A staircase can become a beautiful centrepiece with a carefully chosen stair runner
In recent years stair runners have enjoyed a resurgence with interior designers, and homeowners. With an increasing range of bold new modern designs, beautiful patterns, and array of colour options staircases have become the design statement in many homes. The origin of the stair runner stems from a time when carpeting was limited to the widths of the looms on which it was made. Modern methods of manufacture offering broadloom carpet would come some time later. These earlier woven materials were used for hallway runners, area rugs, and on staircases where the narrow widths were perfectly suited. In those times runners would be fixed using metal rods, and brackets to keep them from moving. Improved installation methods today use hidden fixings which provide a more contemporary finish. If you want to keep that traditional look we offer a comprehensive range of stair rods in various qualities, and styles. Due to the modern fixing methods the rods are now used for aesthetic purposes only.
These resources are the perfect starting point for working through ideas, and finding an aesthetic that can work for you. Rooms should be considered for the function they will be asked to perform. Along with walls, floors are the largest consideration when remodelling a room or home. When deciding on a scheme these two aspects are equally important. They should be considered together to ensure they complement one another. When choosing a paint, or wall covering check to see if they work with your preferred floor covering. Do they provide cohesion, and the look you are after? If you are laying new hard floors throughout the ground floor of your property how will these look with your new, or existing kitchen? A beautiful oak hardwood floor will look better with a painted shaker style kitchen, rather than a kitchen made from maple vaneer. As a rule hardwood flooring in a kitchen will look better with a kitchen that isn’t wood, or wood effect. It is best to stick to one species of timber, to avoid patterns, and colours competing for attention. If you are keeping your existing kitchen and want to run the same flooring throughout the ground floor this may limit your options.
If you are looking for a runner that encompasses all of those original design cues look no further than our beautiful range from Roger Oates. Designed and manufactured in England using the finest quality wool these stunning designs are produced on original 18th century looms. The founder, Roger studied textile design at what is now UCA Farnham. His interest in traditional methods of weaving brought him to the idea of recreating the traditional stair runner. The humble stair covering of yesteryear has been given a modern makeover with his striking contemporary designs. Traditional weaving methods combined with bold colours make for a staircase statement in any style of home. Once made each roll of material is painstakingly checked by hand before being released, just as it would have been two centuries before. The soft, subtle material can be manipulated to fit around stairs that turn and wind so patterns hold their shape, and lines line up. If you want stripes on your stair runner this material is the only way to go. For staircases with quarter landings or half turns, the material can be cut, mitred and stitched together allowing the runner to follow the exact configuration of your stairs.
For a greater insight into this traditional method please check out our two minute video here kindly provided by Roger Oates.
If you would like to discuss your requirements in more detail please get in touch with our team. We will take into consideration your stair configuration, budget, and design style. We are experienced in all types of stair runners, and properties, and can provide unbiased advice to ensure you achieve your perfect staircase statement.
