A reader recently wrote and wondered if she should use the same exact rug on the stairs that she used as an area rug in the foyer.
Not long ago, the standard practice was to carpet the stairs in the same carpet chosen for the adjacent rooms for both continuity of color and style. As decorating styles became more free and diverse, the options of mixing styles and fabrics for your carpeted stairs expanded.
Not only are different color carpets now being used for stairs and adjoining rooms, patterned carpets and runners are commonly mixed and matched. Many rug companies have complementary patterns for stairs that are also available in area rugs in the same or compatible naps and styles. This can help take some of the “guess-work” out of matching different styles.
So what are some options that you can safely use on the stairs to work with other area carpets?
Stripes are very popular now and will work with many different patterns:
Another option that I like is to use a sisal or natural woven stair runner:
Which of course matches with everything. Don’t you love the look of the sisal edged with a darker border?:
Herringbone is also an uncomplicated pattern to work with:
To answer the question, no, you do not have to match the stair and area carpets. My advice would be to be that they are not exactly the same. Much more contemporary and interesting. Do you agree?
Thank you to those who have voted for my design board in the Tobi Fairley contest. Remember that you can vote once a day! Thank you very much! It would be a dream come true for me.
http://olioboard.com/boards/175487-for-the-love-of-color
Share on Facebook
![house before2[1]](http://www.restylinghomebykellyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/housebefore21.jpg "house before2[1]")
![house after5[1]](http://www.restylinghomebykellyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/houseafter51.jpg "house after5[1]")
Kelly Bernier Designs
