These durable and stylish options will help you choose the right stair runners for your style and space.

Werner Straube

Stair runners are unassuming masters of form and function.

The right runner complementsthe style of your spaceand adds to it with contrast, pattern, or color.

Staircase mirror gallery

Credit:Werner Straube

After all, this is a semi-permanent item in your home you’ll use daily.

For color inspiration, look to other permanent elements of the home, such as architectural features.

The deep brown of this carpet nods to the brown granite fireplace surround.

Traditional stair runner

Credit:Werner Straube

Here, a dark diamond pattern grounds the grandly decorated stairwell and nods to thelacquered black handrail.

On this curved staircase, they used a widening runner to highlight the grandeur of the space.

Choose a darker, lower contrast border for a more traditional look.

Modern farmhouse entry

Credit:Jared Kuzia

Playful Patterns

Katie Charlotte Fiedler

Thissmall foyerbrilliantly combines color and pattern.

A small-scale pattern on the runner complements the colors and larger pattern in the wallpaper without competing.

Everything in a coral, blue, brown and black color palette also helps the room look cohesive.

white staircase with wallpaper and stair runner

Credit:Brittany Ambridge

The warm blue in this lattice-patterned runner complements the cool blacks and warm tones in this formal foyer.

The runner adds to this, pairing a more modern geometric pattern with the traditional details of the staircase.

The neutral color scheme ensures it will look timeless until it’s time to replace.

white staircase with blue stair runner

Credit:Emily Followill

Here, the kelly green runner coordinates with the frames of the gallery wall lining the stairs.

This low-contrast print fits into the ornate style of the home without drawing a ton of attention.

They can be used instead of or in addition to staples or other adhesives.

Classic staircase

Credit:Tria Giovan

This is a way to add more interest and historic detail to the look of your stairs.

This creates a fun harmony and ensures a cohesive look.

The muted gold carpet and subtle pattern fits into the blend of farmhouse and French styles in this foyer.

Painted staircase

Credit:Jay Wilde

Traditional home entryway

Credit:Emily J. Followill

Foyer staircase

Credit:Jonathan Mark Denby

Striped stair runner

Credit:John Zimmerman

Spiral staircase

Credit:James Nathan Schroder

Entryway staircase

Credit:Sarah Dorio

Bold foyer

Credit:Katie Charlotte Fiedler

Modern staircase

Credit:Dustin Peck

White entryway

Credit:Nancy Nolan

Neutral staircase

Credit:Emily Minton-Redfield

Cottage staircase

Credit:Dana Gallagher

Painted stair runner

Credit:Robert Brinson

Entryway staircase

Credit:Karyn Millet

Classic staircase with stair rods

Credit:Stacey Brandford

Traditional home foyer

Credit:Karyn Millet

Foyer furniture

Credit:Edmund Barr

Modern stair runner

Credit:Emily Followill

Nautical staircase detail

Credit:Joseph Keller

Farmhouse entryway staircase

Credit:Anthony Masterson Photography