An area carpet would be nice there to give it a more furnished feeling, but it’s not necessary…the wood is beautiful on its own. Another consideration…if that area gets direct sunlight, having an area rug may leave a discoloration border over time.

I think an area rug that complements your runner would be the best. Get a good pad so it doesn't slide.

Thank you all. Here are some more pics which show an additional dilemma I have with the stairs. I really don’t like the busy oak pattern on the riser, and the oak stain matches the spindles and handrail fairly well, but looks awful with the pine stain on the side of stairs and base of spindles. Wondering if I should paint those areas white.

Yes paint the risers white.

Just the risers and not the sides?

I would usually say the risers and all the trim white, but since your trim is stained, perhaps you'd be better off just installing a runner in the center of the stairs, and call it a day!

Here is what we did for a hallway in a clients home. Please note how the rug also matches the carpet on the stairs.

Logan Townhouse · More Info

Logan Townhouse · More Info