A stair runner is a piece of carpet that doesn’t cover the entire width of the stair. It’s typically installed over hardwood or tiled stairs, coming in a wide variety of colors, patterns, textures, and widths.
Here at Eastman’s, we believe that stair runners are coming back in style! Whether you choose to keep it classic or make a bold statement, our team is ready to guide you through the entire process. Stay on trend and read on for the benefits of carpet stair runners, advice on selecting the best carpet for installation, and how Eastman’s Carpets & Flooring can help you.
Benefit #1: Stair Runners Can Make Stairs Safer
Hardwood and tiled stairs can be very beautiful, but they can also be very dangerous. Uncovered stairs pose a slippery obstacle to young children, pets, and those with limited mobility.
Stair runners offer more traction and stability when using the stairs. That means less slips and accidents. Depending on what style of carpet runner you choose, it can even cushion a fall, protecting your loved ones from a nasty blow from the corner of a stair step.
To ensure that your stair runners remain secure, we recommend choosing runners with non-slip backing or installing stair rods.
Benefit #2: Stair Runners Reduce Noise
Let’s be honest: no one enjoys the thudding sound of family members stomping up and down the stairs. Not only can it be a general nuisance, but it can also interrupt your focus or sleep. You can finally enjoy more peace and quiet by installing a stair runner!
Adding carpet to your stairs will help to absorb noise, making your home a bit quieter. Typically, adding carpet will reduce noise by about 35%. For the ultimate noise absorption, we recommend installing a wool carpet runner with a wool underlay.
Benefit #3: Stair Runners Protect Your Floors
In a multi-level home, using stairs is part of the day-to-day routine. Running up and down the stairs every day can greatly contribute to its wear and tear, with shoes and dirt creating small scratches in hardwood.
Installing a carpet stair runner provides a physical barrier between your stairs and your daily activities, protecting your floors from costly damage. Even though stair runners do not cover the entire width of the stair, they do cover the areas of the stair steps that receive the most daily interaction. If you are constantly running upstairs, we recommend installing stair runners to preserve your flooring.
Benefit #4: Stair Runners Are Stylish
Stairs are often overlooked in interior design, but stair runners can create an eye-popping focal point in any home! With a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from, you can incorporate carpet stair runners into any stylistic choice.
Even better, runners can be easily replaced if you decide to change your décor. If you want to keep it neutral, we recommend using beige or cool-toned carpet. If you’d like your stairs to make a bolder statement, animal print and patterned carpet are trending in 2022!
Benefit #5: Stair Runners Are More Comfortable
Your home should be a comfortable oasis away from the world. After a long day of running around, the last thing you want is flooring that is unkind to your weary feet. With a stair runner, you can give your home a warmer, more comfortable look and feel.
With carpet underfoot, your stair runner acts as an extra level of padding that provides comfort and cushion to bare feet. Even better, stair runners can keep your feet warmer in cool weather. For extra comfort, we recommend installing a plusher carpet.
Selecting a Stair Runner
Choosing the right carpet for your stair runner greatly depends on your individual needs. For those with small children or family members with mobility issues, a low-pile carpet will offer more traction than a thicker carpet. If you want to reduce the noise in your home, a high-pile carpet will absorb more noise than a low-pile selection
If you want to add more warmth and comfort to your stairs, a high-pile carpet might be the better choice. It ultimately comes down to your personal preference, and the flooring experts at Eastman’s Carpets & Flooring are more than happy to walk you through the selection process.
How Can Eastman’s Carpets & Flooring Help?
From selection to installation, our team has the knowledge and expertise to guide you through your flooring journey. With over 50 years of experience, there’s no flooring issue we can’t solve. No matter what style of carpet you choose, we can create and install custom stair runners that best fit your needs!
Not sure where to start? We have you covered! Get a free estimate or stop by our showroom today to speak to one of our flooring experts.