definitely not

no

Not asthetically pleasing, no

Nope. :)

But how would I finish it? Paint it white like the trim in the hallway or BM lookout which is a soft yellow like on the walls? The new carpet is a light mocha colour. The owner at the store had convinced me when I originally ordered that covering the sides was the way to go! Was I misguided?

White, like your trim. You were misguided. Thank goodness for Houzz!

No. Probably the salesman wanted t sell more carpet. Such a small area to carpet. Would you consider having someone finish with drywall and hardwood on steps. Easier to clean.
And would look good too.

No! I agree, paint the sides white

I can't cuz the order is in the shop. The sad thing is that underneath the old paint there is nice wood.but the other set of stairs I am doing is new and made of ply wood

I would not, but you will need to finish out the inside vertical face.

No. Refinish edges before putting new carpet.

oh god, no. paint it white like the trim.

in most carpet stores, you can call and change the labor pretty easily.
and if you've only paid for it but the carpet hasn't reached the store yet, you can ask them to recalc the footage/yardage needed and they'll typically refund you for the difference.

Definitely don't carpet the sides. Painted white sounds great, but what color is your new carpeting?

OMG NO! Please refinish it and paint it the same color as the trim. It will be beautiful.

Thanks so much everyone! I am on to panting the sides as we speak. My sister says I should finish the sides of the steps in oak - the area below the oak railings so it would match up? I rather not bec I would have to get someone in to do that$$$$$$$$
What do you folks think?
I

If you don't have the $$$$ or would rather spend it on another project now, paint it now and next time you decide to do an upgrade, add it to your list then!

no

no. have you seen those mediterranean veneered sheets which are quite thin (quarter inch) and can easily be cut and applied? Get them in ash, yew etc and give a difference tonal timber for little cash maybe? Try this link
http://www.woodworkerssource.com/20250504-p-Ash.html

Nope need wood painted or stained

Carpeting those sides is very, very outdated. Paint it or stain it. You will be so glad you did.

definitely not.

Thank you for all your help everyone. I am happy with the results!

Beautiful! I'm so glad you are happy with how it turned out. That's what counts! :)

that is a totally better look than the carpet up the sides. great job!

NOOOOOOOO !!!!!!

Old post from 2014.