If the two stairways are not near each other, then I don't think they need to be the same pattern or color. But that's just my opinion. You'll probably want something tougher for the back stairs.

If you choose to leave the upper hallway bare, then you'll probably want to stop the runner right under the lip of the hallway, if that makes sense. In other words, don't run the carpet over that top-most lip. HTH!

I just had my staircase carpeted wall-to-wall, but in a patterned carpet. So that is one option for you, especially for a staircase that isn't pretty wood. Mine has walls beside it, though, not spindles. I have hardwood upstairs and laminate on the landing, and in both cases the carpet stops under the floor lip. Hope that helps.

thanks for the advice!

wainwa- i definitely want something tougher on the back steps because of the traffic. I really want to do something with an ivory background on the main foyer steps, but that would get so dirty/worn if i put it on the back steps.

oceanna- Love your patterned carpet!
The steps and hallways are brazilian cherry and I don't really want to cover them up- the only reason for the runner is that the steps are slippery and an accident waiting to happen(especially with 2 kids under 4 in the house!)

I just want to know if it would look "weird" to have runners on the steps only and not in the hallway.Or should I go ahead and run the runner into the hallway(which is very long and odd-shaped)

i think it is a matter of personal choice..some can be quite slippery so run your feet over them and get the feel for them..as you don't want to add a dangerous situation..also fasten them really good and tight..

I think you are wise to choose a not-so-light color for the heavily used staircase and certainly a carpet that is durable. Some other things I learned about in my research was to ensure that the lip of the stairs were padded (not just the stair treads) and to avoid using a carpet with 'bend' (where you can see the backing as it goes over the lip).

We chose to just do a runner on the stairs for safety reasons too (only one staircase). We are not doing the hallways because we want to see the beautiful wood (brazilian teak). So, IMO leaving the hallway bare is fine. Plus due to your hallway being "odd shaped" might make it difficult to look uniform? or perhaps cost more money for custom size widths.

not installed yet, but we went with the one on the left with the black background and gold and greens to go with the other colors in the vicinity. HTH