Contemporary Stair Runners; What's All The Fuss About?

What's All The Fuss About Contemporary Stair Runners?

If you’ve been keeping a keen eye on interior design trends lately, you may well have heard about contemporary stair runners. Designed to brighten up any staircase with a touch of visual interest, these stair runners have been around for some time, so why are they so popular right now? Well, it may have something to do with the retro-modern edge that contemporary stair runners offer – or it could simply be that they look great. Whatever the case, we thought we’d take this opportunity to look at contemporary stair runners in a little more depth.

Contemporary stair runners for beginners

If you’ve got a staircase in your home, especially one with a wooden surface or similar, contemporary stair runners might be just what you need. So what are stair runners used for? Well, they’re primarily used to add a bit of colour and traction to a staircase. For example, many wooden stairs can be slippery and potentially hazardous, but a contemporary stair runner fixes this issue elegantly. Plus, stair runners are available in a variety of widths, so whether your stairs are narrow or enclosed, there’s a solution for you.

The full contemporary stair runner package

Stair runners can look fantastic on their own, especially when set against a complementary floor colouring – but there’s another addition which can give the final touch of perfection: stair rods. Made from a variety of high quality metals, stair rods are designed to hold the contemporary stair rods flush to the corner of the stair, and keep the fit neat at all times. A beautifully fitted stair runner in combination with some quality stair rods is an interior design innovation that’s hard to beat.

A world of choice

The great thing about contemporary stair runners is that they’re available in a wide range of colours and designs. From a subtle Items style from Brink and Campman to the more eye-catching and colourful Missouri Range, you really can have your pick. Our advice is to try to compare the designs and colours of these contemporary stair runners with the existing flooring you have on your stairs. That way, you’ll know whether they’re complementary right from the offset. 

If you’d like to try out some contemporary stair runners in your home, there’s no better place than Stair Rods Direct. And if you have any questions about our products, installation, or anything else, just call our friendly team on 0845 838 8638.

Stair Runners vs. Hallway Runners: What's The Difference?

Stair Runners vs. Hallway Runners: What's The Difference?

If you’re looking to do a little home improvement, you may already have considered a new rug or perhaps carpet.

But have you also considered a stair or hall runner? Whilst the two of these products are similar by design, they actually achieve two different objectives within the home. If you’re not 100% clear on the differences between stair runners and hallway runners, you’re certainly not alone, so allow us to shed some light on the key points of difference between stair runners and hall runners. After all, Rugs Direct is one of the UK’s premier sources of hallway runners (and we know some folks who can help with stair runners, too).

What is a hallway runner?

Both modern and traditional rugs tend to come in a variety of sizes, and most stockists you’ll find will offer a similar selection, generally speaking. For example, you’ll easily find circular rugs, ovular rugs and of course rectangular rugs – but what happens if you have a long corridor that you’d like to throw a rug on to bring that extra bit of charm? Well, short of grabbing a pair of pinking shears and trying to re-shape a regular rug, there is another solution – hallway runners. By investing in a high quality hallway runner, you can enjoy all of the benefits of a colourful room rug in a shape that’s perfectly suited to the space you need to fill. At Rugs Direct, we offer a wide variety of hallway runners, including modern designs, traditional designs and lots of eye-catching colours too.

What is a stair runner?

In many modern homes, and even in older ones, you’ll often find wooden staircases. And if you’re not a big fan of wood – or if you simply don’t like the carpet that’s on the stairs – you’ll want to find a way to cover the stairs up. That’s where stair runners come in. But far from disguising the stylishness of your stairs, these stair runners actually bring a sense of style that’s all their own. Available in a wide variety of patterns and designs, stair runners generally leave a space on either side of the staircase to draw the eye to the runner itself. Stair runners can also protect those feet from the cold wood in winter!

The bottom line

As you can see, there is actually a very clear difference between both hallway runners and stair runners. So the next time you want a new rug for your hall, you’ll know exactly what you want to be looking for: a hallway runner. Likewise in the case of a stair runner. If you have questions about hallway runners or anything else, you can get in touch with the Rugs Direct team on 0845 838 8638.

