Are you thinking about transforming your staircase with a stylish and sophisticated stair runner, but you are not sure how to pick the right design for your modern home? If yes, then you have come to the right place.

With the ability to completely change the look of your staircase (in a great way, of course!) and to minimise the sound of footsteps running up and down the stairs multiple times a day, choosing the right style for your stair runner is crucial.

From timeless stripes to vibrant shades, even zebra print, keep reading to discover five stair runner ideas that might just be perfect for your modern home.

1.   Pop of pattern

Patterned carpet stair runners are extremely popular and come in a huge variety of colours and designs, meaning you are guaranteed to find one that complements your existing interior design style.

When choosing a patterned stair runner, if you have a straight staircase, you can pick any precise pattern such as diamond, square, or another geometric design. However, if you have a curved or winding staircase, you will find that matching up the pattern will be near impossible.

2.   Unleash your wild side

If you love a bit of animal print in your home or even just in your wardrobe, you will be pleased to hear that you can find many different animal print stair runners, including zebra print and leopard print.

Furthermore, if you want a more understated look, then you could choose a stair runner that has an animal print border and a more neutral colour for the centre of the runner.

3.   Vibrant reds

If your home has a fairly neutral colour scheme, then perhaps a bold red stair runner is exactly what it needs. Not only will a vibrant red runner create an unforgettable first impression of your property, but it will also add warmth to your home and make your entire entrance feel more luxurious.

4.   Stunning stripes

Another hugely popular choice when it comes to stair runners, stripes have the ability to complement both modern and more traditional type home. From timeless vertical to horizontal classics to zig-zag chevron, stripes are anything but boring when it comes to adding style to your staircase.

Whether you want understated elegance or you would prefer to pick an eclectic range of colours, you are guaranteed to find something you love in the world of striped staircase runners.

5.   Neutral finesse

If all of the above options are just too out there for you, then you might be better suited to a more neutral staircase runner. Choose from a bang-on-trend grey stair runner with a dark grey border or a soft pink shade that will add warmth and elegance.

Alternatively, if you want a stunning hallway that is even more neutral, opt for a natural runner made from jute or sisal that is punctuated by a few subtle black accents such as balustrade.

Whether you are thinking about having a new carpet fitted in your home or are you are considering the benefits and drawbacks of this type of floor covering, it is always a good idea to know how to extend the longevity of your carpet and keep it looking lush for longer.

From cleaning it regularly (and not just with a vacuum cleaner), to making sure it was fitted perfectly in the first place, to concealing any carpet runs, keep reading to discover how you can care for your carpet properly and ensure it stays and feels fresh and soft.

Don’t attempt DIY installation

If you want your carpet to look like it’s been laid by a professional, then you need to enlist the services of a reputable carpet fitter. No amount of YouTube Do It Yourself videos will suddenly turn you into a pro at fitting carpet. Yes, it may save you a little bit of money in the short run, but you will be left with an inferior finish and also be much more likely to suffer problems with your carpet in the future.

Instead, look to a professional who has glowing reviews online and one that you feel you can trust.

Vacuum frequently

This may seem like a such a simple task but vacuuming your carpet regularly is one of the best things you can to maximise the life of your carpet. Aim to vacuum at least once a week and high-traffic areas such as the hallway and stairs twice a week if possible.

You also need to make sure that you are vacuuming your carpet correctly. You should have it raised to its highest setting and go as slowly as possible as to not damage the material and to ensure all the dirt is lifted.

Hire a pro carpet cleaner

If you can afford to do so, hiring a pro carpet cleaner to carry out a hot wash extraction once a year can work wonders for your carpet. To avoid unforeseen costs, make sure that the estimate you receive includes everything from moving your furniture to routine spot removal to deodorising as part of the service.

Alternatively, you could choose to use rented carpet cleaning equipment and do it yourself, although be warned you won’t get the same results as with a pro cleaner.

Repair carpet runs

Snags are perfectly normal in carpets but can look unsightly and make your carpet appear older than it actually is. Fortunately, all you need is a pair of scissors, some tape, and carpet adhesive to make a snag miraculously disappear.

Gently tug the loose yarn to locate the point where it is still firmly attached to the backing of your carpet, and then snip it off. Protect the surrounding carpet using the tape and apply a bead of carpet adhesive into the run.

