neither, but the tone of the lighter, for sure.

the amples you show look very pink.

Thoughts on what I should do instead? You think the tone of the lighter is good or bad? Do they both look pink?

although I never install carpet in any homes (I prefer a wood floor with an area rug)

I do understand the quick results gotten by a carpet.

Have you reviewed all your options, since the small children and pet, the varigated options might be better than a solid for showing dirt.

https://stoneandtileshoppe.com/products/exquisite-style-502-natures-blend-textured-triexta-carpet?srsltid=AfmBOopFxUWK5M_oafdbnoXtKUkEBJlVjH2XdBUAqmtEind3rVSEnnRQ

Select a tighter short carpet I would select a 'loop' carpet

This could be a good compromise. Short loop and cut pile with a minimal pattern.

If you have hardwood treads, get a runner with the sides exposed. Carpeting the whole staircase is old-fashioned, especially with broadloom.

I’d use a comparison to your existing carpet as an aid in deciding. Do you feel the existing is too dark or too light?

A solid, whether dark or light, can be a problem. Try a patterned runner:

A pastel persian style is lovely:

Lots of stripes like this:

Animal prints are great on stairs!

Mohawk triexta blend carpet. like Smartstrand is polyester. This crushes and wears more than nylon. I would choose nylon for hallways and stairs. Mohawk Ultrastrand is nylon.

All carpets get dirty and IMO the one that tells you when it is dirty is the one to choose if you must do carpet. Stairs are horrible for getting gross and with kids and dog even worse so look for one thta is easy to spot clean and can standup to traffic . I agree the stairs with a apttern runner is better for hiding dirty but IMO I would rather clean more often. Wall to waal carpet gets gross it is afact so always IMO hard surface flooring with area rugs and at most a runner on the stairs ,