I'd go black and white...

I like that also but wondered if it would be too bold with the red and black?

If you can paint the red than black and white would be lovely. If not I’d skip the black and white and stay very neutral

I would do a pattern of some kind. It will be interesting.

Go to the retailer you want to install the runner. Make sure that carpeting and flooring is their business; not a big box store. Check that they have good references. See what they carry. Chose the best from that inventory.

That's what I did almost twenty years ago and my runner still looks great. Even with dogs. I got a good quality low pile runner.

I don't think your curtain is enhancing the space. The length looks wrong to me. Since you don't have it closed, privacy is not too much of a concern. I would just take it down. If you do want some privacy, get a pure white sheer. Mount it on a tension rod in the window casing. Have the hem length just touch the sill.

Almost all the Houzz photos I looked for staircase with windows, had the windows bare. This is one that had drapery. It hung straight down to the floor. That's what you might want to do, if you want to keep the drapery. Don't knot it, but push it as much as you can open.

Good luck with your runner shopping.

Quiet Vista · More Info