Looking to adding a super charming stair runner
to punch up your space?
Here’s the skinny on the stair runner used on HGTV’s
Episode 101 of Southern Spitfire.
Installation and designer tips that can preserve your look and save you money down the road!
Cost & Brand Selection Process
Add a super charming stair runner to punch up your space!
How to select:
Firstly, select a supplier from which to purchase your stair runner. As a designer I wanted a durable, casual, cost effective hit of color for the foyer in the Griffeth’s Home from Season 1, Episode 1 of “Southern Spitfire.” This 2-story entry space needed some warmth and drama. This particular rug pattern is a 100% cotton flat weave from Dash & Albert a division of Annie Selke. I love aged, intense color, but as a designer I’m always looking for quality and texture. I need to physically touch/see my options folks! Yes, you can look for options online when you begin just to see what is available and what look you’re gravitating towards, but be sure you don’t purchase without understanding the quality your getting with samples!
Samples:
In my designer mind there are two ways to select the actual look of the runner itself.
Option One – Order samples. Many rug suppliers offer samples for purchase. For example I bought a 24”x12” swatch for $12.00 dollars at annieselke.com. This helps you dial in other items that are part of the design, such as the wall and trim color. This sample is yours to keep. Personally, I order my top 5 favorites and send back the 4 I don’t absolutely love, then keep the sample I love and continue to add design elements into the “mix”.
Option two is to find a local supplier and borrow store samples for selecting your perfect runner, and the best part is it’s completely free!
That’s right, once you know the brand you want to use, find a local supplier and visit the store. Most stores have a policy where homeowners can “check out” or borrow physical samples to try in their own space. In my case, Oriental Designer Rugs in Atlanta carried the Dash & Albert line by Anne Selke, so I just dropped in one day to review their samples in person! Trust me folks as a designer even a small detail like a runner needs to be physically seen in person. Color tones and quality are two characteristics that are impossible to judge on a computer screen.
Ask me how I know? I have learned that lesson the hard way.
Also, it was important to me that the texture was soft under foot. Who wants a runner with a rough and scratchy texture? There again, physical samples are invaluable folks.
Installation:
With a thinner flat weave stair runner, I personally recommend running a continuous pad under the entire stair runner, not just individual pads on the flat stair tread themselves.
A continuous pad give your runner ‘s longevity by reducing wear and tear, and for that reason it’s worth every penny!
Click here for Installation Tips!
Cost Breakdown:
I needed 2 standard runner lengths for the completion of this particular foyer stair case.
Please measure your individual steps to be sure you are buying an adequate amount of material.
(2) 2’6”x 12 runners at $164.00 each
Full length 1/4” thick rubber/felt pad and Install at $390.00
Seaming the 2 rugs and hemming cuts at $200.00
Total for runner and installation = $754.00
Note: Yes, you can do it yourself with a staple gun. But hemming the rug’s cut ends is critical to a finished polished look. Here is a great link from Annie Selke for installing a flat weave for do-it- yourselfers .