Traditional Hall Carpet Runner - Celebrate the Past

Celebrate the Past with a Traditional Hall Carpet Runner

If you’ve got a long, narrow hallway in your home, then it’ll come as no surprise that you can’t simply drop a regular-shaped rug there and cross your fingers. What you’ll need is a hallway runner, also known as a hall carpet runner: a long, narrow carpet in a design that suits you. In this post we’d like to talk about one form of runner that seems to be making a comeback of late – the traditional hall carpet runner. Here at Rugs Direct we offer a host of differing designs from all over the world, so let’s look at what makes these so sought-after.

The top manufacturers of hall carpet runners

Just as with the other rugs we sell, hall carpet runners are manufactured by a number of different brands, all with their own unique spin on the item. We’re proud to offer hall carpet runners from such brands as Balta, Oriental Weavers, Lano and many more. These manufacturers are dab-hands at creating traditional hall carpet runners with designs that are both eye-catching and give a gentle homage to the past. Even better, these hallway runners are often hand-tufted – meaning they’re even more durable and long-lasting.

The intricate details of traditional hall carpet runners

One thing that sets this type of rug apart from the rest is the traditional designs and patterns they so often feature. If you take a look at our range of traditional hall carpet runners, you’ll quickly notice a running theme of exquisite, intricate patterning along with rich, deep colours. These are a far cry from many of the modern designs you see nowadays, and each one is unique in its own way. You’ll notice subtle differences depending on location too: oriental hall carpet runners will usually feature similar but different patterns to those from India, for example.

Give your home the ‘wow’ factor

In addition to the rich heritage and detailing of a traditional hall carpet runner, you’ll also benefit from something a little less tangible. There’s a real sense of amazement that classic patterns and designs like these can provide to a home. When your guests first step through your front door to be greeted by your eye-catching traditional hall carpet runner – well, let’s just say you can expect more than a few compliments! A traditional hall carpet runner is a superb addition to any home, bringing balance to any hallway and adding a focal point at the same time.

For more info about traditional hall carpet runners, you can call our friendly team on 0845 838 8638 for some free expert advice. 

Hallway Runner; Brighten Your Home this Autumn

Brighten Your Home This Autumn with a Funky Hallway Runner

With summer on the way out and the autumn rapidly taking its place, it’s easy to feel like your home has lost a bit of its sparkle. So what better way to brighten up your homestead than with a funky hallway runner from Rugs Direct? We’ve got a wide range on offer, all of which have distinct and original patterns that can put a whole new spin on your interior design. Here are our favourites – but which ones are yours?

‘Jazz’ Stripes Multi Funky Hallway Runner

Let’s kick things off with something that’s truly colourful: the Stripes Multi Runner. Vibrancy is the order of the day with this one, as it features a number of different eye-catching colours including pinks, blues and greens. The perfect way to add real character to any hallway, this funky hallway runner has been hand-made in India from 100% wool – meaning it’ll be cosy on your feet even on the most blustery of autumn days.

‘Funk’ Multi Hallway Runner

From the distinctive ‘Funk’ collection of hallway runners, this multi-coloured Funk Multi Hallway Runner is the very definition of a funky hallways runner. Making the most of a pleasing block-based design, the pattern itself features many different interlocking squares, each a slightly different colour. This is guaranteed to add a vivid focal point to your hallway.

‘Jazz’ Block Charcoal Funky Hallway Runner

If you still want the design of a funky hallway runner but with a more muted colour palette, why not try this Jazz Block Charcoal Hallway Runner? Peppered with blocks of differing sizes, the pattern of the runner is sure to catch anyone’s eye, and the colour makes it ideal for almost any interior design theme. That’s one of the great things about the monochrome motif, it blends in anywhere!

Ives Modern Rug Funky Hallway Runner

Last (but by no means least) is this subtle Ives Modern Rug Hallway Runner. Does it qualify as a funky hallway runner? Well, it’s certainly on the borderline, but it does feature a very intricate pattern when you look closely enough. Of course, as it lives on your floor you probably won’t see it much, but still – it’s the thought that counts. This high quality rug is made from 60% cotton and 40% Jute, and is highly durable and easy to clean.

