Showcasing our partnership with New England Loom and the rising appeal of vintage runners in modern stair design—featured in House Beautiful’s ‘Stair Runner Ideas to Transform Your Home’
We’re excited to share that one of our recent vintage stair runner installations was featured in House Beautiful as part of their list of top stair runner ideas. Our project stood out for using vintage Turkish rugs—an option that’s becoming more and more popular for people who want to add warmth, style, and personality to their homes.
The article highlights vintage stair runners as a luxurious and character-rich way to transform your stairs. With help from our friends at New England Loom, we’ve been able to bring these special pieces into homes across New England and beyond.
Why Vintage Runners Are Having a Moment
Vintage stair runners are more than just a trend. They’re a meaningful design choice that tells a story. Each piece brings history, handmade details, and rich patterns that modern machines simply can’t replicate. Homeowners looking to add texture, depth, and timeless beauty to an often-overlooked space—like stairs—are finding new inspiration in these pieces.
Unlike traditional broadloom carpeting, which is typically mass-produced and uniform, vintage runners are handwoven and one-of-a-kind. This uniqueness offers a fresh edge in the design world, especially now, as more people embrace layered, collected aesthetics that feel lived-in and personal. Whether you’re drawn to bohemian charm or old-world elegance, these runners offer a distinct design language.
Moreover, as staircases become focal points in open-concept homes, vintage runners offer a practical and visually stunning way to enhance these transitional spaces.
10 Designer-Approved Stair Runner Ideas from House Beautiful
Our feature is part of House Beautiful’s list of 10 unique stair runner ideas that highlight the many creative and stylish directions designers are taking. Here’s a closer look at the list:
1. Add Texture
Tone-on-tone patterns in neutrals add subtle depth without overpowering the space.
2. Add a Sweet Border
A scalloped border adds charm and softens angular elements.
3. Try a Coastal Theme
Blues and sandy tones give a relaxed, breezy vibe.
4. Incorporate the Wall Color
Matching wall and runner tones create a seamless, gallery-like effect.
5. Use a Railing-Matching Hue
Coordinated tones make the staircase feel more intentional.
6. Make it Feel Antique
That’s our specialty! We were recognized for layering antique Turkish runners sourced with New England Loom.
7. Go Bold
Eye-catching stripes or patterns can turn stairs into the star of your home.
8. Work in Neutrals
Always classic, neutral runners are versatile and timeless.
9. Add Some Sparkle
A touch of metallic brings in light and luxe.
10. Keep it Narrow
A slim runner shows off wood treads and opens up smaller staircases.
The Allure of Designer-Approved Style
So what makes a design designer-approved? It comes down to intentionality. Every detail—color, shape, finish, and placement—is chosen not just for aesthetics, but also for how it elevates the overall space. These stair runner ideas don’t just decorate—they connect, ground, and guide the design flow of your home.
Whether you love the clean minimalism of a neutral runner or the statement-making power of bold patterns, designer-approved styles are about more than trendiness. They reflect thoughtful curation. And when brought into transitional spaces like staircases, the result is unexpectedly luxurious.
Design isn’t about perfection—it’s about personality. It’s about using every detail, even the ones underfoot, to tell a story. That’s what we aim to bring to every project. And it’s why we’re so proud to be included in this list.
Our Collaboration with New England Loom
This project wouldn’t be possible without our trusted partnership with New England Loom. Located in Wenham, MA, they specialize in curating high-quality vintage rugs from around the world. Their collection features antique and semi-antique Turkish, Persian, and Moroccan rugs—each chosen for its quality, color, and character.
Once you find a rug you love, The Carpet Workroom steps in to handle the fabrication process. We cut and bind each runner, ensuring it fits seamlessly—even on staircases with tricky turns or landings. Our expert craftsmanship guarantees that your vintage piece not only fits, but lasts.
Making It Your Own
Each vintage runner project is as unique as the client behind it. Some begin with a clear vision; others start with inspiration from New England Loom’s online shop or in-person showroom.
We recommend browsing their website or visiting their North Shore location to explore their newest arrivals. Once you’ve picked your favorites, our team can help determine how many pieces are needed and walk you through the customization options. Since vintage runners are sold in smaller pieces than broadloom carpet, multiple rugs may be needed to cover a full staircase.
From there, we do the rest—careful joining, precise cutting, and finishing touches that ensure your stairs are safe, secure, and beautifully cohesive.
Ready to Start Your Own Vintage Runner Project?
Whether you’re based in Massachusetts, elsewhere in New England, New York City, Long Island, Upstate New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania, the process is simple. Start by browsing the latest inventory from New England Loom, or stop by their Wenham showroom to see the rugs in person. When you’re ready, reach out to The Carpet Workroom for a consultation.
We’ll help with measuring, design planning, and full-service installation.
Start your custom stair runner journey today—because every step should tell a story.
