4 Tips For Stair Runners
Beyond the fact that they add so much design impact, I recommend stair runners to clients for 2 main reasons - the first is safety. Adding a stair runner on their staircase can help prevent slips and falls because the texture of the carpet vs hardwood stair treads adds grip. The second reason I recommend adding stair runners is that they add sound absorption in a space where it’s typically much needed. Stairs typically don’t have a lot of spots to add in soft surfaces that absorb sound and therefore become echo chambers - especially when they are adjacent to foyers and bedroom hallways. A stair runner will usually add in just enough to help out.
So, if you’re looking to add in a stair runner, here are four tips that I generally follow when sourcing for my virtual and interior design clients.
Aim for 3” of hardwood floor showing on the edges
Less for narrow staircases (2” works here). You want your staircase to look as wide as possible, so installing a wider stair runner will help with that illusion. Its nice to see a little bit of wood on the edges, but too much will make the runner too narrow. For this reason, I move my clients away from the stock runners available at rug showrooms - they are typically too narrow even for standard staircases. Instead, cut goods can be fabricated at the width that works for you. Which also leads me to my next tip…
Don’t select a runner with a border
Similarly with the amount of hardwood showing with the previous tip, adding in thick borders and a field pattern in between will only cause your hallway to appear narrow. Instead, choose cut goods, either in a solid or allover patten.
Finished Edges: Serged vs Bound
I recommend serged edges on a runner as they look much tidier. Serging is where the unfinished edges are finished with yarn, typically in the same color as the material in the carpet. The alternative is to have the edges bound, which is typically done in a cotton binding. There are instances where decorative binding is specified - leather, binding with studs, tape trims etc. If it’s a decorative statement then I say go for it over serging!
Waterfall Installation vs Upholstered Installation
Waterfall installation uses one piece of runner for the tread and riser and it skims the face of the riser to meet the next tread. Upholstered wraps the face of the tread and is fully attached to the riser. Waterfall is a less expensive installation method because there is less cutting and labor involved. I recommend upholstered where possible, but its up to the preference of the client. If you’re doing decorative binding as mentioned above, waterfall installation may also be recommended.
Do you need help selecting a stair runner - and the decor that surrounds it? Abode Virtual Design is here to help with that and any other interior design project you may have. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have, or head to our shop page on our website for more information!
