Wooden stairs are so great, but if you have kids or dogs, or a fear of tumbling down those hard steps in the middle of the night…you might want to consider adding a stair runner! I’m about to fill your brain with ideas of runners that are not only functional, but also completely amazing. And if you’re not a fan of carpet, don’t worry – there’s something for you too!
Animal Print Runners
Some might say animal prints are a neutral, and I have got to agree with those people! Taking neutral colors from nature and having them come together in beautiful natural prints is the ultimate perfect, fun neutral! How about this black and white zebra print? It’s amazing, and it even works with the crazy painting on the walls! [Via Kelly Wearstler Design]
Do not ask me what animal print this is, because I honestly couldn’t tell you, but I do know this: it’s fabulous! I’m in love with the dark stripe down the center and the sporadic spotting. The colors are perfectly matched with the wood and the white of the stairs. [Via Cote de Texas]
Patterned Runners
This next runner features a pattern that is so close to an animal print, you could almost mistake it for one from afar. The geometric print, however, is modern and traditional all at once and really works for this grand staircase packed with neutral colors. [Via Kelly Wearstler Design]
This next staircase was covered with about 4 runners from West Elm, and it looks completely custom! How chic does it look with that gold mirror, a gallery wall and cowhide rug? I am in love with the whole look, and the staircase runner really finishes everything off perfectly. [Via Dovely Bee]
More black and white, because like animal print, it’s kind of an ultimate neutral to work with! This staircase is lovely with the black handrails and white balusters. The neutral wood tone is subdued with everything else being black and white, yet it adds a much needed warmth to the space. [Via Gretchen Opgenorth]
Colorful Stair Runners
How fun and beachy is this look? I don’t think this runner would have worked nearly as well without the stairs being completely white, but thankfully they are! The look screams “summer beach house” to me, and even if the staircase isn’t in a beach house, I love that the people living here get this summery feel all the time! [Via Rare and Beautiful Treasures]
Is it too obvious that I love pink based on my pink and flower posts? Well let it be known that I think pink should be a neutral too! When paired with white, pink is so fresh. Not to mention, it’s a color that makes you feel warm inside, whether it’s in the summer or in the winter. [Via Indulgy]
This travel photo is chock-full of inspiration! These are rugs stitched together to make a custom stair runner, and I love that patterns, colors and textures are mixed. It’s kind of what decorating is all about in one stair runner. Love! [Via Sage Jewelry]
Two things are interesting about this next staircase: how dark and dramatic they are and how slim the stair runner is – and how well it all works! That’s three things, and I’m sure we can find more. The color is fabulous and stands out just enough to make an impact, but not enough to take away from all of the other amazing details. [Via Redesigning Sarah]
Unconventional Stair Runners
What’s unconventional about this next selection other than the colors? This stair runner is made of beach towels! The beachy wood in that whitewash and the print are fantastic – now just imagine how great this would feel under your feet! Now you don’t have to worry about drying off after coming in from the pool – just dry off on the stairs! [Via Inspiration Green]
This gorgeous staircase has quite a dramatic runner, and it just so happens to be painted on! The dramatic graphic design is incredibly trendy and can easily be covered up if you ever get sick of it – not that I think anyone could ever get sick of graphic black and white goodness like this! [Via Holistic Fashionista]
Now you don’t have to feel like your only option is a plain, typical stair runner. With so many options to choose from, your staircase can be as fun and unique as any other area of your home!
