Stair Runners
Carpet runners (aka stair runners) can transform an ordinary hardwood staircase into a luxuriously warm and elegant focal point in your home. A carpet runner can also make it safer for children and pets to run up and down the stairs.
Home Carpet One works with craftsmen who can make your dream runner a reality. Visit the showroom to work with one of our talented sales associates and they can assist you in the design process from selecting the right carpet and perfect edge treatment to the proper method of installation. View our In-Stock Carpet selection »
In terms of the proper carpet, it usually comes down to the look you want to achieve. While looped wilton-wool carpets are not recommended for stairs from a durability standpoint, they are often selected because of the look they achieve. By the same token, sisal and other natural fibers can make a dramatic impact. For those being more practical, there are fantastic nylon cut-pile patterns from Milliken that can transform your space. In general, you want to avoid using fibers like polyester or olefin for a stair-runner if at all possible. Those fibers won’t bounce back as well as nylon or wool.
Wool Wilton
Stair Runner
Sisal
Waterfall
Milliken Nylon
Cut-Pile Hollywood
Waterfall
Wide Cotton Waterfall
Once the carpet is selected there are a few other critical decisions to make. First, you will need to decide how you want the stairs to be finished. One option is Waterfall, which allows the carpet to simply drape over the nose. The downside of this more casual look is if the stair case is open, you will see the padding exposed.
Hollywood
The other option is Hollywood, which is a more formal and tailored look. For the Hollywood style, the carpet is tucked under the nose of the stair.
Sisal Wide
Cotton Hollywood
Peter Island with leather border and studs
(Our In-Stock Looped Wilton- Wool Carpet )
Edging
The next major decision to make is how you want the edge of the carpet to be finished. The most popular method today is polyester serging, which provides a sophisticated look without overwhelming the runner. Less commonly chosen is a simple polyester binding finish. Gaining traction, is the machine cotton serging, which allows for a bit more substantial finished edge. Similarly there is a cotton binding, which can be done in a variety of widths. Once the width of the finished edge goes beyond ¼” the installation usually requires a two-stage process and additional expense. For those looking for a truly unique look, we also offer wider-edge finishes in linen, faux leather and real-leather. The options are endless.
Polyester Serging
Polyester Machine Binding
Machine Cotton Serging
Machine Cotton Binding
Hand Cotton
Binding
Wide –
Edge Linen Finish
Wide –
Edge Leather with Studs
Faux Leather Trim
Width
Lastly, you will need to determine the width of the runner. For custom runners, Home Carpet One often recommends leaving 4” to 5” on each side. This can vary, however, because many stair cases have narrower spots then others, especially when landings come into play. For this reason, even if we have a recommended width, it is crucial for you to be home when the runner is installed so you can consult with the installer so you can have the best possible outcome.
Waterfall
Wool Wilton
Hollywood
Flat Weave
Wide Cotton
Looped Wilton –
Wool Hollywood Example
Installation
We installed one of our stock carpets, Gale Denim, at our showroom yesterday. We took a video of the serging process along with a time lapse video below. Shown above is a picture of the finished product.
Stair runners can transform an ordinary hardwood staircase into a luxuriously warm and elegant focal point in your home. A carpet runner can also make it safer for children and pets to use the stairs.
To get started with your own stair runner just tell us the carpet you want and the size and we will review the options on finishing the runner, which include binding, serging, cotton borders, linen borders, leather borders and even other carpet borders. Any type of finish you want for a stair runner can also be done as a custom area rug.
Get Started
