How Wide Should a Stair Runner Be? A Guide to Sizing Your Stair Runner

There's a moment when a stair runner transforms from a functional item into a design statement—and it often hinges on getting the width just right. Too narrow and your stairs feel cramped; too wide and the proportions overwhelm. The question "how wide should a stair runner be?" isn't as straightforward as it might seem, because the answer depends less on rigid rules and more on understanding your space, your preferences, and a few practical considerations.

Getting the width right ensures your runner sits beautifully in proportion to your staircase, provides adequate safety underfoot, and complements the architecture of your home. Let's explore how to choose the perfect width for your stairs.

Understanding Stair Runner Width: The Reveal Explained

The concept of "reveal"—the exposed wood or tile visible on either side of your runner—is central to width selection. There's no golden rule, but understanding what works aesthetically and practically will guide your choice.

A minimum reveal of 5–7.5cm (roughly 2–3 inches) on either side is a comfortable starting point. This leaves enough beautiful flooring visible to frame the runner elegantly whilst maintaining the primary visual impact of the runner itself. A margin this narrow feels intentional and refined, rather than accidental.

Some designers prefer a more generous 10–15cm (4–6 inches) of wood showing, which emphasises the staircase's original character and allows the runner to feel like a design accent rather than a carpet. There's nothing wrong with this—it's entirely a matter of personal taste and the architecture you're working with.

Standard Stair Runner Widths: What's Most Common

Most ready-made stair runners come in five standard widths, designed to fit the majority of staircases. Analysis of recent orders reveals which widths are most popular in contemporary homes.

60–65cm / 24–26 inches: Suited to narrower staircases (roughly 75–85cm or 30–33 inches wide overall). Common in period properties, cottage-style homes, and some contemporary apartments.
70–75cm / 28–30 inches: The most versatile and most frequently ordered. Works beautifully on staircases 90–105cm (approximately 36–41 inches) wide. This is the standard choice for the majority of UK homes.
80–85cm / 31–33 inches: An increasingly popular choice for modern homes with slightly wider staircases (105–115cm or 41–45 inches). Provides excellent coverage and visual presence.
90–95cm / 35–37 inches: Designed for wider staircases (115–125cm or 45–50 inches wide). Ideal for grand staircases, contemporary open-plan homes, and period properties with generous proportions.
100–105cm / 39–41 inches: For exceptionally wide staircases or design-led spaces where the runner is meant to be a bold statement piece. Less common, but increasingly requested.
Custom widths: For staircases outside these parameters—or if you have a very specific design vision—bespoke runners can be woven to your exact specification.

Measuring Your Staircase: The First Step

Before selecting a width, you need to know the actual width of your stairs. This requires a simple measurement, but pay attention to variations—many staircases are wider at the base and narrower at the top, or vice versa.

How to Measure Staircase Width

Measure at three points: the bottom of the staircase, the middle, and near the top landing. Use a steel tape measure for accuracy, measuring from the inner edge of one side to the inner edge of the other (or from the wall to the balustrade, if applicable).

Record each measurement. If they vary by more than 2–3cm, you'll need to plan for a runner that accommodates the widest point comfortably whilst maintaining a balanced reveal throughout.

Calculating the Ideal Width for Your Runner

Once you know your staircase width, the maths is straightforward.

Formula: (Staircase width − desired reveal on both sides) = runner width

Let's work through an example. If your staircase is 90cm wide and you want a 7.5cm reveal on each side:

90cm − (7.5cm × 2) = 75cm runner width

This puts you in the standard 70–75cm category, making it easy to source from stair runner ideas online. If your calculation falls between standard sizes, you'll have two choices: go slightly narrower (leaving a larger reveal) or commission a custom width.

Designer's Note

When working with interior designers, the reveal becomes part of the overall aesthetic vision. Recent project analysis shows that 70–75cm remains the most requested width across residential and design commissions alike, suggesting this strikes the ideal balance between presence and proportion for most homes. Some prefer a wider reveal to honour architectural features; others favour narrower reveals for maximum visual impact. Both approaches are equally valid when backed by intentional design thinking.

Accounting for Staircases That Aren't Uniform

Real staircases are rarely perfectly uniform. Older properties, in particular, often have treads and widths that vary slightly from step to step. This variation is part of their charm—and part of their challenge when choosing a runner width.

If your staircase width varies by 5cm or more between bottom and top, consider these approaches:

Go narrower: Select a width that comfortably fits the narrowest section. The reveal will be larger elsewhere, which can look intentional and graceful.
Go bespoke: A custom runner allows you to tailor the width precisely to your staircase, maintaining a consistent reveal despite variations in the structure.
Embrace asymmetry: Some designers deliberately offset the runner slightly, creating visual interest. This works particularly well in contemporary or eclectic interiors.

Width Considerations for Different Stair Types

Straight Staircases

Straight flights offer the most flexibility. Standard widths work beautifully, and you have freedom to play with reveal size based on your aesthetic preference.

Winding or Spiral Staircases

These require careful consideration. The width should be chosen based on the widest point of the staircase (usually the outer edge). A narrower runner often works better visually on spiral stairs, as it emphasises the elegant curve rather than competing with the architecture. Bespoke solutions are often the smartest choice here.

Staircases with Landings

If your runner extends across a landing, ensure the width you choose harmonises with both the staircase and the landing space. The runner should feel cohesive as it transitions between the two.

Practical Safety Considerations

Width isn't only about aesthetics; it affects safety and usability. A runner that's too narrow may not provide adequate grip or coverage when ascending or descending. Most safety guidelines recommend a minimum of 60cm (24 inches) for comfortable foot placement, particularly for children, elderly visitors, or anyone with mobility considerations.

A generous width also reduces the likelihood of feet slipping off the sides during use. This is especially important on busy staircases or in family homes.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Width

Over-thinking the reveal is a frequent pitfall. Homeowners sometimes become fixated on achieving a perfectly uniform reveal, only to discover that a slightly wider runner would have been more practical and just as beautiful. Remember: there's no "correct" reveal. Anything from 2.5cm to 15cm can look sophisticated if it's intentional.

Another mistake is choosing based on a runner you've seen elsewhere. Your staircase is unique—its proportions, architecture, and context are different. What works in a grand Victorian terrace may not suit a modern apartment. Measure your own space and decide based on your home's specific character.

Choosing Width for Different Interior Styles

Your design aesthetic can inform your width decision. In traditional or period homes, a slightly wider reveal (leaving more wood visible) honours the original craftsmanship and architecture. In contemporary interiors, a narrower reveal makes the runner feel intentional and minimalist. In eclectic or transitional spaces, you have complete freedom—choose what feels right to you.

When Bespoke Width Makes Sense

If your staircase is particularly wide, narrow, or irregular, a custom-woven runner is worth exploring. The investment upfront pays dividends in perfect fit, longevity, and the pleasure of a runner that was made specifically for your space. Our guide on the art of designing stair patterns touches on bespoke design considerations if you're exploring this route.

Getting Started: Measure, Visualise, Decide

Choosing how wide a stair runner should be is ultimately about balance—balancing practical considerations with aesthetic preference, balancing the runner's visual presence with your home's original architecture. There's rarely one "right" answer; instead, there's the answer that feels right for your space.

Take time to measure carefully, visualise the reveal at different widths, and explore available options. The width you choose will be a part of your home for years, so it deserves thoughtful consideration.

Ready to explore stair runner options? Use our stair runner calculator to work through your measurements and next steps, or browse our modern stair runner ideas for inspiration.

How Wide Should a Stair Runner Be? A Guide to Sizing Your Perfect Runner