Treat stains immediately

Two of the most common stains on carpets are wine stains and pet stains, both of which need to be cleaned immediately to avoid long term staining.

For wine stains, use a cloth to blot, not rub the stain and focus on soaking up as much excess liquid as you can. Then pour a small amount of water onto the stain. Blot again. Finally, make a baking soda paste by mixing a three-to-one ratio of water to baking powder and applying to the stain — once dry, vacuum.

Pet stains need an enzyme-based cleaning solution that is suitable for your particular carpet fibre type.

Have you ever been into one of those big grand old houses and taken a look at their stunning staircases? In years gone by, the staircase of a house was one of the standout features, and even today, when people decide to build their own houses, a well-made staircase can cost thousands of pounds and add a real sense of vintage-inspired grandiose to a property.

One of the things that usually stands out on a big grand staircase is the stair runner, which is a thin piece of carpet running down the middle of the stairs, usually ornate in design. This gives the stairs some grip for the users, as well as showing off the woodwork and carpentry of the staircase itself.

If you are considering installing stair runners in your house rather than carpets on your stairs, then you might be eager to know of some of the benefits. Keep reading to find out more.

It Can Protect Your Hardwood Stairs

Stair runners are great for protecting your hardwood stairs. Your stairs will experience frequent and heavy traffic, which can mean your hardwood can become quickly damaged, despite looking so great upon first installing them. A stair runner can prevent scratches from shoes, from the wood wearing over time, and from pets clawing at the wood.

This will mean you don’t need to treat the wood as often to keep it polished and looking great.

Stair Runners Make Your Stairs Look Longer

Stair runners often look great in period properties or properties where the stairs are shallow and wide. Why? Well, the great optical illusion of stair runners is that it makes your staircase look longer and more grand. This is why it can be the perfect addition for smaller homes as well. It can make your stairs look much longer than they actually are, and therefore, make your home feel very grand.

So don’t worry if you think that your house is too small for stair runners. It works for smaller properties as well as grand homes.

It Will Bring Attention to Your Stairs

If you have a beautiful wooden staircase, a stair runner can add that finishing touch that can bring your top level and bottom level together. It can add that much-needed texture a home needs sometimes and look more elegant while unifying the home décor in general, but you must make sure to pick a style and colour that will work with both the downstairs and upstairs décor. For example, a pattern is great for drawing the eye to the stairs, but if you have patterns on your walls on your carpets leading to your stairs, this may clash, whereas a plain colour is ornate and could work instead.

For Safety

Lastly, if you are small children or elderly relatives living with you, a stair runner can provide a safe way to move up and down the stairs. They won’t have to contend with slippery floors, leading to a risk of injury. For those with mobility issues, this can be a comforting addition to the home without needing to add in a whole new carpet.

After a tough year, Christmas and the holiday season is finally here! However, from the moment the kids break up from school until they go back, it can feel like your home is a never-ending turnstile of activity. Unfortunately, this might come at a cost to your carpet. It’s important that the carpets we have down in our own homes can survive this extra footfall, but how do you do this? Make sure to follow our guide to find out more. With our helpful four tips, your carpets will continue to look and feel good, even throughout the busy holiday season.

Good Quality Carpets

The first place to start when thinking about how well your carpets will survive is to ensure they are good quality carpets. As expert carpet fitters in Surrey, we work hard to provide all of our customers with the best quality for their money, and higher quality carpets are more likely to stand the test of time when it comes to heavy use areas, especially areas such as the hallway and stairs. If your carpet is poor quality and old, then consider replacing it with good quality carpet instead. This will ensure that it can be cleaned properly, remain softer for longer, and look great.

Clean Up Spills

Spillages on the carpets are practically unavoidable, especially at this time of year then the drinks might be flowing a little more than usual! If you are unlucky and a spillage occurs, make sure you clean it up right away. Some liquids (like red wine) are likely to stain a lot more if they are left any longer than necessary, which is why it’s important to clean up any spills as soon as possible.

Be careful, though, as harsh rubbing with strong chemicals could damage your carpet. Blot gently with a tea towel or paper towel, and if soap is needed, use a warm water solution with a little washing-up liquid. This should be enough to tackle most stains if cleaned up quickly.

Watch Out For Wax

One of the things we love about Christmas is the soft lighting of candles, but we don’t love it when wax gets on the carpet!

