Looking for a classic stair runner for the best look? Here are some including the new one we selected for our new home in Florida. We love how it is wearing and the stylish look.
Also, I’m sharing a great natural-look makeup find, lovely French-style soaps, a late-summer outfit, and more. It’s Five Faves time with Annie and Cindy!
1. Which Classic Stair Runner Would You Choose For Our Atlantic Beach, Florida Staircase?
Why use a carpet runner? Our stairs are made of hardwood flooring and are dark and slippery. As in: I wouldn’t want to wear just socks on them. And our dog, Chief, has been known to slip running down the stairs.
What to consider for this high-traffic area: durability and stain resistance, look (how it blends with your décor), and price.
A low-pile carpet made of durable materials such as nylon or wool blend is a good option for stairs with high traffic. I have also had good luck with sisal on stairs in the past. However, a jute weave may be too loose.
Here are some classic stair runners that I looked at and am waiting for content and pricing for materials and installation. You can see that I am fond of texture, stripes, and natural fibers
Which is YOUR favorite of the stair runner rugs?
You may also like The Best Classic Ways To Hang Art In Stairways.
2. Classic Stair Runner Ideas
I’ve been perusing Instagram and found these examples of rug runners by Stanton. It is interesting to see the application of tricky stair tread corners versus a straight staircase and where the stair carpet begins and ends. Also, whether the first and last risers are carpeted.
For a striped runner, I prefer the more uniform look of a vertical stripe versus a horizontal one (like in the center-right photo). I also like a small print versus a bold pattern and a relatively soft feel for comfort.
You may like: Classic Staircase Updates To Make You Stare!
And here is the Stanton 100% wool carpet Las Palmas in Ocean that we selected:
Note we decided not to carpet the first riser.
You may also like: An Exclusive Tour of Our Classic Beach Home and
The Best Way To Hang Art on Stairs.
3. New Color Correction Foundation For A Natural Look
I am all about speed and a natural look with my makeup.
After seeing the videos on Instagram and purchasing, I’m happy with Laura Geller Baked Balance-n-Brighten for light-to-medium coverage. Watch the application video here. It helps smooth out my face’s discolorations. I’m using the medium shade.
4. French-style Lavender Square Soaps
I follow Kathleen from Saltbox Digs on Instagram and fell in love with her recently launched lavender soap. They would make a nice hostess gift, party favor for a ladies’ lunch, or stocking stuffer and you are supporting a small business.
5. Late Summer Outfit Of The Week (to take with me to Mallorca 🙂
This first year of Howard’s retirement has included lots of travel…next year there will be more “at-home time.” In September we are going back to Europe, specifically Tuscany, Mallorca, and Madrid with our daughter, Spanish/Italian American son-in-law (and his family), and little Louisa.
This is the cotton dress that I bought for Mallorca. I bought it in the Anthro store in a regular small (comes in petite and plus too) so it is more of a maxi dress on me. It washes well and there are lots of patterns.
Packable Straw Hat • Necklace On Sale • Cotton Tiered Dress • Quince Well-Priced Carryon • White leather Cariuma sneakers • Italian leather bucket bag with optional shoulder strap • nude toenail polish popular shade • Easy To Pack light Havaianas Sandals (I want these). They are as comfortable as their traditional flip-flops but with a little more structure.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Therese says
So, Mary Ann, what did you decide! Would love to see the choice you made! Pics Please!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Yes…going to be installed this week! 🙂
Cindi says
My choices would be 4 or 5. Actually I would like info for 4 myself if you could share please. I also have been looking at that Laura Geller foundation and just placed an order. Thanks for the heads up on the sale.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Look at Stanton Carpets! Good luck.
Charon says
Hello! I’m also going to install a stair runner in my home. I choose number three for home. I ordered a large sample from the manufacturer. My husband and I laid it on the stairs and it looks beautiful!!
I was excited to see that you like it as well. I’m also going to have a foyer rug made out of it to coordinate with the stair runner.
Carmelee Thorpe says
I love the carpet in pictures 2 and 5. The idea of installing it as a runner will look great. I looked into carpet similar to those, from Shaw, that are similar were in wool. Unfortunately it didn’t fit in the Reno budget. I am sure whatever you choose will be lovely.
Annie Diamond says
I love all of the options, Mar Ann. Such helpful information and things to consider when choosing a runner! We’ve never had a runner in all of the homes we’ve had…I do love the look though. It adds texture, besides being safer! No socks can be worn in this house!
Love your outfit for an island in Spain. What a fun trip that will be!
xx
Karen B. says
Mary Ann,
I like #2 and #5 stair runners, but I love your style and I’m sure whatever you select will be lovely.
I think travel when you can is always a good idea. I know it will be a fun trip with your granddaughter, daughter and son-in-law,
Karen B.
Kim says
I love the blue options in #1 and #2, but really you can’t go wrong with any of the choices. You mentioned sisal, but have you checked into seagrass? I have a few seagrass rugs, and they clean up so well–better than sisal, I am told. Also–thank you for the link to the packable straw hat. I am shocked that JCrew offers that hat in a large size–so hard to find!
Joan says
Tried to look at the Quince carry-on but the link goes to the necklace….can you correct?
Mary Ann Pickett says
I corrected it earlier. I need to contact the affiliate company. Thank you!
Debbie Courtney says
I vote for #4. I have had sisal on my stairs for over 7 years and LOVE it.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Yes. I had it in two houses before. I like it too.
Kim says
I like all the runners, but 2 and 5 the best. Which is the most pet friendly?! 🙂 The outfit is pretty and perfect for your trip. I tried the Laura Geller foundation and while I liked what it felt like on my face, I couldn’t find a color that didn’t look orange on me. Disappointing. I have noticed that gmadeals.com has had it for half off a few times this year.
Joan says
We need to do a stair runner on our limestone stairs, so your review of options this week is timely! I love #3, in any of the colors (if you shy away from blue). And the dress is lovely — tempted to purchase the bright multi-color floral option!
Katherine says
Hi Mary Ann,
It’s hard to say without seeing the steps in person. I’m leaning to 4 and 5. The steps will get lots of use so the one with a tight weave and the best durability is what I think would be best for you. Also a tight weave for Chiefs nails and if a lady has stiletto’s on. I have no doubt you will select a pattern that is perfect for your stairs.
The trip to Tuscany, Mallorca, and Madrid with the family sounds wonderful. Safe travels.
Janet Lorusso says
Love the stair runner options – I’d do the subtle herringbone in a neutral and bind the edges in blue. Also love that lavender soap – SO pretty, and a delightful hostess gift! And you travel wardrobe pick is perfect, sounds like you have a wonderful time planned with your family- Enjoy!!
Christine says
I pick #2. The blue is lovely, and the ivory colors are wonderful because of the texture and design elements. I agree that the runners with the horizontal strips don’t seem to work.
Debra says
For a clean, open look perhaps just carpet the step and not the rise.
Susan S says
Weighing in on the stair runners, my personal preference mirrors yours in that if a striped one is chosen, I prefer a vertical pattern as it lends itself to a stairway. The chevron-like (patterned) carpets have been overdone in my opinion. Having said this, my first preference is a sisal runner for accommodating the soft, neutral, goes-with-everything look. Safe travels!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks for your input, Susan!!
KP says
I love all these choices, but I would probably go with #4.
Do you have a link to the adorable dress?
Mary Ann Pickett says
All my links are messed up this morning!! Not sure why. Let me fix it.
Mary says
Following this closely! Trying to convince my husband we need to carpet the stairs before somebody with 2 OR 4 legs takes a tumble! And looks like I need to head to Anthro to try that darling dress 👗! I’ve been known to “blame” some purchases on you😉 Your upcoming trip sounds amazing!
Mary Ann Pickett says
My friend, Mercedes says the same thing! If it’s any consolation, I just purchased the flipflops 🙂
Sharman Bingham says
For the stair runner question: I like number 3 best. It looks like it would be comfortable on bare feet and compatible with the vibe of your house.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Sharman. Love that one too.
