Carpet runners - what types are in style?

By
Home Builder with The Flooring Girl

What types of Carpet runners are in style?

Trends in Carpet Runners - Westchester NY


carpet runner westchester NYWe've been getting more and more calls for Carpet runners on steps in Westchester County NY.  Runners on the steps serve a few purposes: 1) safety (less likely to trip and easier for pets to go up/down the steps) and 2) decorative (esp if steps can be viewed from the entryway, 3) noise reduction, 4) Easier on your ankles, and 5) they preserve the life of your steps and help you avoid needing to refinish them.

 

Trends for carpet runners in Westchester NY:

1) Simpler styles are on trend, and "less is more."  Regardless of whether it's a higher quality/fancier runner, simpler designs seem to be winning out.  These have both an upscale appearance and importantly don't compete with the area rugs and decor in ohter adjoining rooms (usually the living room and dining room).  For example, this pin dot runner is upscale and versatile...and timeless.  We also been doing many tone on tone carpets with small and subtle patterns.  Many tend to be geometric.

 

2) Contrast the color of the runner vs. the hardwood.  Blending on the steps does not work.  If you going to add a runner, make it work visually so you celebrate a wonderful duet between the carpet and the steps.

 

3) Avoid using stair rods.  Back in the old days, stair rods were functional - they literally attached the runners and held them in place.  Nowadays, these are just decorative (and add to the cost).  Most customers feel they are outdated and pretentious.  Also, young kids have a tendency to trip on them, so they are not the safest.  Oh, and yes, they are more challenging to clean.

 

4) Tuck the carpet under the treads for a neat tailored look. This is called "hollywood style.   Avoid waterfall style where the carpet just brushes over the step without being tucket under.  It just looks less upscale and tends to collect more dust.  Less skilled installers will sometimes do waterfall style as it is easier/faster, but this style doesn't look as nice and sometimes causes a bit more slipping.

Other recent trend posts:

Trends in hardwood flooring stain colors

Trends in carpet colors

When you're ready to explore carpet runners for yout steps in Westchester NY, give The Flooring Girl a call at 914-937-2950 and we'd be happy to "brind the store to your door."

Carpet runners - what types on in style?

Comments (13)

Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Great tips to know Debbie & I love that Hollywood look...I'm so glad that this is one choice I do not need to make...the bathroom rehab has done me in!

Aug 30, 2013 08:57 PM
Roy Kelley
Realty Group Referrals - Gaithersburg, MD

This is good advice for those that want carpet runners.

Enjoy the holiday weekend!

Aug 30, 2013 09:06 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

I expect it's more than just young kids who have a tendency to trip on those rods!  I know one home inspector who has.

Aug 30, 2013 10:06 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

Great post Debbie.  I doubt that carpet runners will ever go out of style completely, they serve so many purposes.

Aug 30, 2013 10:33 PM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Ginny - yes, hollywood style is the best.  You'll recover, soon.

Roy - Thank you so much, and same to you.

Jay - Yes, it's everyone...humans of all ages, and dogs.  Cats are usually fine either way.

Aug 30, 2013 10:34 PM
Beth and Richard Witt
Long Island Cash Home Buyer - Center Moriches, NY
Long Island Cash Home Buyer 516-330-6940

Wish you were in Huntington.. we have to put runners on our steps because our Bulldog just had a bad fall...

Aug 31, 2013 12:30 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles Pasadena 818.516.4393

Hi Debbie - another information-packed post on carpet runner trends.  I'm still amazed at the number of homes with stair rods -- I guess I'm a believer in "less is more" -- and that's what makes the world go-round.  

Aug 31, 2013 01:25 AM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Roger - Yes, exactly.

Richard & Beth - Oh so sorry to hear that.  But, I hope the runner helps.  Cute picture.  Hugs from Westchester.

Michael - That's interesting. I don't see that many rods...and often when I do, the new homeowner wants them removed.

Aug 31, 2013 01:35 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
New Hampshire Home Stager

Very informative, Debbie!  Something I would not have even thought of!  

Aug 31, 2013 01:45 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Debbie excellent information here.  Wood stairs can be on the slippery side, and carpet runners sure do make them a lot safer.

Aug 31, 2013 01:47 AM
Tammie White, Broker
Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN
Franklin TN Homes for Sale
I love this pin-dot look. My next carpet will be like that. There are so many great options these days.
Aug 31, 2013 01:59 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH Real Estate - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital
Debbie, you read my mind! I was thinking about doing an Oriental runner on mine. Now I'm rethinking it.
Aug 31, 2013 01:55 PM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Sharon - Thanks.  We get lots of requests for them.

George - Yes, they certainly do.

Tammie - Yes, there really are so many options now.

Patricia - Yes, that will really help Willie.

Aug 31, 2013 07:03 PM

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