love the black against the wood. maybe check for some carpet remnants you could install on the stairs? a nice snow leopard print like I have in my closet would look cool.

if that's too eccentric for you, find something plain, or do like a Kilim print or something w/reds or blues. without knowing your style, it's hard to pick.

@ Beth H - I absolutely love that snow leopard carpet, it's gorgeous! I'm not sure if I could be that bold with the runner, but that pic is going in my idea book.

I wish I knew my style, too. :) It would make things so much easier. Of the staircases you posted, my favorite is probably the middle (light grey and white design). Do you think any of these would look good? (I'm assuming you can view my idea book?) The walls are actually a dark navy. Are there any colors/shades you think I should stay away from in general?

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/88569022/thumbs/stair-runners

@chrsmith - that's a brilliant idea! I've got a maltese, with hair instead of fur, though - with how often she goes to the groomer, it might make more sense to pick a brown carpet to hide MY shedding.

Thanks so much for the advice!

Check out the blog laurelberninteriors and click to find her article on stair runners. A wealth of info.

I'd do a simple herringbone.. ties in with almost any decor IMO.

the herringbone come in many colors and not necessary to have a border.

The last is another one that is fairly transitional as would go with many thing you

put in your home.

I would try to keep it transitional/classic in some way so it doesn't date when you sell... That's my main thought as they are attached to the wood unless you have them in place with poles which need to be mounted to the stairs... so, either way... I would try to pick carefully... even a faux sisal runner as in a wool or similar...

Good luck!

I love these stripes!

I will give you some advice. Do not do 'multi-level' or Berber type carpeting on the stairs. Doggie nails get caught in it and pulls and hurt feet are the results. I like prints because they hide a multitude of problems and almost never show dirt. You can get a good carpet place to show you samples of prints and doggie friendly broadlooms and they can cut and bind the sides and install. I would do something that brightens up the dark wall color. I would hang wide white matted prints up that staircase to stand out and bring some interest.

Contemporary Bedroom · More Info

Look for "runners for stairs" here on Houzz Some good ones.

Nuloom Vintage Willena Rug, Blue, 2'8"x8' · More Info

I also have a dog that was afraid to use the stairs (a Maltese) because he would slide. I still haven't decided on a runner, so in the meantime, I bought nonskid carpet stair treads on Amazon - I have 13 stairs, so I think it was about $120. They are definitely not "Houzz" worthy :) but they are a temporary solution. While the runners that everyone posted look great -- and I too LOVE that snow leopard -- you can still keep your pup safe while you decide.

The herringbone goes with everything and is timeless too agree. Where have you tried looking for it??? Should not be difficult to find fairly reasonably...

Trafficmaster has a herringbone runners it is/was I recall just under 6.00 per linear foot. There are so many herringbone runners. Some very high end and some middle of the road.

Here is a little more inspiration.