You should always have candles in safe holders; even small tea lights can be a fire risk if they are left out. Most candle holders will also make it more difficult to knock candles over, but if you find you have been unlucky enough to get wax on the carpet, don’t panic!

Break up the wax with a blunt knife (gently so as to avoid damaging the carpet) and sweep up as much as possible. Lay a piece of brown paper over the wax and iron with a warm iron. The wax should stick to the iron and come off fairly easily, although you may need to repeat this process.

Do be careful with the iron; hot irons may melt some carpets, so it’s best to test on a small hidden area or any spare carpet you may have leftover before you go ahead with your ironing treatment.

Say No To Dirty Shoes

In the UK, Christmas is held in midwinter, which means the weather is usually cold, rainy and muddy. This can cause havoc for your carpets. To save your carpets, make sure everyone adhered to a strict no-shoes policy! Your carpet will thank you later, and you will be able to enjoy Christmas rather than find yourself scrubbing the carpet clean. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, even for carpets.

If your existing carpet appears a little worn or outdated, you might be eager to fit new flooring. As there are many options available on the market, you could be unsure about the best style for your comfort and function. One thing is certain, carpet is an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy a cosy home when the cold weather strikes. Here are five reasons why carpet is ideal for winter.

1. Greater Insulation

Carpet can help you to retain heat inside your home, especially if you have exposed floorboards. It can prevent draughts from the floor, which will naturally increase a room’s temperature during winter. It could, therefore, take some of the pressure off your central heating.

2. Banish Cold Feet

Once winter arrives, you’ll likely reach for your socks and slippers, especially when stepping out of bed each morning. If you don’t want to stand on a hard, cold floor when climbing out of your duvet, consider installing a high-quality carpet that will feel soft and warm underneath your feet. It’s a great way to create a comfortable, luxurious home this winter, and you’ll be less likely to crank up the heating.

3. A Cosy Environment

When temperatures plummet, you likely cannot wait to turn up your fire, pull out the blankets and curl up with a hot drink. Carpet is an ideal option for those who want to create a cosy environment, as it is warm, soft and feels great underneath your feet. It can also add an extra texture into the space, which can help you to create a winter-friendly interior that will make you want to relax by the fireplace with a good book.

4. Lower Energy Bills

As mentioned earlier, carpet can insulate your home and will feel warm underneath your feet, which can prevent you from increasing your heating. As a result, you can enjoy lower energy bills throughout the winter, so you’ll have more money to spend on other home improvements.

5. A Versatile Option

Carpet will complement your home throughout the seasons. It will add warmth and comfort during a cold autumn and winter, and it will look stylish and fashionable during spring and summer. Plus, there are many colours and patterns to match different tastes and interior designs, as we provide both traditional and contemporary styles to suit your property.

You also can choose one of the following carpet styles:

• Textured – hides footprints and vacuum marks
• Frieze – a textured, durable option that’s perfect for high-traffic areas
• Saxony – a casual appearance that’s ideal for busy families
• Looped – hides traffic patterns and is ideal for frequently used rooms
• Cable – a thicker carpet that’s comfortable underfoot
• Cut and Looped – offers fun patterns, such as geometric prints, formal botanicals, or multiple colours

Once you’ve picked the right colour and style for your interior, an experienced, local carpet fitter can then lay down a high-quality carpet to match your room’s exact size and shape.

If you want to fit a comfortable, high quality and stylish carpet in your home this winter, feel free to contact our friendly team for a free quotation on 0208 673 9900. We also provide showrooms in Dulwich and Balham, which could help you to find the best style for your home and budget.

Your hallway provides your guests with a first impression of your home. If it appears unattractive, cold, or uninviting, your visitors will believe every other room in the home will look the same. It is therefore essential to choose the right flooring, which can create a comfortable, stylish, and welcoming space. You also must aim to complement your chosen flooring with the correct accessories.

If you want to impress every person that knocks on your door or steps inside your home, read the following tips on how to give your hallway the wow factor.

Fit a Stylish Stair Runner

Many homeowners are choosing to incorporate stylish runners onto their stairs, as they can inject a pop of colour, personality, and texture into the space. At A Flooring Boutique, we provide a variety of on-trend stair runners that are available in many colours and patterns to suit your interior and taste.

It could help you to create a unique staircase and will prove you have exceptional attention to detail when it comes to interior design. Plus, the luxurious flooring can be customised to match the exact width of your stairs. It’s a luxurious feature that’s bound to impress every guest who enters your home.

Install Hard Flooring

You could complement an attractive stair runner with hard flooring in your hallway. A durable floor is ideal for a hallway, as it can withstand much foot traffic throughout the years and won’t lose its visual appeal. What’s more, laminate or wood flooring can elongate a space, which can create the illusion of a spacious, long hallway. We also provide hard flooring options to match every need and budget.

Hide Your Radiators

Unsightly radiators can detract from your beautiful hard flooring or a stylish stair runner. Make a positive first impression by installing a radiator cover that will complement your interior design. There are different colours and styles available on the market that can work in harmony with your flooring, or you could paint them to match your stair runner.

Add a Focal Point

Wow every guest that steps inside your home by adding a stunning focal point. You could add a splash of luxury with an elegant chandelier, or you could hang a beautiful work of art that complements the colours in your stair runner. It will grab your visitors’ attention and make them eager to explore more rooms across your home.

Contact a Flooring Boutique

If you are looking for high-quality flooring to transform your hallway, look no further than us here at A Flooring Boutique. We can provide a wide variety of options to match your needs, budget, and interior, such as high-quality carpet, durable wood flooring and stylish stair runners. We have more than 20 years’ experience both supplying and fitting flooring in London and Surrey. Call our team today for a free quote on 0208 673 9900 or visit one of our showrooms in Balham and Dulwich to make an informed decision.

Creating the perfect nursery is often at the top of an expectant parent’s to-do list. While the wallpaper, furniture, and accessories can determine its aesthetic appeal, the flooring will affect its function, comfort and appearance.

If you want to create an attractive yet practical space for your little bundle of joy, read about the many benefits of carpet in a nursery.

A Cosy Space for Your Growing Baby

A soft fibre carpet will create a cosy environment for your little boy or girl, which can make the space appear much more luxurious. Plus, you can guarantee your growing baby will love nothing more than rubbing their feet against the pile. There are also many carpet designs to choose from to complement your colour scheme and taste. Contact reputable carpet suppliers in Surrey, such as us here at A Flooring Boutique, to find the perfect option for your taste and budget.

A Safer Space

Safety will be of paramount importance for new parents. Carpet is an ideal option for a nursery, as it can create a safe, comfortable environment for your little one. While your little bundle of joy will sit perfectly in your arms for the first few months, they’ll soon be crawling, cruising and walking around the home. A soft carpet can ultimately protect them from their inevitable falls, and the fabric will feel comfortable against their knees when crawling from A to B.

Better for Allergies

It might surprise you to learn that carpet is better for allergies than hard flooring. It is believed a deep pile carpet will trap allergens and dust in the material, which can prevent them from circulating across a room. A good cleaning routine can also help to prevent allergies from developing, as you can release the trapped debris and particles with vacuuming.

Greater Insulation

Most parents will worry if their baby son or daughter is chilly on a cold winter’s night. Carpet can, however, provide their bedroom with an extra layer of insulation, which can create a warmer room. As a result, you can save money on your energy bills, so you’ll have more money to spend on your newborn.

A Quieter Environment

It is essential to develop a bedtime routine for your newborn as soon as possible, which can help them to fall asleep and wake up at the same time each day. However, a noisy house could make it difficult for your little one to self-settle or stay asleep. Laying down a carpet will provide greater sound insulation, which could help your baby to sleep soundly in their cot every night.

Easy to Remove and Replace

Carpet is an affordable flooring option for homeowners, which is why it’s a worthy consideration for a nursery. As your little one will be prone to messy accidents as they grow, such as milk spills, food stains, and artwork mistakes, carpet is an ideal option, as it’s much easier to remove and replace than hardwood flooring.

If you would like to install a high-quality, attractive carpet in your home, please don’t hesitate to call us here at A Flooring Boutique, dependable carpet suppliers in Surrey, on 0208 673 9900.

Almost every guest will look at your flooring when they step inside your home, as it can determine your interior’s appearance and comfort. If you want to create an attractive, luxurious space, you might need to pull up your existing carpet and invest in a brand-new design.

If you are ready to transform the look and feel of your interior, take a look at these five stylish carpet ideas for your home.

