Stairway to Style – Style and Trends for Staircases

May 6, 2025

The staircase is often more than just a way to move between floors—it’s a design statement, a central feature, and a high-traffic zone all in one. And when it comes to styling, flooring plays a starring role. The right stairway carpet can elevate your interior while providing essential comfort, safety, and durability.

Choosing the Right Carpet for Stairs

When selecting a carpet for your staircase, it’s important to strike the perfect balance between style and practicality.

Durability & Safety

Stairs take a lot of wear, so opt for hard-wearing materials paired with a firm underlay to provide extra cushioning and grip underfoot. This not only extends the life of the carpet but also reduces slips and trips.

Material Matters

Wool carpets are a popular choice for their luxurious feel, natural resilience, and longevity. Wool blends, incorporating synthetic fibres, offer enhanced durability—ideal for busy households.

Pile & Texture

Low pile carpets (like cut pile or loop pile) are best for staircases. They stand up well to traffic, hold their shape, and are easier to clean. If you’re craving a softer feel underfoot, high pile options can work well in homes with lower footfall.

Medina, Fossil installed by Floorscope

Patterns & Textures: What’s Trending?

Modern staircases are embracing texture and pattern to stunning effect.

Stripes & Geometrics

Bold yet timeless, these patterns draw the eye upward and can visually elongate the staircase. Perfect for adding personality without overwhelming the space.

Herringbone & Basket Weave

Classic patterns that exude understated elegance—ideal for period properties.

Tactile Textures

Textured loop pile carpets, bouclé, and other tactile finishes add depth and interest, turning a functional surface into a design feature.

IMG 20250404 WA0010

Runners vs. Fully Fitted Carpets

Stair Runners

Runners are a favourite for good reason—they create a clean, sophisticated look and allow the beauty of the stair’s structure to shine through. A runner can soften the look of a traditional wooden staircase, reduce noise, and create a striking contrast. Contrast edging and bold patterns give traditional runners a modern twist and allow an injection of personality.

Fully Fitted Carpets

For those who prioritise plush comfort underfoot, fully fitted carpets deliver a seamless look and enhanced softness. They’re great for minimising noise and increasing warmth.

5 Mayfair, Champagne   Squared Floors   rezised

Sustainable Choices

Eco-conscious consumers are increasingly looking for sustainable options that don’t compromise on style.

Natural Fibres

Wool remains a top choice—not only for its natural beauty but for its low environmental impact.

Recycled & Low-Impact Materials

From recycled fibres to carpets made using sustainable manufacturing processes, the market is growing for stylish flooring that treads lightly on the planet.

April Hamilton Interiors Sorrento Tortora Stair Carpet

Colour Trends

Colour can dramatically change the mood and impact of your staircase.

Earthy Neutrals 

Warm greys, taupes, and soft beige tones are timeless and versatile.

Bold Accents

Rich shades like forest green, midnight blue, or burnt orange are making their mark as statement stair choices.

Monochrome & Contrast

Black and white combinations or high-contrast patterns lend a modern edge with real visual impact.

CAPRI_BLUE_GROTTO_Cropped

Conclusion

Your staircase deserves as much attention as any other space in your home. Choosing the right carpet is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about function, safety, comfort, and longevity.

Think about who’s using the stairs, how often, and what kind of statement you want to make. With the right materials and a keen eye for current trends, your staircase can become a standout feature—combining beauty and practicality with every step

Posted in: