Another idea is an inexpensive runner. Personally, I like the wood. Try to find someone who is really good at woodworking, it will make all the difference!

@Victor- Yes, I know it's a dilemma, we can't refinish all of our wood floors right now, so definitely going for a contrast. And my husband is right with you on the paint thing..especially since we have two children under 5 who are not easy on finished surfaces! I really would like to do a darker stain. Will post pics when I decide on a color! Thanks. :)

@Belle Chaise- I like the idea of a runner too, and no doubt will purchase one in the future. However, the finish on the wood definitely needs some repair, so if I have to sand it down anyway...we shall see! And by wood expert, I think I have that covered..my husband is a licensed journeyman carpenter. ;) thanks!

I would go black;)

I would recommend refinishing. Matching the color will not be nearly as difficult as you imagine if you can take a color sample to your local paint store from some piece of shoe molding or chunk of floor that can be pried up and transported to the color-matching computers at the paint store.

There are several down sides with paint. First, it wears through relatively quickly. The fix is to sand and repaint, of course -- not too big a deal. If you choose the paint route you WILL have to sand the stairs to make the surface "toothy" enough to allow the new paint to grab on to the polyurethane or varnish coating the stairs. You will also want to research which you have (is it poly or is it varnish), and then find the right paint. That paint must be capable of bonding to the varnish/poly. Pick the wrong paint and your lovely new paint will slough off the poly/varnish in great sheets once a small hole in the finish is worn through, making things look LOTS worse.

I see no reason why you cannot go darker on the stairs than the floors if you wish to refinish the floors darker. At least that way you will know EXACTLY the stain color and sheen/make of polyurethane and be able to match.

Just painted my client's stair treads in S.W. brown fox. Use Hallman Lindsay smart prime first and tint it. The color goes beautifully with grey but has a slight bit of brown in the base which looks very rich.

@Carol Carr interiors- Sound lovely, do you have a picture?

Will get you one.