1. A Burst of Colour and Texture with Stripes

If you are looking to inject a burst of colour and texture into your home, a striped carpet is an ideal option. The design and shades can pop against white walls, so you won’t need to depend on many accessories to inject personality into the space. It is for this reason that many people are opting to incorporate striped carpet and runners on their stairs.

2. Go Neutral for a Calming Atmosphere

Our experienced carpet fitters in Surrey have seen their fair share of carpets throughout the years, and they will be the first to tell you that a neutral colour scheme is ideal for those looking to create a calming environment. Choose from a wide variety of hues for your home, such as grey, beige, or brown carpet. It could make a big difference to the look and feel of your home.

3. Contrasting Colours

Prove to your guests that you have an eye for interior design by using contrasting colours in your living room, bedroom, or dining room. For example, if you want to paint your interior in a dark blue hue, you could create a lighter, stylish space by laying down a pale carpet, such as a white or cream shade.

4. Add Drama with a Dark Carpet

A dark carpet, such as grey or black, can add drama into a room and can work in harmony with a lighter colour scheme. Plus, a darker shade will be much more forgiving than the likes of white or beige, as it will hide an unwanted stain or wear and tear that can occur throughout the years. It’s a great way to make a room appear sleek and sophisticated.

5. Inject a Pop of Colour for Personality

If your interior is lacking personality, you could inject a pop of colour with a bright carpet shade, such as pink, red, or blue. It can add vibrancy and texture into your interior and can complement more minimalist surroundings. You also could create a balanced space by hanging works of art and home accessories that contain a similar shade. It is bound to grab your guests’ attention.

Contact A Flooring Boutique

If you have fallen in love with one of the above stylish carpet ideas, or you have another carpet idea in mind, don’t hesitate to contact us here at A Flooring Boutique. We are experienced carpet fitters who can expertly fit a high-quality carpet in your Balham or Dulwich home. Give us a call today on 0208 673 9900 (Balham) or 0208 693 0004 (Dulwich).

Carpeting in a home can bring comfort and warmth while also absorbing sound. It is a great choice for those looking to move away from wooden floors which can be hard and cold, especially in the winter months. If you’re still in love with wooden floors, though, there are also ways of laying carpets so that you can have a balance of both. Whatever your fancy, there are numerous options for adding carpet to your home to provide style and comfort. Keep reading for some ideas.

Stair Runners

Stairs can take a beating, and if they’re wooden, they can also be loud to walk on. Stair runners are a great solution to this as they not only provide a softer feel under foot, but they can also add significant style to the entire staircase. Experiment with bold patterns, colours, and widths to see which suits your taste and preferences.

Carpet Tiles

If you’re carpeting an entire room and want to add a bit of flair, carpet tiles are an excellent choice because you can mix and match. Whether it’s mixing up the same pattern into different arrangements, or using different patterns and colours altogether, carpet tiles give you more autonomy over the design on your floor.

Animal Print

Animal print carpet is gaining popularity these days, and can come in zebra, leopard, or even fawn designs. These work great in any kind of space, whether it’s a set of stairs, a living room, or a bedroom.

Neutral Carpet

For those aiming for a more calming atmosphere, neutral carpets are the best choice. Light beige, grey, or brown colours without any pattern can make a room feel more relaxing. Opt for soft carpeting to increase the relaxation factor even more.

Large Area Rugs

Area rugs are great for adding design to a room, but also for covering certain areas of wooden flooring. Large area rugs with borders can be great for a kitchen area, as can large circular rugs underneath coffee tables.

Two Carpets

Another creative idea is to use two different types of carpet alongside each other. This can create an interesting effect as long as the tone and colours go together. Try experimenting with contrasting patterns, perhaps by having one style of carpet on the perimeter of the room, and another style in the centre.

Striped Carpet

Striped carpet may not be to everyone’s taste, especially as it can be dizzying on the eyes. But done right, it can create the illusion of space by elongating the look of the room. There are a variety of different types of striped carpet, ranging from natural to multi-coloured.

Bright Colours

Rather than choose natural tones like beige or white, why not experiment with some bright colours to spice up a room? Bright colours can make a bold statement and can add fun to a bedroom or office

There are endless choices when it comes to carpeting a home. Whether it’s bold patterns or something understated, carpet can bring warmth, colour, and comfort.