Stair runners are the unsung heroes of interior design. Not only do they protect your stairs from daily wear and tear, but they add personality and style to one of the most-used (and most-seen) parts of your home: the staircase. While a standard wool or jute runner will get the job done just fine, theres so much more you can do with your staircase to take your space to the next levelliterally. Another bonus? Because your staircase is such a singular moment, you can feel free to go a bit more bold, living beyond the confines of nearby rooms or adjacent color palettes and carving out a scheme that stands proudly alone.From bold patterns that make a statement to unexpected shapes that create visual interest, the possibilities are nearly endless. More and more, designers are getting creative with the textures, colors, and materials they choose for this spotlight moment, experimenting with fresh ideas that blend functionality with style. Ready to bid farewell to your basic jute runner? Below, were exploring inspiring examples from pros who have turned ordinary staircases into works of art using graphic patterns, vibrant colors, and interesting motifs (jaguars, anyone?!) to help you imagine what your staircase could look like.More inspiration for your interiors:1Incorporate Every Color of the RainbowNick SargentWhy choose one color for your staircase runner when you can choose them all? This playful runner taps every hue in the ROYGBIV alphabet for a happy transition from floor to floor. "In this home, I was lucky to have a fantastic client who loved color almost as much as I do," says designer Betsy Wentz. "The idea was to select a pattern with loads of color to support the more subtly patterned wallpaper running through the foyer and staircase."2Add a Sweet Border Studio JantienFor a unique take on the traditional staircase runner shape, get a little edgy with your border. This luxe pick from Studio Jantien comes in a slew of colors, each of which is finished with a charming scallop border for a dose of unexpected charm. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Select a Complementary Color Palette Sarah GriggsWhen contemplating a staircase runner, it's important to consider how it interacts not only with the surrounding area, but also the staircase itself. For a cohesive look, consider painting your treads, runner, baluster, and spindles in a hue that complements the palette of your runner. Here, designer Millie Turner opted for a soft sage green to offset the bolder hues in a Sophie Cooney stair runner. 4Finish With a PuddleBrian WetzelMost stair runners end on the final stair or maybe where the stair meets the floorWidell + Boschetti carried their soft touch beyond the staircase, finishing in a wavy, puddle-like shape that feels sculptural and unexpected. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Walk on the Wild SideRustic White InteriorsInstead of allowing your staircase to become just a passageway to other parts of your home, choose a funky stair runner that acts as a conversation starter, transforming your foyer into a design destination all its own. For designer Jared Hughes, that meant a leopard-themed design from Rug Company. "We wanted to do something that emphasized the spiraling nature of the stairs and I felt like having something appear to be crawling up the stairs was just the ticket," he adds. 6Stitch Together Vintage FindsNew England LoomIf you're looking for a relatively inexpensive and patina-packed way to dress up your stairwell, look no further than your local vintage store. Antique runners can often be purchased for a reasonable price point, then layered on your stairwell, like the Turkish finds seen from New England Loom and The Carpet Workroom. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Opt for a Graphic PopMalissa Mabey PhotoIn an otherwise demure space, a graphic-patterned stair runner is more than just a practical additionit's a spark of creativity and energy. "When designing this entryway, all of the elements felt disparate, until we had the idea to implement this checkered stair runner," adds designer Susannah Holmberg. "Because we sewed a few runners together to cover the length of the stairs, theres a charming mismatch to the size of some of the checkers."8Embrace an Artistic FinishLaura Metzler DesignThink of your stairwell like a blank canvas, with 15 to 20 treads you get to dress to the nines with a rug that doubles as art. This stunning silk design from Wendy Morrison Design was inspired by Japanese culture, combining concentric circles, colorful tropical birds, and flowering magnolias into a one-of-a-kind living installation. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Nod to Nearby FinishesKirsten FrancisWhen it came to dressing the stairwell in this Baltimore home, designer Jennifer Hunter didn't have to look far for her inspiration. "This runner is actually about five Annie Selke runners pieced together, then installed as a stair runner," she says. "The client is an artist and it reminded me so much of her abstract work. It was really a no brainer and the client adores it." As a bonus, the colorful weave also coordinates beautifully with the nearby wallpaper, artwork, and trim paint. 10Add a Bit of Staircase "Jewelry" Nina Watson InteriorsYou've chosen a standout stair runnerso now what? Well, if you're anything like designer Nina Watson, it's time to top off the scene with a bit of sparkle. Stair rods are a classic addition to any runner, helping hold the rug in place and adding a bit of classic charm to the scene.