive compensation for products linked in this article. Stair runners play a vital role in interior design, not only safeguarding your stairs from daily use but also injecting character and flair into one of the most frequently utilized and visible areas of your home: the staircase. While a conventional wool or jute runner can serve its purpose well, there are countless ways to elevate your staircase and enhance your space. An added benefit is that your staircase presents a unique opportunity to be more daring, allowing you to break free from the constraints of nearby rooms and color schemes and create a design scheme that stands out on its own.
From striking patterns that make a statement to unconventional shapes that captivate the eye, the design possibilities are endless. Designers are increasingly experimenting with textures, colors, and materials to create unique, functional, and stylish stair runners that redefine this focal point. If you’re ready to move on from a basic jute runner, read on for inspiring examples where professionals have transformed ordinary staircases into stunning works of art using bold patterns, rich colors, and intriguing motifs, such as jaguars, to spark your imagination.
Looking for more interior inspiration? Check out these resources:
– 19 Elegant Hallway Paint Colors Recommended by Designers
– 70 Inviting Entryway Ideas to Set the Tone for Your Home
– 20 Decorative Entryway Table Ideas for a Warm Welcome
Embrace a Rainbow of Colors
Why settle for one color when you can have them all in your staircase runner? This cheerful runner incorporates every color of the rainbow for a vibrant transition between floors. Designer Betsy Wentz explains, “In this project, my client shared my love for colorful designs. We aimed to choose a pattern with a plethora of colors to complement the subtly patterned wallpaper in the foyer and staircase.”
Add a Delightful Border
For a fresh twist on the conventional staircase runner, opt for a playful border. This elegant selection from Studio Jantien is available in various colors, each finished with a charming scallop border for a touch of whimsical elegance.
Opt for a Harmonious Color Scheme
When selecting a staircase runner, consider how it harmonizes with the surrounding space and staircase itself. To achieve a cohesive look, think about painting your treads, baluster, and spindles in a color that complements your runner. Designer Millie Turner chose a soft sage green to complement the bolder hues of a Sophie Cooney stair runner.
Complete with a Unique Finish
Most stair runners traditionally end at the final step or where the stairs meet the floor, but you have more creative options. In this instance, the design team at Widell + Boschetti extended their design beyond the staircase, finishing in a fluid, puddle-like form that adds a sculptural and unexpected touch.
Embrace the Unexpected
Instead of treating your staircase as a mere passageway
The winding staircase with its spiraling nature seemed like the perfect canvas for creating a sense of movement. “I felt like having something appear to be crawling up the stairs was just the ticket,” he adds. Rustic White Interiors specializes in stitching together vintage finds to create a unique look for your stairwell. If you’re on the hunt for a relatively inexpensive yet character-rich way to spruce up your staircase, look no further than your local vintage store. Antique runners can often be snagged at a reasonable price point, then layered onto your stairwell to add that extra touch of charm. Take inspiration from the Turkish finds showcased by New England Loom and The Carpet Workroom.
For those looking to make a bold statement in an otherwise understated space, opting for a graphic-patterned stair runner is the way to go. It serves not only as a practical addition but also as a spark of creativity and energy. Designer Susannah Holmberg shares her insight, “When designing this entryway, all the elements felt disparate until we decided to implement this checkered stair runner. By sewing together a few runners to cover the length of the stairs, we achieved a charming mismatch in the size of some of the checkers.”
Consider your stairwell as a blank canvas waiting to be adorned with a rug that doubles as a piece of art. The stunning silk design by Wendy Morrison Design draws inspiration from Japanese culture, blending concentric circles, colorful tropical birds, and blooming magnolias into a one-of-a-kind living installation.
In dressing the stairwell of a Baltimore home, designer Jennifer Hunter found inspiration close at hand. “This runner is actually composed of about five Annie Selke runners pieced together and installed as a stair runner,” she explains. “The client being an artist, it reminded me so much of her abstract work. It was truly a no-brainer, and the client absolutely loves it.” As a delightful bonus, the colorful weave harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding wallpaper, artwork, and trim paint.
After selecting a standout stair runner, it’s time to elevate the scene with a touch of elegance, according to designer Nina Watson. Stair rods make for a classic addition to any runner, not only helping to secure the rug in place but also adding a hint of timeless charm to the overall look.
For more design inspiration, check out these additional articles:
– “15 Home Bar Gifts Every Cocktail Enthusiast Will Appreciate”
– “32 Low Light Indoor Plants That Can Survive in the Darkest Corners of Your Home”
– “These Are the 50 Best Paint Colors for Your Living Room”
