Sorry but to me carpet treads look cheap and not at all contemporay . You would be much better of with a nice contemporary runner and that carpet looks like it needs replacing too .

I totally agree with @Patricia Colwell Consulting. "Carpet treads" are hokey. Just apply a runner.

Thanks, I guess, for your opinions on carpet treads vs. runners but I really need advice on the reveal and what to do about those two shorter treads at the top. Maybe my post was too long to be read.

I have to agree a runner would look better, but it is up to you how much to have on each side.

I found one picture on Houzz with the tread completely covered and this one with a wide reveal on the sides.

Contemporary Staircase · More Info

Since your stairs are different widths, it might be better to do them wall to wall. Otherwise I think you have the right reveal.

Use a runner. And it is WHAT IT IS........wider reveal on one side. "Treads" are anything but contemporary. A bit old lady actually..........: ) and might mention that to DH.

Also makes risers a continual upkeep and paint project.

Diana Bier Interiors, LLC, thanks for your feedback. I'm honestly not looking for any particular answer about treads vs. runners. Searching Houzz more thoroughly was useful for info about the placement on my stairs and Jan's photo is helpful.

Here's a photo of the carpet we're considering. The hall carpeting at the top will stay - I don't like it but it's not negotiable with DH. It is what it is.

It makes me wonder what the non negotiable issue is?

He simply wants the treads protected? Then select a PLAIN carpet . Something that will literally disappear.

I say that, because when you break up that stripe with all that white riser? I don't believe DH will be nearly as thrilled as he thinks he will be.

It's going to look busy and disjointed, highlight the white riser versus the wood.

You can tell him I said it with a guarantee. - right after you remind him, that you live there too.

The good, bad, and whatever...............At the very least, go edge to edge.

Wow, that last photo just says it all.

I’m not wedded to the stripes and I’d certainly look at a runner. I have to say this staircase has been the bane of my existence for the better part of the year. It was covered with the same NEW wall to wall carpeting that’s at the top of the stairs when we remodeled. I sent an earlier post on this staircase to Houzz and was strongly advised to rip out the stair carpet, which we did. The issue with DH is money - he doesn’t want to throw any more down the drain.

I have also looked this plain beige.

I actually like the striped carpet you chose, but would NEVER use it just on the treads.

How much of a difference is it to do an entire runner versus just the treads? I just installed a runner with edge banding and the cost was about $1,200 with labor. And this is in a VERY high cost-of-living area (the Hamptons in NY). That seems like a very poor reason to do something that isn't going to look very good. And then you live with the mistake for years to come. Additionally if you go with the light plain carpet, it could get very dirty very quickly. Either way you could be throwing more money down the drain. Penny wise and pound foolish as they say.

I've had issues like this with my husband through the years. It's not fun. If it were me, I'd put this project on hold until I had the funds to do it right.

"Is there a standard reveal for carpet treads or is that a personal taste thing?"

It's a code requirement thing.

"I've had issues like this with my husband through the years. It's not fun. If it were me, I'd put this project on hold until I had the funds to do it right."

You're using the wrong metric. Decorating decisions must always be measured by the can-he-tell-his-friends gauge. If he were on a charter boat with his buddies and said "Boys, my wife put the wrong carpet on the stairs." they'd throw him overboard, laughing, just after they pulled his man card.

Joe, the code seems to apply to building the stairs, not the carpet installation.

Dana, it’s the hall carpet at the top of the stairs that DH will not rip out and replace. That carpet (new) originally covered the stairs and still covers the 2nd floor hall and master bedroom. We took it off the stairs to give them a more contemporary look. No, it’s not a good transition but that carpet on the second floor isn’t going anywhere. I’m not gonna go there. I can do whatever I want on the stairs though.

If you just do the carpet treads (another vote for a runner!) what about just using a black carpet so that it "disappears" visually? I would not use a beige carpet on the steps after just ripping off beige carpet and painting the treads and risers black and white.

Joe, I have no idea what you're talking about.

Ruth, I think you misunderstood me. I understand that your DH doesn't want to replace the upstairs carpet, and I get that. I was addressing the comment that he doesn't want to spend money on a runner, rather only on the treads. And I don't think you'll save much in that case.

Anna, you have a very good solution to use a plain black tread covering.

I'm going to bow out now.

Sorry for the confusion. The only thing my husband cares about on the stairs is to have something to cushion his feet. He’s never said anything about cost for doing a stair runner or treads.

I’m open to black treads - or do you think a black runner would look better?

Just to be clear, there is zero issue for either me or my husband on doing a runner vs. treads.