Beth says
Quick FYI – a couple of your Outfit links are linking to the wrong items (Luggage goes to the necklace; the Italian bag goes to the sandals…..). Have a great trip. Mallorca so fabulous! Re the runner – we have a home in Florida and used a very muted blue, such as the one pictured. It has been on the stairs about 10 years, and we have never tired of it. In fact, people who come into our house always seem to say, “I wish I had not gone with a natural color – I played it too safe.” Can’t tell you how many compliments we have received, and continue to receive on that silly runner! I know you will make the perfect decision for your lovely home. Have fun and safe travels.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Beth, I hope the links are fixed by now. Thanks so much for telling me about your experience with your Florida home.
Cathy says
Do you have a link for the leather bucket bag? I need to replace the runner on our stairs as it has been in place for 24 years and is looking worn, so I look forward to seeing what you do. I am leaning towards #2 and #5.
Mary Ann Pickett says
oh sorry…I will fix the link. Its a good price for the quality.
Susan says
I like number 4. On a stairway I prefer a carpet with no “pattern”. I love texture, something that feels good under foot, when walking up and down the stairs barefoot. You’ll want something your dog’s toenails don’t catch in, too. Go for a tightly woven carpet, for durability and something that bends easily around the toe of the tread. If you are binding the edges, I would keep it the same color as the carpet. I don’t remember the shape of your stairway or what color wood they are but I keep picturing dark wood with white rails. I think leaving the edges of your treads un-carpeted to show off your beautiful wood would keep with the beachy feel of your home. Choose a color that accents the wood, a coastal blue would be beautiful. The bottom riser should be carpeted on a straight stairway but if you have a landing at the bottom, I would leave it entirely un-carpeted. If your stairs are L or U shaped, I’d be tempted to leave each landing bare, having carpet only on the stairs. This would enhance the design of the stairway in an interesting way. However if you are carpeting the entire step, with no wood showing on the edges, everything should be carpeted. I know whatever you choose will make your home even prettier. I enjoy seeing the transformation of your lovely home.
On another subject, I was on the Tuckernuck website yesterday and saw more dresses that look so like you!. Some are on sale now, too. 🙂
Mary Ann Pickett says
I was definitely going to leave some wood showing, Susan. It is pretty. Thanks for all your advice.
The bottom sort of fans out. I should have shown it. I have a professional carpet installer coming tomorrow and I will listen to his opinions too.
As I write this comment…I’m thinking of popping over to Tuckernuck next 🙂
Kathy Weber says
I really think #3 will be a choice you will be happy with …#1 & 2 have stripes that over time could shift and you might get a wavy look going up your stairwell. #4 has a looser weave and I would worry Chief’s nails might catch on this one. And #5 has a pattern that could become looser and not as nice looking.
Excited to see what you choose!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Kathy, that #3 is popular! I may go with it if I can’t forget about a stripe…I love them.
Joanna says
My favourite is #5. I love a runner on stairs. Not only are they safer but it gives a nice finished look.
Cute dress! Your trip sounds fantastic. So many interesting stops. It makes me want to book a trip but I’m waiting on a surgical date (hip).
Mary Ann Pickett says
Cindy had the best success with her two hip surgeries!
Catherine says
My favorite stair runner is No. 5, a true classic you won’t ever tire of. Next is No 2, but I also wonder if you will tire of the blue / stripe? I still can’t decide whether I like the landings with / without carpet. I will check out the Havanas for upcoming trips to Spain and Costa Rica. I like the option of an ankle strap.
Mary Ann Pickett says
I like those too…actually I like all of them!
Barb says
My ‘gut’ choice is #3, subtly patterned, soft colors. I added a carpet runner recently to our wooden steps and without carpeting the bottom and top risers, I think it would look unfinished. Good luck deciding!.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Love that one too! I’m thinking of carpeting the top riser but unsure of the bottom…I’ve see it both ways.
cindy says
So funny I have just been researching foundation!! Must check Laura Geller out! That dress is darling and I must check out those Havianas!! I would probably choose seagrass for a stair runner, but it probably isn’t as slip resistant as the others. They all are lovely choices but you might tire of the blue?
Mary Ann Pickett says
You can try our my foundation when I see you in Oct! I was wondering if I would tire of blue too butI always had some blue decor and it can be a neutral…like denim goes with everything. That sisal is not that soft but I like it a lot.