Stair runners and bordered stair carpet, made in Melksham

Call Eleanor on 07921 671108 or send us your details. Photos of your stairs or your carpet help.

Stair carpet with a border is tape edging

When people search for a stair runner with a border, or stair carpet with a border, the look they mean is what we call tape edging. You'll also hear it called carpet taping, or a taped stair runner. A cotton or herringbone tape is stitched around the cut edge of the carpet, which gives the runner a crisp, framed line up the stairs.

We keep hundreds of tapes in stock. As well as plain cotton and herringbone there are patterned tapes, and suede and leather if you want something different. Tape edging is very much in fashion on stairs at the moment, with bold contrasts and subtle neutrals both popular.

Taped or whipped: which edge suits your stairs

Both edges are explained in more detail on our carpet binding, whipping and taping page.

Tape-edged (bordered) runners

Choose tape if you want the edge to show. The border marks out the runner on every step, so it's the finish that makes a staircase into a feature. It's also the one to pick if you want the edge to pick up your walls and furnishings.

Whipped runners

Whipping is yarn wrapped tightly over the cut edge. We use British wool, matched to the carpet or in a contrast colour. The edge blends into the runner rather than framing it, so you get a softer, timeless finish. Pick it if you want the staircase to look classic or understated.

Choosing a tape colour against your carpet

Start with the carpet, then decide how much you want the border to stand out. A tape close to the carpet colour gives a quiet edge you notice up close. A contrast, like a pale stone tape on a charcoal carpet or a forest green tape on oatmeal, draws a strong line up the stairs. A patterned tape can pick up something else in the hall.

Colours look different on a screen and in your own light, so we'll send tape samples for you to hold against your carpet at home before you decide. Eleanor is happy to talk through the options before you commit to anything.

A herringbone carpet with a border works the same way, because we finish all types of carpet. Herringbone is also one of our tape styles, so you can put the herringbone in the carpet or in the border, or have it in both.

A runner, or edge to edge stair carpet with a border?

A runner sits in the middle of the stairs and leaves some of each step showing on both sides, so a painted or wooden staircase still shows. Edge to edge (or full width) bordered stair carpet covers the whole width of each step, with the border running along both sides.

We make stair runners to your exact measurements, finished with tape or whipping. If you'd like full width carpet with a border instead, ask Eleanor whether it's something she can do for your stairs.

Landings and turning stairs

Our guide on how to measure stairs for a runner covers each step, landings and turning stairs, with a checklist you can print.

Not every staircase is one straight flight. If yours turns, or you'd like the runner or border to carry on across a landing, send photos of the whole staircase with your enquiry so Eleanor can see what you're working with. She'll talk through what's possible for your stairs.

Made from your carpet or new carpet

A stair runner can be made from new carpet or from suitable carpet you already have. You don't need to buy carpet from us: bring carpet from anywhere, or we can help you choose something new if you're starting from scratch.

We also finish stair runners for carpet shops and flooring businesses, and for commercial clients. One commercial client in Trowbridge wrote: "We have used Wiltshire Rugs for our stair runners and have been really impressed with the quality of the finishing. The runners look fantastic and the attention to detail is excellent."

What affects the price

We don't publish a price list, because every runner is made to measure. Your quote depends on the size of runner your stairs need and on the carpet and edge you choose. Send a photo of your stairs or carpet and we'll come back with options and a price.

Getting a bespoke stair runner, wherever you are

A phone call is often the quickest way to work out what's possible. Ring Eleanor on 07921 671108, email hello@wiltshirerugs.co.uk, or use the contact form and choose "Stair runner".

Send the measurements you have, or photos of the stairs if you're not sure what to measure, plus a photo of the carpet if you're using your own. We'll agree the size and edge with you and send tape samples if you'd like them. Your runner is then cut and finished by hand in Melksham. You can drop your carpet at the workshop or ask about local collection and delivery. From further away, call Eleanor and she'll talk you through getting your carpet to us and back.

See more of our work on the gallery, read what customers say on the testimonials page, or find our other work on the services page.