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Create the entryway of your dreams.
Staircases are often overlooked when it comes to decorating, but giving them some love with a stair carpet or runner will provide soft and spongy comfort underfoot. Whether you prefer stripes and geometric patterns or the more neutral, pared-back look, these stair carpet ideas will give your hallway a much-needed glow-up.
As a high-traffic area, the carpet covering a staircase must be durable enough to withstand its activity levels.
Synthetic nylon carpet may be your best bet for safety and strength, while wool is a good option as its fibres repel stains and dirt (although it's more expensive). Berber carpets are another durable choice for staircases, as they are made from loops instead of strands.
'Staircases and entranceways are often the least thought about areas of the home, but it is important to remember how influential they are on a space. Stairs so often tie the entire home together and form a central stage, making the staircase the ideal area to make a statement,' says Jodie Hatton, design manager at Brintons.
A modern stair runner is fitted to the middle of your staircase, leaving some wood visible on either side of each step, and it's cost-effective too. 'A runner is an excellent way of updating your staircase without breaking the bank,' says Myles Shaw, managing director at runrug.
In comparison, with fully carpeted options, the entire steps are covered. 'Fully carpeted stairs project a feeling of opulence, while a runner will add wow factor,' says Jess Contomichalos, interior stylist at Cormar Carpets.
Carpet is a great option on stairs, especially for homes with young children and elderly family members. Hardwood flooring can become dangerous if anything spills or little ones run with socks. Carpet might not prevent falls, but it certainly provides more stability when climbing stairs.
According to Checkatrade, the average cost of carpeting a straight, single staircase will usually be around £150 - £250, plus VAT. If your staircase has a number of changes in direction, it may cost more. Meanwhile, the average cost of a carpet fitter is around £150 - £250 per day.
It's also worth noting that the price will depend on what style you choose. More luxurious carpets, including those made from real wool, will cost more than synthetic materials. Adding underlay, additional bars or staircase rods will also affect the total cost.
'We always recommend that stair carpets and runners should be fitted with a good quality underlay,' says Julian Downes, managing director at Fibre. 'An underlay will do the vital task of taking a significant proportion of the ongoing wear and tear and it would be a false economy to choose a beautiful carpet only to cut corners with your underlay.'
If finances allow, it's a good idea to choose the best quality underlay to avoid undue wear and tear of your carpet. Your manufacturer or retailer will be able to advise on an underlay to suit the carpet and installation, as well as discuss the different options.
'Wherever possible, choose a contract-rated underlay (an 8mm carpet underlay) to ensure you have the optimal durability. A good underlay offers comfort underfoot and sound insulation too – a welcome bonus for busy households,' adds Julian.
There are lots of stylish stair carpet ideas for your stairs and landing. Browse these suggestions...
'Stairs are a space to get brave. Similar to how dark walls can transform a small room or a patterned wallpaper can bring interest to an otherwise dull space, a patterned carpet is an inspired way to make a feature of the stairs — it can help to add interest and character,' says Jodie.
Stripes will never steer you wrong and, as seen here, can masterfully elongate a staircase, which is a great design trick especially if your stairs are particularly narrow. The ochre tones perfectly complement the sunshine yellow walls, too.
• Chalk paint at Annie Sloan
Bring personality to your hallway with an eye-catching patterned runner, like this design from Jennifer Manners. The chainlink pattern and angular diamond shapes make it ideal for contemporary spaces.
'Homeowners are increasingly opting for eye-catching carpet designs so they can add a dynamic visual element to what is often an overlooked space,' says Jodie. 'If opting for a patterned staircase design, we would advise getting the space measured by a professional retailer as extra carpet may be needed to match up the pattern on stairs with winders.'
• Pictured: Tiles runner in Teal, Jennifer Manners; Plant stand by Ferm Living, Heal's; Hemp storage basket, Oggetto. Black concrete planter, Rose & Grey
A well-designed hallway has the power to make a lasting impression. In this space designed by Project Home, a blue binding tape on the carpet runner is a lovely contemporary touch, and it adds a subtle hint of colour.
• Design by Project Home
In a neutral, pared-back hallway, the use of pattern can be a great compromise for full-on colour. With pink, orange and green tones, this intricately patterned woven stair runner exudes sophistication and becomes the focal point of this hallway.
Pictured: Cornish Slate Bristol Tectonic® Oak planks, Chaunceys Timber Flooring. Designer: Pringle & Pringle
This neutral stair runner with black binding looks uber stylish and contrasts perfectly with the geometric tiles in the hallway. The use of monochrome here (including the white wall and panelling and black banister) is key to this sophisticated look.
• Get the full look at Tapi Carpets
Bring together a glorious medley of raspberry, mulberry and blackcurrant shades for a chic and cosy scheme. Paired with a classic grey stripe carpet runner, this hallway is the ultimate recipe for an inviting space.
Flooring needs to meet practical needs, but you'll also want to ensure it complements the rest of your interiors. If you're looking for a style that will give your hallway a smart upgrade, this monochrome stair runner with a striped edge is just the ticket.
• Black and white runner from Sisal & Seagrass
Take a maximalist approach with an all-0ver pattern, like these bold florals designed by Kate Watson-Smyth. Fun and eclectic, the carpet's ochre colurway complements the dark wood flooring, creating a rather harmonious feel.
Pictured: Quirky Bloom Polenta Carpet, Alternative Flooring
Herringbone designs work well in traditional and contemporary spaces alike, and will blend seamlessly with most decorating styles. Loved for its timeless appeal, choose herringbone to add dynamism and visual interest.
• Flatweave Classic Herringbone Carpet, Tapi Carpets
Let your staircase take centre stage by painting your bannister to match the carpet.
'Pick a colour that matches your existing interior or go for something a little bolder,' says Melissa Denham, interior design expert at Hammonds Fitted Furniture. 'Before you start painting, familiarise yourself with the basics of painting bannisters and ensure you have the right equipment. This includes – sugar soap, sandpaper, primer, paint, and paint brushes.'
• Herringbone Jute Border Stair Runner, Dunelm
Pair soothing greens with pastel pinks and you’ll end up with a fresh, contemporary entryway. The muted olive green on the walls and the striped wallpaper taps into a calming, nature-inspired feel. Combined with the pink border on the runner, and this space becomes fun and vibrant, emitting an all-year round springtime feel.
Pictured: Stig Stripe wallpaper in Mint, Cathy Nordström
Make a real impact with your staircase by painting the treads, risers, and banister. Keep it simple with a one-colour refresh or mix it up with a two-tone approach.
'Staircases are often the first thing people see when entering a home, offering a glimpse into the rest of the interiors,' says Lucy. 'Whether your home is modern and minimalist or bohemian and eclectic, there are many paint colours that will bring your staircase to life, and upgrade the space. It's also is a lot more cost-effective than other options.'
• Furniture from Oak Furntiureland
Originally commonplace in Vicorian homes to hold carpets in place on staircases, today, stair rods are mainly used for decorative purposes. It can add an extra layer of protection by keeping your runner firmly in place, but it's not essential now and rather a 'nice to have'. Shapes and materials can vary too, from antique brass to wood.
Pictured: Churchgate Lyndon Wool Stair Runner and Stair Rod With Ball Finials, Dunelm
Keep things fresh and fun with sage green paint, lots of potted plants, and a neutral carpet runner. We love the gallery wall here too, which journeys up the stairs.
• Shop the full look at Cult Furniture
Create a chic introduction to your home with a calming colour palette for a classic and elegant look.
'A classic white staircase is well-suited for a small and narrow staircase where light and brightness need to be enhanced,' says Lucy Steele, paint and interiors expert at Valspar Paint. 'Timeless and versatile, a white colour scheme can match any style or decor theme, is easy to maintain, and will never go out of style.'
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