22 Aug Matching Stairs with Flooring

One of the biggest problems for homeowners after they’ve had new flooring installed is how their stairs look in comparison. They wonder if their stairs should match their flooring. It’s actually not so much a question of matching, but one of transitioning.

It doesn’t matter whether the flooring is hardwood, carpeting or something in between, interior designers around the globe agree that stairs are a transitional phase in a home. The appearance of the stairs should coordinate with both the upper and lower floors and that goal can be accomplished in multiple ways.

Colors

The colors used on stairs should be similar to the flooring on both floors, but not identical. That means individuals can use a combination of both colors on the treads (the part that’s stepped on) and those colors can be utilized in multiple ways. Treads can be the color of the bottom floor, with the risers (the front part of the stairs) matching the upper level or vice versa.

Different complementary wood tones can be used and should have a grain that runs parallel to the floor. The mind perceives it as more inviting. If the stairs will be carpeted, choose carpeting with a pattern that features both upper and lower floor colors, preferably with a vertical design. A solid color with flecks of both colors is equally applicable.

Materials

If both floors are carpeted, use carpet on the stairs. When hardwood is used on both floors, the stairs shouldn’t be carpeted. Homes with one floor that’s hardwood and one is carpeted, select carpeting that coordinates with the hardwood flooring or choose wood flooring that complements the carpet.

For those that don’t want to carpet the stairs, a runner in a complementary color or pattern can be effective for creating the desired transitional effect. It’s also important to determine how much of a focus individuals want the stairs to play in their design efforts. Stairs are a dominant feature in homes. Colors, designs and materials can be used to maximize or minimize their impact.