Infinite Carpet Design Journal — Craftsmanship Series
A stair runner that's too narrow looks like an afterthought; one that's too wide can make a staircase feel heavy and overdressed. Getting the width right comes down to a fairly simple rule of proportion, adjusted for your staircase's own character. Here's how to work out the right width before you ever request a quote.
The Basic Rule of Thumb
Most stair runners are sized to leave an even margin of exposed staircase visible on either side, rather than running edge to edge. As a general guide, that margin typically sits between 5 and 10 centimetres per side, meaning the runner itself covers roughly 60 to 80 percent of the total staircase width.
Why not just cover the full width of the stairs?
An even border of exposed timber or stone either side of the runner is what gives a staircase its sense of proportion. It also shows off the staircase's own material, rather than hiding it completely under carpet.
How to Measure Your Staircase
Measure the full width of your staircase at its narrowest point, since older staircases in particular can vary slightly from step to step. Decide on your preferred margin per side within the 5 to 10 centimetre range, then subtract twice that figure from the total width to arrive at your runner width.
Quick working example:
- Staircase width: 100cm
- Margin per side: 7.5cm
- Runner width: 100cm − (7.5cm × 2) = 85cm
Stair Runner Width by Staircase Width
The table below gives a starting reference point for common UK staircase widths, based on a margin of around 7.5cm per side — the middle of the typical range. Always confirm against your own measurement, since staircases vary.
| Staircase width | Typical margin per side | Suggested runner width |
|---|---|---|
| 80cm | 5–7cm | 66–70cm |
| 90cm | 6–8cm | 74–78cm |
| 100cm | 7–9cm | 82–86cm |
| 110cm | 8–10cm | 90–94cm |
| 120cm | 9–10cm | 100–102cm |
When to Adjust the Standard Proportion
The 5 to 10 centimetre margin is a starting point, not a fixed rule, and a few staircase features are worth adjusting for. A grander, wider staircase can often carry a slightly larger margin without looking under-dressed, while a narrow cottage staircase may look better with the smaller end of the margin range so the runner doesn't appear to swamp the steps.
A useful visual check: stand at the bottom of the stairs and look up. If the exposed margin draws your eye more than the runner itself, it's likely too wide; if you can barely see any staircase either side, it's likely too narrow.
Other Factors That Affect the Final Width
Beyond proportion, a few practical details also shape the final width decision: whether the staircase has a curve or winder steps, which can affect how a runner sits on the tread, and whether stair rods or another fixing method will be used, since some fixings work better within a slightly narrower runner. These are worth discussing with your fitter alongside the visual proportion.
Why We Measure Before We Weave
- Every runner sized to your actual staircase — not a standard off-the-shelf width.
- Guidance on proportion at consultation — so the margin suits your staircase's character.
- Curved and winder staircases accommodated — sizing adapted where the stair itself isn't straight.
- Wool and colourway matched to the runner's finished proportions — considered together, not separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the standard margin either side of a stair runner?
Typically between 5 and 10 centimetres per side, depending on the staircase's overall width and character.
How do I measure my staircase for a runner?
Measure the full width at its narrowest point, then subtract twice your chosen margin to arrive at the runner width.
Should a wide staircase have a wider margin?
Generally yes — a grander, wider staircase can carry a slightly larger margin without looking under-dressed.
Can a runner be fitted to a curved staircase?
Yes, curved and winder staircases can be accommodated, though the sizing and fitting approach needs to be discussed for your specific stair.
Does the width affect how the runner is fixed?
It can — certain fixing methods, such as stair rods, work better within a slightly narrower runner, so it's worth confirming this alongside your width decision.
Can I get a bespoke width made to my exact measurement?
Yes, our runners are woven to your confirmed measurement rather than a standard size.
How do I start a bespoke stair runner project?
Get in touch with your staircase measurements, and we'll guide you through proportion, wool, and colourway from there.
A Runner Sized for Your Staircase
Getting stair runner width right is mostly a matter of proportion — a consistent margin either side that suits the scale and character of your particular staircase. Use the reference chart above to gauge a starting point, then confirm the exact figure against your own measurements before committing.
If you're ready to commission a bespoke runner, get in touch with your staircase measurements, or request a free sample to assess our wool quality for yourself.