it is centered... the wall just cuts in to the illusion.

I think you are the only one bothered by it. I would be thankful visual problem is on the inside.

Really, it looks great!

It looks weird, but not weird enough to have it redone. To correct it would mean rebuilding the stairs. To make it look maybe a little better, install a handrail on the wall on the right.

Until you pointed it out, I thought it looks fine because the distance of the runner from the right wall is uniform. Don’t sweat it. It looks great. You won’t notice it after you get used to it. And, no one will notice it until you point it out. So…don’t! 😉

This is the correct way. The foreground is centered.

I disagree--it looks awkward. The runner is usually centered on the top stairs and then there is more room at the bottom on the left where you have the wider steps.

IMO it is right there would be no advantage to doing it the other way. I agree I had to look twice to see the issue.

I didn’t notice until you pointed it out. I think it looks fabulous.
There are always compromises. My husband pointed one out to me where two moldings met in a corner and had to be cut to fit. Years ago. Never noticed it until he pointed it out.

You could Install a handrail on the right wall. Run the left side handrail from the newel post to the wall, and eliminate the handrail and spindles from that point on, but somehow block anything from falling off the stair to the left where the spindles are eliminate (which I can not clearly see).

Funny - I thought it looked awkward right away. The stairs bug me also though - the runner just makes it more noticeable.

But I also don't think you should redo anything. As someone said, it would really require redoing the entire stairs to "correct" the issue - but it really isn't a big deal - even if I noticed it right away.

I personally would have done a wider runner filling the upper staircase with rug and having edges on the bottom BUT I have seen it done this way as well. It would not be my personal choice.

Perhaps moving the carpet over so 'A' equalled 'B' at the bottom newel post, it would look better?

Yes

Hi Mark - Thank you so much for taking the time to review and provide your comments! You’ve given me some great ideas. I agree - maybe if we are able to shift it over a bit it wouldn’t bother me as much.

Or sell and rebuild.

Ok, funny enough, I agree with centering on top or bottom (or re-doing staircase). You made me look at my own stairs - they are very similar to yours. I need to do something like a runner, too, and you’ve given me something to consider. 👍🏻