Whether you’re after something modern, retro or completely off-the-wall, we’ve got something in our funky hallway runner collection for you. Explore the full range in our online hallway runner shop, or call our friendly team on 0845 838 8638 for some free expert advice. 

Do Traditional Rugs still have a place in 2014?

Do Traditional Rugs Still Have a Place in 2014?

With a strong focus on modern rugs in today’s marketplace, it’s easy to see why some people may believe that the popularity of traditional rugs is waning. But more than that, there is also a question about whether or not these traditional rugs even have a place in the modern home. Our opinion may be somewhat predictable, but based on our many years as market leaders in the rug and carpet industry, we can tell you categorically that traditional rugs very much do have a place in today’s home – and we’d like to explain why. Please click the link above to find out more

Hallway runners can help make an entrace

As you come home every night you look at your hallway. You know it needs attention, but having the carpet re-laid is going to be a big job. You will have to move everything, finding space for furniture to go, and then you will have wait until the fitter can fit you in. However, in moments you could fix the problem yourself.

http://www.rugsdirect.co.uk/runners/funky/jazz/stripes-purple

Hallways and other high traffic areas can quickly show the signs of a trodden path, the flattening of the pile in your carpet in the line people walk. 

Yet the rest of the carpet looks perfect. This is the time when you just need to add a rug or hallway runner. It is fast and simple, and buying rugs online really couldn't be simpler. You can make a room look new without doing that much, except putting the rug down.

Either a traditional or modern rug can do the trick. This can transform the area by either making a statement or blending into its surroundings. 

Changing the entrance to your house with a hallway runner will make a great first impression to guests. A light rug in a darker room with no windows may add light and depth to a room, while a bright room may need a rug will bright colours. Buying a hallway runner online could not be easier.

http://www.rugsdirect.co.uk/runners/traditional/royal-classic 

A Guide To Stair & Hall Way Runners

Whatever your taste in design, dress your stairs with something decorative yet practical.


If you are thinking about choosing a runner for your stairs or hallway then check the condition of your floorboards and consider how the two will work together.  The next step  is to measure your stairs or hallway and decide how much space you would like to leave either side of the runner.

One of the great things about stair and hall runners is that they can can create the illusion of more space. It's just the same as painting the walls in a light colour or adding a mirror to a room.  If your stairway is dark or narrow then a patterned runner could help to make it look bigger.

As your hallway and stairs receive more traffic than the rest of your house it is important to choose a good quality runner that can cope with the daily wear and tear. For comfort and durability, it’s wise to choose a mix of wool and nylon.

You may think that stair runners are held in place by stair rods, but infact these are purely a decorative finishing touch. They add to the look of a stair runner and give it extra personality and style.

Our Brink & Campman stair runners are made from 80% pure new wool and 20 % polyamide - ideal to achieve the right balance of comfort and durability.





Thanks to www.channel4.com/4home for their inspiration for this blog.

Add some bling to your staircase!

A stair rod, or carpet rod as some people call them date back to the late 19th century, when they were used to attach a stair runner to a staircase. Unfortunately the runner would gradually slip down the staircase which was dangerous and would often wear unevenly.

These day’s your carpet fitter will use gripper to secure your carpet or stair runner as it is a far safer method. However stair rods are still very popular as they now get used for decorative reasons.

Stair rods can often create a traditional look to your stair case, but what many people don’t realize is that they can also create a modern and stylish look too.

 

Below (left) is the 'Tudor Stair Rod Tudor Stair Rods' and below (right) is the 'Homepride Stair Rod'. Both are available from our website.

There are a variety of super stylish and traditional stair runners and carpet runners available which would be the focal point of your stair case. The stair rods would then enhance your stair case further, just like adding a bag, hat, belt or shoes to complete an outfit you are wearing.

