What a beautiful staircase! It is stunning! Project Home UK suggested a stair runner going down the middle of the steps would perhaps be more effective than a fully fitted carpet. We supply carpets and floorcoverings throughout the UK and Ireland and can also offer a bespoke stair runner service where you choose any one of our floorings or carpets (as long as suitable for stairs of course) and pick a border to go around the edge. We have some beautiful examples of customers 'in-situ' runners in our 'in-situ' ideabook which may give you some inspiration? We recently did a photoshoot in a location with a similar staircase to yours, photo below, where we used a bold striped runner in 100% wool, with a simple whipped edge. The second photo is of a grand central staircases in one of our retailer showrooms which has the new Quirky B Fair Isle Reiko by Margo Selby running down the centre - beautiful! Take a look at our website, www.alternativeflooring.com, to see our full collection of floorcoverings and have a play with flooring and border combinations using our 'Make me a rug' designer. Have fun!

Be wary of any pattern if you have winder steps - becomes a bit of a nightmare to fit to keep the pattern right ! Works best on straight stairs only in my experience .

Colourhappy, I was wondering the other way. In our previous house our carpet ended up looking dirty in the corners even if we had it professionally cleaned. So I was wondering if having darker edging would reduce it looking dirty... But, I can also see what you are saying. I would need to hoover regularly; something I have to do anyone as we have two cats.

Don’t feel bad about complaining. They should have done a better job! My mums hall carpet was laid by Allied Carpets years ago. When I visited I saw it finished short by about 1 1/2 inches leading up to the front door! What??? I went in store and politely explained the problem. They promptly took up the new carpet and then put down a replacement one which was fitted right up to the door. Shame as you bought local and independent and they let you down. One word of warning - when complaining always be polite, get them on your side - you always attract more bees with honey than vinegar! Good luck.