What To Look For When Buying Stair Runners On A Budget

Carpet Runners

When was the last time you walked down the stairs without fearing a fall? If you can’t remember, then it is time you get yourself a stair runner.

Exquisite Portrait Corinthian Column

Stair runners are a great tool against noise, providing extra protection to your wooden stairs, making them less slippery, and reducing the impact of falls.

Custom Runner

A remarkable place I came across in my search for the best place to buy stair runners is Direct Carpet. The site allows you to create your fabulous carpet stair runner, and have a wide selection.

They have the best designs and the most cooperative crew, and even provide free shipping for orders over $250.

I got an affordable stair runner from here and would recommend it to you as well. It has great quality, and they offer different lengths and widths to match your staircase's style.

Before heading out to buy a stair runner, please take a look at my guide to help you know what to look for. This includes the best material for stairs

Do You Need A Carpet Runner?

Before splurging on a Carpet runner, consider whether you really need one. But how to do that?

Simple. You need to tick off the following boxes. Do you have new stairs? If the answer is yes, you need a stair runner, lol.

Even if you do not have new stairs, but harbor a wooden staircase, stair runners are essential.

The only time when these will be a waste is when you have the barefoot rule in your house. Where there are no shoes, there will be no scuff marks. So, either you ban shoes indoors or get a stair runner.

Do you have fragile bones, or are you usually clumsy? Again, if the answer is yes, you need a stair runner. Why? Because when you rush over wooden stairs, especially newly polished ones, there is a higher chance that you will fall.

Let's break a bone or two (but that's the worst-case scenario, don't worry). Do you like a calm and serene environment? Yes?

Rustique Vibe Off White Nylon Stair Runner

A stair runner mutes the sound that your little ones make when they run up and down the stairs. This means you can finally read your book or watch your television program in peace.

Lastly, do you like well-maintained and organized houses?

A stair runner gives your house the kind of look and aura that you never thought it could. So, if you’re ready to style up your home a bit, get your hands on a stair runner now!

Step 1: Determine The Size Of Your Stair Runner

The size of your stair runner typically depends on the size of your stairs.

The wider your stairs are, the wider the runner will be. But note! You always need to leave a few inches to the sides when placing a stair runner.

It’s like a rule in the stair runner's handbook. 

When going for wider staircases, you can leave as much as 7 inches to the side to make the stairs look elegant.

With smaller staircases, you can leave 3 inches.

The ideal space to be left on each side is 4 inches.

Once you’re done with your measurements, it is time to go ahead and choose whichever stair runner fits the best!

 

Which Material To Go For?

Next, and most importantly, you need to be cautious about the material of your stair runner.

A good stair runner can either make or break your staircase’s look and your bank account.

Stair runners are not the cheapest things to buy so you need to make sure you’re getting the right material that will last you for years.

The best materials to go for are wool and synthetic materials. Both of them are soft, easy to walk on, and super durable.

However, wool is quite expensive. It does give the most royal feel and is by far the softest, but it comes with a huge price tag.

If you don't have a big budget, you can opt for synthetic, which offers the same feel, comes in many patterns and designs, and is also much cheaper for your stairs.

The worst material to go for is natural fibers. Since they are easy to obtain and cost little, they are the cheapest option. But they stain easily and are not that durable.

The short life span and rough feel make them the worst choice for a stair runner.

Another alternative that works for most people and lasts longer is a mix of wool and synthetic materials for your staircase runners.

They are cheaper than synthetic but give a good soft feel.

A Fancy Runner Or a Modest One?

Next question: Do you need a fancy, colorful stair runner or a dull, boring one?

Well, I cannot answer this. The staircase runner you choose depends on two key factors: your persona and your house's persona.

Both of these are essential when it comes to choosing a stair runner. 

If you’re a serene person, and so is your house, go for an elegant monotone one.

If you emit warmth, just like your house, choose a warm or maybe a patterned stair runner. Just go for whichever makes you feel happier!

Beware the dust bunnies, though!

I forgot to mention this beforehand, but if you choose white or similar light colors, you will need to wash and clean them regularly.

Feet marks and dust will be easily visible through such light colors.

If you’re fond of cleaning and vacuuming regularly, you can go for a light color.

Staircase Runners, Carpet Style, Quality & Overall Look

Geometric Patterns

A fantastic way to add Style to your staircase and a great option for carpet runners.

A rug with a pattern has a style and looks fabulous. The advantage of a pattern or geometric style rug carpet on your staircase is that if you have an old or traditional staircase, maybe the treads and risers are original and have never been finished,

Geometric Styled Stair Runner

Geometric Pattern Staircase rugs and carpet runners put the focus on the carpet on the stairs and not the treads and risers as a whole.

Basement Stairs

You don't have to spend a lot of money on basement stairs, you can save money and cover your stairs with a fantastic stair runner, such as a Berber carpet runner.

Windsor Gray Berber stair runner

 

 

Anderson Tuftex Nylon Stair Runners

Final Word on Runners, Carpet & Stairs

Stair runners are essential in every home these days. They keep your house well-maintained, ensure your safety, and provide a noise-free environment.

They are also a good investment if you want to protect your new stairs or polish your old ones.

Lastly, be sure to check off all these pointers before you head out and buy a stair runner.

Also, be sure to check out all the places that let you customize your stair runner to add a little of your touch!

I hope you find the runner of your dreams now!

 

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