We have a runner in the house we bought a year ago. I loved it then, looks great, but if you have a family the edges get extremely dusty very quickly - depends whether you are fussy about your home or not. I don't think I would pick them again as it is quite a lot of extra work dusting and wiping them down.

We're going through the same as you as we are having to replace our very expensive sisal runners with their beautiful black taping after only 5.5 years. Would strongly recommend against sisal anywhere, but particularly on the stairs. Any dirt, spilt drinks, splashes of water result in stains that even professional carpet cleaners cant get out. The pile is too short and it all gets embedded in those lovely ridges. They shrink away from the skirting board quickly because they cant be pinned down like normal carpet so it quickly looks tatty and we're only 3 people including an unusually clean and tidy child. If you do treat yourself please don't buy sisal!I

Thanks for all the kind words and advice. I only want a runner because I love the look of them and that it still allows some of the wooden 'bones' of the staircase to be displayed. Given that absolutely no-one has said "yeah - install it yourself - it's so easy!" I'm definitely feeling inclined to save up for longer and get it done professionally. I'm currently thinking of going for the wool loop carpet attached in a beige/natural colour-way and edged with a dark charcoal linen border.

Hi Peony, Very interesting choice of the Vardo! Most stairwells are dark and narrow and the best way to enlarge, inspire and brighten up the space is to paint colour white adding occasional feature wall, paint handrails in bold paint colours, adding coloured and big art/frames. Painting and decorating the staircase in such bold colour is brave, and it will look outstanding, guaranteed. The only worry is that present wall colour may not necessarily work with it. You could add little more and paint walls - that would certainly be a bonus. A blue would nail it. Good luck with your project! If you are looking for painting and decorating company in London please call Paintforme! Best, Paintforme