Set Staircases Racing With a Striped Stair Runner
Energize your stairway with a carpet runner decked in stripes to go the distance
Rachel Grace
September 6, 2012
Houzz Contributor
While my current home is a staircaseless bungalow, I dream of one day owning an abode with a grand stairway decked out with a funky striped runner. I like to think of staircases as large-scale pieces of furniture in need of upholstering. And what better place to let my stripe addiction shine than a staircase?
Stair runners are excellent for injecting color and pattern into your interior while also protecting a high-traffic area. There are two installation styles: Hollywood and waterfall. A Hollywood runner hugs every nook and cranny of a staircase, with the carpet affixed to the tread, around the nose, and to the riser. A waterfall runner falls directly from the nose of the tread to the back of the next tread without being affixed to the riser face in between. Either style accommodates a stripe beautifully.
Whether you have a beach house, a country cabin, a modern penthouse or my future dream home, as long as you have a staircase in need of a runner, stripes are a great way to go.
Stair runners are excellent for injecting color and pattern into your interior while also protecting a high-traffic area. There are two installation styles: Hollywood and waterfall. A Hollywood runner hugs every nook and cranny of a staircase, with the carpet affixed to the tread, around the nose, and to the riser. A waterfall runner falls directly from the nose of the tread to the back of the next tread without being affixed to the riser face in between. Either style accommodates a stripe beautifully.
Whether you have a beach house, a country cabin, a modern penthouse or my future dream home, as long as you have a staircase in need of a runner, stripes are a great way to go.
Stripes can be very coastal chic. In blues and sands, this beach cottage's staircase shouts seaside sophistication. Take note that the carpet is installed in the waterfall style. The runner falls directly from the nose of the tread to the next tread without being affixed to the riser face in between.
Busy stripes hides dirt and wear and tear, making high-traffic areas like staircases perfect for accepting them.
Installed in the Hollywood style, this runner follows the shape of the stair. The black and white striped carpet was stapled underneath and around the nose of each tread.
Vertical stripes have the ability to make spaces feel larger. Missoni's Venetian Stripe Rug adds color and height to this Toronto penthouse.
Striped carpeting is affixed to the riser, so this is a Hollywood-style runner. Installing a runner in this fashion prevents dust and dirt buildup behind the fall of the carpet.
Installed in the waterfall style, this carpet flows continuously down the stairs, tacked where necessary.
This runner measures 27 inches wide; its resilient flat weave is perfect for stairs.
Installing a runner is a manageable DIY project. See how Houzzer Jaime Shackford turned Dash & Albert's Montana Stripe Woven Cotton Rug into a runner.
I appreciate when a stairway's carpet choice is tied into the design of the home's surrounding areas. In this foyer, the striped runner works beautifully with the inlay strips in the hardwood floor.
A mitered corner is a very attractive touch on a striped runner as it turns a corner, as you can see on the transition from landing to stairs in this Winnetka, Illinois, home.
Related Stories
Organizing
How to Create a Joyful, Clutter-Free Home Office
Follow these steps to get rid of the paper piles and make room for beauty and better organization
Full Story
Remodeling Guides
15 Ways to Create Separation in an Open Floor Plan
By tidgboutique
Use these pro tips to minimize noise, delineate space and establish personal boundaries in an open layout
Full Story
White
Design Pros Share 10 Favorite Creamy White Paints
By Becky Harris
These off-white color choices include versatile tones, warming hues and pleasingly soft shades
Full Story
Entryways
4 Designer Tips for a Fashionable Entry
By tidgboutique
A pro shows how adding color, statement pieces and more to a foyer can set the right tone for the rest of the home
Full Story
Most Popular
7 Major Decorating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
By tidgboutique
Gain confidence to start your interior design project with this advice from a professional designer
Full Story
Living Rooms
4 Must-Have Features for a Small Living Room
By tidgboutique
A designer shares important ways to live large in a tight space and make it look stylish
Full Story
Most Popular
7 Common Decorating Mistakes to Avoid
Pros share solutions to design problems they often find in people’s living spaces
Full Story
Most Popular
How to Decorate a Living Room
By tidgboutique
A designer offers tips for creating a comfortable space that reflects your style
Full Story
Budget Decorating
Where to Splurge and Where to Save When Decorating
By tidgboutique
See where it makes sense to invest in durable essentials and focal pieces, and where to economize on other things
Full Story
Lighting
Pro Tips for Lighting 10 Rooms and Outdoor Areas
Get professional advice for lighting your kitchen, bathroom, living room, office, patio and more
Full Story
WHERE CAN YOU BUY THE STRIPPED CARPET IN UNITED STATES?