Bold stair runners are in: 5 ways to pull off the look

Take your staircase design to new heights with a bold stair runner.

Bold, patterned stair runners offer the perfect blend of style and function. On a practical level, stair runners provide comfort and help prevent potential falls. Visually speaking, they’re a vehicle for incorporating a funky pattern, rich color, and interesting texture. “They instantly bring personality, movement, and visual interest into a space that can often be overlooked,” says Olivia Ippolito, the product development coordinator at Annie Selke.

“Staircases are naturally high-traffic transitional areas, so incorporating a statement runner allows homeowners to create a strong design moment without overwhelming an entire room,” Ippolito adds. Ahead, the expert shares five tips for choosing stair runner colors, patterns, and materials, as well as practical advice for balancing statement design with longevity.

Meet the Expert

Olivia Ippolito is the product development coordinator at Annie Selke.

How to Choose a Stair Runner That Balances Statement Design With Longevity

A bold stair runner instantly transforms a staircase from an overlooked transitional space into one that feels intentionally designed. The vertical nature of a staircase has an architectural quality to it that lends itself well to a variety of funky patterns, colors, borders, and materials.

For Ippolito, the key to selecting a stair runner is striking a balance between aesthetics and durability. “We typically recommend choosing colors and patterns that complement the surrounding flooring and wall palette while maintaining texture and dimension,” she says. Below, she shares the five things you should consider when choosing a stair runner to ensure it hits the sweet spot between statement design and practical longevity.

1. Select a Pattern

When selecting a stair runner pattern, Ippolito recommends paying attention to scale. “Larger-scale patterns can feel more contemporary and expressive, while tighter, repeating motifs tend to remain visually cohesive and allow the repetition of the design to flow,” she explains. The expert adds that there are specific patterns that work especially well on staircases, because they visually enhance the natural movement of the space.

“Stripes, for example, can help elongate the staircase and emphasize its flow, while smaller-scale geometric patterns like herringbone, diamond, honeycomb, and other subtle shapes add visual interest without overwhelming the area,” Ippolito says.

As for choosing stair runner colors, keep practicality in mind. Because of the daily wear and tear on a stair runner in a high-traffic area, Ippolito suggests selecting shades that help disguise dirt and foot traffic, particularly on heavily used staircases.

2. Consider Adding a Border

Once you’ve nailed down a fun pattern, consider whether you want to add a border to the runner. “Bordered runners are becoming increasingly popular because they create a tailored, architectural look that helps frame the staircase beautifully,” Ippolito shares. Match the border color to the colors in the stair runner, or go bold with a contrasting border color to heighten the visual drama.

3. Opt for Durable Materials

Given the high amount of daily traffic that stair runners need to withstand, opting for durable materials is paramount. Ippolito’s tip is to go with high quality synthetic fibers and wool-synthetic fiber blends. They are resilient, easy to maintain, and are an especially good pick for households with children and pets.

4. Get Proper Padding

Selecting a funky design for your stair runner is the fun part, but the expert notes that there are practical considerations to keep in mind, too. Padding is one such thing—it may be hidden, but it makes a huge difference. “Selecting proper padding for underneath the runner is essential for comfort, slip resistance, and extending the life of the rug,” Ippolito explains.

5. Invest in Professional Installation (and Keep Up With Maintenance)

Installation and maintenance are just as important as the design itself, according to the expert. Even if you love a good DIY project, installing a new stair runner is a task you may want to consider hiring a pro for. “Professional installation is highly recommended to ensure the runner is securely fastened, evenly aligned, and able to withstand daily wear,” Ippolito says.

To keep the stair runner in good condition so its funky design can truly shine, regular maintenance is key. “Regular vacuuming, prompt spot cleaning, and occasional professional cleaning will help preserve both the appearance and longevity of the runner over time,” Ippolito states.

Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens