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Sisal Stair Runner Before and After
I love the look of a stair runner, and how it adds warmth to an otherwise plain (and slippery) staircase. As much as I love design, this choice was actually one that came down to function. When Margot was a baby, I slipped going up the stairs while holding her. She was fine but I immediately got a quote for a stair runner, because this hard surface needed some traction. When I started looking for stair runner ideas and designs, I knew I wanted to go with sisal or jute. I want to share the perfect stair runner – our sisal runner – that offers a classic look for wood stairs.
Sisal Stair Runner Before and After
A carpet stair runner is a great way to add warmth to your home. It also makes your stairs safer and softer for young children and pets. But – custom runners can be pricey. The first quote came in, and the $3000 price tag felt like too much. I held off knowing we’d need to revisit once Margot started walking. Months later, Buddy fell down the entire flight of stairs (he was ok). It was time. I called my interior designer friend and asked for her help.
Here’s the before
Our stairs actually looked like this for a very long time. They felt fine day-to-day but looking at these photos, seem so sad and empty. Lauren Buxbaum’s townhouse staircase (which is a little more grand than ours) has always been a favorite, and I knew I wanted something similar in style. Look for staircase ideas when looking for a new runner, and find one that feels right for your home. Pinterest is a great resource. I know the look is wildly different, but I love the classic sisal with a black band.
Finding the right sisal runner (at the right price)
These modern stair runners are timeless and traditional, and work in most homes. My interior designer friend Kira David helped me with our custom runner, and I’m so happy with how it turned out. I knew what I wanted, but didn’t know what to order, so she sent a few different swatches. chose with Paradise in Cobble from DMI and chose 2” black cotton banding. The dark color adds some contrast and looks really timeless. Be sure to consider whether or not you have a curved or straight staircase. You should consider foot traffic and durability, too.
Someone came out to measure the stairs and width of the runner, and then installed once it was done. The new quote was 50% less than the first – and installation took place less than two weeks later! It’s a softer sisal and very padded, so it’s quite comfortable and grippy. When it comes to rug runners, wool carpet holds up better than natural fibers, but I just love the look of sisal. It’s also timeless and traditional, so there’s no risk (at least not for me) in tiring of the design. I’ve actually also found that dark colors show more hair and dust, so I went with a medium tone.
Am I happy with sisal?
Sisal is not as soft on bare feet as wool, but it is soft enough and gave us the traction I was hoping for. And having a rug pad beneath the rug offers some extra cushion. And I love the look of natural fibers. The installer added padding so it’s pretty cushy. I wanted to go a shade or two lighter but was too worried about stains. This has held up really well. I prefer stair runner rugs to stair treads (I just don’t like those), and we went custom, but a pre-made runner is a great choice, too. I really like Annie Selke’s runner rugs – they are a great option for stairs.
Choosing a stair runner for our new home
While I loved our last runner, when I went to look at new ones, I came across a synthetic sisal made of wool. It’s softer, offers the same look, and I was told it’s actually more durable and stain-resistant than actual sisal.
We went with the waterfall method, which is the most common installation method. Just bring the carpet over the edge of the stairs and go straight down to the next one. The overall look is clean and traditional. This is our main staircase, and offers a warm and elegant but casual look.
A stair runner looks so nice on hardwood flooring, and a custom stair runner is the perfect way to “finish” your staircase or entryway.
How to Arrange a Stairway Gallery Wall
Thank you to my interior designer friend Kira David who ordered swatches and placed the order for me.