IF there's some kind of code like joe says, your carpet installer would presumably be able to answer that for you. otherwise, I think your taped off area looks good. IDK, but there might also be standard widths for carpet runners, which could dictate your choice (just a guess, ask the carpet store).

as for opinions on what color, I think a solid like the plain beige you posted will look way better than the stripes. or if you did want a pattern, I'd recommend something more subtle and lower contrast. (the black sample you posted is pretty, but note that hair, lint and stuff is way more visible on dark colors. you'll wind up needing to vacuum more.)

by the way, I really like the brick wall next to the stairs. very cool detail!

oh one other thing: if you're still unsure of the width: get a couple of sheets or matching towels, fold them to the width you're considering, and lay them down the stairs as a mockup. stand back and consider it from all angles. it'll help give you a slightly better idea. (obviously don't leave them there, that would be hazardous.)

Well I AM lost. ....................I ??? What exactly is " money down the drain? A not great look with treads and those treads down a drain, and then a do over to a more normal

and reasonable runner?? I would say so.

It needs to be a full runner. Cover the white riser and the treads with whatever selection you make. You are wasting money on custom work that could be made SIMPLER. All four of your edges, each step, need a hand bind. *&&^^%%&***^^%%!!!! To get what?

Why are we confused?? ( me at least )

"We're going for a contemporary look but my husband insists on carpet treads so we're are................"

Good lord, pleas just do a runner. Not eeny weeny little pieces..........a runne

I like the striped runner.

It was covered with the same NEW wall to wall carpeting that’s at the top of the stairs when we remodeled. I sent an earlier post on this staircase to Houzz and was strongly advised to rip out the stair carpet, which we did. The issue with DH is money - he doesn’t want to throw any more down the drain.

Well, when you give the background, I can see why your husband is adamant about keeping the upstairs carpet. Why did you remove it from the stairs if you had just put it in?

Well, you indicated that your husband wanted treads. Since a runner is possible, install the striped runner, it’s a very sharp look, use the guidelines already covered above and you’re done!

Clarity in writing means everything.

I am SO sorry for the confusion. Instead of saying DH insists on treads I should have said he insists on something to cushion his feet. The money down the drain thing is a separate issue. I was trying to clear that up but obviously FAILED. I’m sorry to have done this when you’re all being so helpful.

I will do a runner!! Thank you for the votes on stripes vs. soft and subtle. The stairs are part of an “open plan” so they are very visible. Here are some wide view, and yes that’s DH.

LOL. He needs a coffee table , couple drinks tables, and a few lamps more than the runner : ) : )!!

Another vote for the striped runner--it's going to look awesome!

Make sure you post photos when you're done!

Another reason for a runner: you will quickly have black marks all over each nicely painted white step riser from where shoes hit it. We typically take our shoes off when traveling upstairs but with just a few times of a guest or quick trip up, there are black shoe marks. Carpeting the stair tread only is not a nice look especially with all your beautiful updates.

I love that staircase! beautiful.

I hate to be a naysayer, but seeing the area zoomed out, I still think the stripes are wrong for that space. way too busy. more importantly, I think your slim stair railings would get lost among stripes.

you seem to like to like color. what about something a little bold -- like one of the colors from your placemats?

(and I still stand by what I said before, don't pick anything too dark or it will show every crumb and bits that you would track in from your kitchen. trust me. I used to have dark brown berber and had to vacuum next to the kitchen almost every day.)

if you want more interest, find a weave style that has an interesting texture (all one color so it's not too busy), but make sure the pattern is small and the pile is flat since this is covering a very narrow space.

or if you must have multicolor, go for monochromatic and low contrast, like space dye (with the lines running horizontally):

You could do a runner with an edge banding. Here's one I did using a faux sisal and a black cotton twill binding:

Rugs · More Info

Rugs · More Info

Thank you, ILoveMod for these thoughtful and creative ideas 😃 ! Super helpful! Thanks to everyone for your comments and support. It took 2+ years to gut and remodel this frigging townhouse that we’ve lived in less than a year. The staircase is the most hair pulling thing of all. I’ll post before and after pictures when done. Oh and Jan, you forgot to mention window coverings and pictures on the walls. Among the many loose end yet to tie up 😉

Diana, that’s a gorgeous runner. There are a few carpet stores here in Honolulu that can probably do something like that. We don’t have a nosing on our treads though.

Lack of a stair nosing changes nothing. At some point, all design can morph to over think. To paralysis. We don't go to our graves with anything. Not money, not furniture, not a trinket or doo dad. Not a stair runner either.

Get it done. The only irreversible outcome? Yeah..............................above. So get a coffee table , too, Before the irreversible. : )

Jan always has a great philosophical view on design!!!

lol...........on everything....as friends and foe alike say? "Just ask her "...hahahahahahahahha

"Tell us what your REALLY think, Jan" ..........mmmmmmm okie dokie!

LOL, it will all get done. Not worried bout paralysis.

Hello, I know this is an old post but looking to do something similar with a runner (not just treads) and was curious what you decided - mainly how much tread you left exposed but also if you went bold or just 'blended in' with the dark stairs. Would love to see a finished photo if possible. Thanks!