Our most popular stair rods at present are the 'Vision' Runner Rods. The Vision stair rods feature modern finial designs with a choice of Sphere, Piston, Arrow and Balladeer finials. They are designed to complement contemporary stair cases and carpet designs. The Vision stair rods are a great choice for those looking for something different to the norm.

We also sell  Crystal Stair Rods which are quite unique. Each Crystal rod features a finely cut Austrian crystal which catches the light and creates a dramatic and quite unique decorating effect. These elegant carpet rods emphasise the stair runner whilst offering a touch of elegance. Crystal rods are suitable for use with either carpet runner or fitted carpet making them a great choice for all homes.

Another unique type of stair rod we sell are actually clips as opposed to rods and are called  ‘Victorian Stair Clips’. In Victorian times stair clips were a popular and fashionable accessory, however modern fitting methods sadly consigned them to history.

 

Our Victorian stair clips are solid brass in a variety of finishes and traditional manufacturing methods are used to give them quality and authenticity. They will recreate the look of yesteryear and add a distinctive touch to your stairs. They can even create a modern feel particularly in a chrome finish.

You can find a large variety of stair runners and stair rods including the ones featured in this blog from our website:

www.stair-rodsdirect.co.uk

Rugs Direct - Newsletter - 12/09/12

At Rugs Direct we source only quality rugs from leading manufacturers and this week’s newsletter focuses on one of the world’s largest manufacturers of wilton rugs and carpets, Lano. They produce high quality woven wilton rugs in both traditional and contemporary designs.

Our traditional rugs from Lano include the Farsistan range. These rugs are carefully manufactured using only the best raw materials for exceptional quality. They feature many fine design elements as a tribute to the creativity of the ancient craftsmen, whose priceless original masterpieces can only be found today in museums. These are heavyweight 100% pure wool rugs and bear the Wool Mark. These rugs are also accredited with an International Quality Classification of T6, which is the highest rating for a wilton rug, and denotes a very high quality, dense pile suitable for heavy traffic areas. These lovely traditional rugs are one of our heaviest wilton rug ranges and are available in authentic shades including red, terracotta, beige and green.

Lano also manufacture rugs from 100% polypropylene, again using classical designs and also suitable for heavy traffic areas. We offer the Kamira range, which are stylish, available in small and large rectangular rugs and hall runners. These rugs are carefully manufactured in heavyweight Polypropylene with an International Quality Classification of T5, denoting an excellent quality dense pile.

If you are looking for the same quality but in a more contemporary rug style then the Kamira Ethnic and Tivoli ranges would be perfect. Tivoli is a stunning new range of patterned rugs in muted colours to compliment todays modern environment, bringing comfort and style to any contemporary setting. Kamira Ethnic rugs are woven in stylish patterns with a modern take on ethnic designs. Both ranges are made of 100% Polypropylene.

For more information about Rugs Direct or anything related to the article, check the website out at: http://www.rugsdirect.co.uk  

Rugs Direct Newsletter - 30/07/12

Here at Rugs Direct we have been sourcing a wide collection of hallway runners and stairway runners. Shopping for rugs online with Rugs Direct gives you access to modern rugs, traditional rugs, plain rugs and funky rugs. 

Choose from a wide range of traditional rugs suitable for all ages and tastes. These quality rugs come from a range of reputable manufacturers such as Lano, Balta, Louis De Poortere and Oriental Weavers as well as a number of ranges hand tufted in both India and China.

Or select from our collection of modern rugs. Our modern runners also come from reputable manufacturers including the very design conscious Arte Espina as well as Asiatic and Lano.
We have a wide variety of styles from classic simplicity to downright outlandish.

If you are looking for something stylish in a plain colour we have an excellent collection in a range of colours to suit most decors.

Our contemporary rugs and traditional rugs come in a choice of wool, acrylic and polypropylene yarns. Many of our ranges are also colourfast and most will withstand heavy wear. If you are looking for hallway runners or stairway runners that will really add style to your home then we believe that we have the collection for you here at Rugs Direct.

For more information about Rugs Direct or anything to do with the article, please visit the website at:

http://www.rugsdirect.co.uk