For interior buffs among us, there is one home adornment that immediately signifies an elevated aesthetic: having a stair runner in the home.
The strip of carpet is coveted by the very best of British interior designers. A mere flick through Architectural Digest or House & Garden will reveal a slew of the luxurious home embellishments situated in grandiose homes to bring an understated opulence to the space one step at a time.
Granted, they can be expensive, but stair runners have that certain je ne sais quoi about them which positions them as a symbol of interior excellence. They create a stunning focal point that runs throughout the home which promises comfort and creativity in equal measure.
Interior designers such as Sophie Cooney and Kate Guinness have utilised stair runners to transform spaces. From dazzling chevron prints set against bubblegum pink walls to Aztec-inspired designs featuring colourblock palettes, climbing leopards designed by Diane Von Furstenburg and House of Hackney gothic florals, there’s always an eclectic supply of designs in store for maximalists.
Not only are stair runners highly elegant, but they are non-slip meaning no accidents are likely to occur. If you’re searching for something a touch more practical (both economically and stylistically), then it’s surprisingly easy to get your hands on a minimalist runner to aid children, pets and elderly parents as they move around the house.
Luxury lovers may have to have their dream runner custom-made, which is a process that’s far from cheap. Yet, consumers looking for a quick-fix solution to enhance their home in a jiffy can head to Dunelm, Etsy or Kukoon to sort out all sizing worries and woes. You can even undertake a DIY job, a challenge accepted by many TikTok interiors influencers, but for the perfect finish, we’d recommend professional assistance.
To keep your stair runner looking fresh for longer, be sure to hoover regularly and dust the painted treads and risers. Darker tones and dramatic patterns offer more practicality for busier households prone to dirt and mess.
Discover the most sophisticated stair runners up for grabs and inject some flair into your stylish home space.
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The Rug Company x Diane Von Furstenberg Climbing Leopard Rug
If you have a taste for the finer things, look to The Rug Company's collaboration with Diane Von Furstenberg made up of lavish designs. This animated leopard stealthily claws through a bed of lush emerald which has been hand-knotted from sumptuous silk. Head to The Rug Company for custom stair runner orders.
Buy now £5296.00, The Rug Company
Herringbone Jute Border Stair Runner
A classic herringbone runner will refresh your staircase instantly. Featuring a timeless style and snake black border, the foolproof design will be able to withstand kids and pets traipsing up and down while remaining in tip-top shape and retaining the sophisticated look. Prices range from £103.20 - £159.20.
Buy now £103.20, Dunelm
Yellow Trellis Stair Carpet Runner
This cut-to-measure runner is set to bring the sunshine. Inject personality into your home with a bolt of sunflower yellow to brighten up the winter months. Prices range from £4-£80.
Buy now £4.00, Kukoon
Fishes Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby
Transform your staircase into a mystical aquarium with this exquisite statement rug. Featuring an azure backdrop and swimming fish glimmering under the waves, Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby’s customisable design wouldn't look out of place in an interior designer’s resplendent home.
Buy now £2902.00, The Rug Company
Handmade Jute Stair Runner
Your home will exude boho bliss thanks to this handmade jute runner. This finely crafted piece features neutral colourways, geometric designs and a classic, earthy texture that promises a secure grip. On trend and practical. Prices range from £67.62-£486.85.
Buy now £67.62, Etsy
Black White Animal Print Stair Carpet Runner
Get bolder with every step. This eye-catching zebra-print piece isn’t for the faint-hearted. Showcasing an unmissable animal print that culminates in a serious statement piece, this affordable runner is bound to spark conversation. Prices range from £5-£100.
Buy now £5.00, Kukoon
Striped Stair Runner Rug
Add some nautical flair to your home with a loud yet timeless striped runner. Navy cream and yellow hues form a colourblock design that’s perfect for family homes. Prices range from £143.43-£2235.88.
Buy now £143.43, Etsy
Dahria Traditional Stair Runner
If you're unsure what style to opt for, keep it classic. A traditional runner will never look out of place in either minimalist or maximalist spaces. This dusty rose rendition is a practical piece at the lower end of the pricing spectrum. Prices range from £108-£143.20.
Buy now £108.00, Dunelm
Panthera Martin Brudnizki
The most lavish pick of them all, Martin Brudnizki’s Panthera print rug can be transformed into a royally regal runner. It portrays striking tangerine and green hues crafted from a bricolage of delicate silk animal prints, which freckle over the woollen base. The price can be justified by the material - hand-knotted Tibetan wool and silk which serves up a palatial finish. Prices range from £4242-£33,177.
Buy now £4242.00, The Rug Company
House of Hackney Flora Fantasia Runner
Last but not least, our favourite runner collection of them all. Walk through an enchanted woodland forest thanks to House of Hackney’s beautiful designs. This particular print is inspired by Fleurs de Fantaisie by J. Buchert (a rare book of imaginary watercolour flowers that dates back to the 1880s) and is woven from the very best British wool by the Royal Warrant-holding Axminster Carpets. £285 per metre.
Buy now £285.00, House of Hackney
