Either one will work, but I like the light one better.

meh. a trellis design can be pretty intense on any stairs.

its problematic because the carpet has a repeat thats different than the depth of the stairs. your pie shaped steps will add more mayhem.

Either is gorgeous but I'd do it as a runner vs full steps.

I think the lighter one will appear less busy, more subtle. I like your choice, post a picture when completed.

I agree with ecpt. I would do the carpet as a runner instead. Its too much for the entire stairs.

while i completely agree, the less material there is, the more pattern you can get away with, i expect a runner would require redoing a plywood stairs. if this is the case and you need to keep the plush look, understand what your carpet choice will look like as a plush installation. no fair drooling over runner photos.

Yes, definitely do a runner, but then you'll have to refinish the stairs first.

Just curious, Ninigret, why did you say the stairs are plywood? I can't seem to find that in the discussion.

Ninigret is correct. My stairs are plywood under the carpet. Also, I literally just had the bannister refinished, which is what is promoting me to get new carpet. Sadly, re-doing my stairs again or converting to runner is not an option.

I like the extra contrast from the darker shade, and agree with above commenters that a runner would be ideal.

If you can't do it as a runner, go for the lighter gray, it would be lovely. That's a gorgeous entryway. We recently restained our oak railing dark like that and I just love it!

My sister, being more computer savvy than me, made me these mock pictures (imagination needed)!

I don’t like the install you have chosen. Why not a simple runner?

IIRC each stair will be individually "fitted", much like upholstering furniture with a pattern.

I like the lighter one, but be sure they know how to do it...

If the steps are black, I think the darker one would be better. Both are nice, but still think the darker one will go with the steps better.

If I had a bold pattern on steps, I would fall down the steps every day, or hang onto the railing out of fear. And it would trigger a migraine.

First...good for you for going bold! Regarding the pattern, it can be daring, but I've clicked through your ideabooks and going by the photos you've saved you are drawn to texture, pattern and a bit of strong color. In my experience, those who step a bit out their comfort zone with a product they truly love don't regret it. As for the color, both are beautiful and will coordinate well with the wall color. However, Windsor Gray relates better to the dark floors in addition to providing a nice constrast to the gray on the walls.

Second...I've seen many installations of this particular pattern on stairs - both as a runner and as a fully wrapped staircase. Both are gorgeous! What I want you to hear is - installation is key! I cannot stress that enough. There are options to how it is installed...waterfall, cap and band, etc. Do your due diligence and know the look you want. Speak with your installer to make sure he has experience with that type of installation. Communication is important.

Good luck with your project! I'd love to se the after photos!!

If your space doesn't get a ton of natural light, I'd go with the lighter color! A patterned stair runner is a fun way to make a statement. See below for some images of our projects where we've done the same. Good luck!

Hi! We recently added a runner to our stairs in a similar pattern - I love it! For what it's worth, we've gotten tons of compliments and no one has tripped or gotten a headache (so far!). ;) Please share a pic of what you end up with!

I would piece in a solid border like in this image

Your chandelier is way too small.

***OP UPDATE***

Yesterday my carpet was installed. After much debate, I went with the darker color. The installer really did an excellent job working with the pattern. I love the look and yes, it’s quite bold for me. Only thing that has caught me completely off guard is the carpet makes me dizzy! My husband assured me once I stop starring at it so intently, it won’t be a problem. (I really hope so!). Sharing photos of finished product. Thanks for all the feedback and advice.

you cannot be surprised it made you dizzy... see my photo posted at the top....but i'm glad you are enjoying it.

Yes, I saw your comment. At the time I thought it was a little ridiculous but I saw it immediately after install (and shared it here). It’s a lot of pattern and very geometric. But after a few days I’m no longer staring and analyzing it so its no longer happening (thank goodness).

I think u answered ur own question, if something is out of your comfort zone then it’s probably not right for u. Go with your first instinct. Ur gonna wonder if it was the right decision or not anyway so why stress over it more than necessary. ;).

Love the darker color