When it comes to covering the staircases in your home, you have quite a few options. Some homeowners choose to take the custom route so they can select bespoke patterns in sturdy materials, and get a runner that fits their space perfectly. However, this approach is typically more expensive—and there is another path forward (or should we say upward?), so long as you are open to tackling the task yourself. To add a pop of color or punchy pattern to the stairs in your house, simply purchase a runner rug and wrangle the install. (We explain exactly how to measure your staircase and secure the runner to your flooring in this comprehensive guide.)

To help you take the first step (pun intended!), we went ahead and curated several iterations that can handle the intense foot traffic your stairs see every day. Explore our favorite runner rugs for your staircase below.

Related: The Best Paint Colors to Brighten Up Your Staircase

Searching for a stair runner rug for your beach home? Consider this aquamarine number, which speaks to the color of the waves. Best of all, it's stain and fade resistant, which means it won't discolor if it receives some summer sun.

Synthetic sisal delivers the longevity you need in a staircase runner rug—which is why we're partial to this piece, which looks similar to jute options.

If you'd prefer the real thing, this pure sisal piece is composed of durable fibers which were designed to go the distance. This stairway runner is, barring a fully bespoke order, as customizable as it gets. You can choose from a myriad of length and width options for a good fit.

This company is known for its staircase runners, which come in a myriad of prints and hues. If you're looking for a neutral option with a twist, consider this striped, tonal beauty; the handmade piece was composed from 100-percent cotton and woven to last.

If the measurement and install process feels like too big of a lift, consider a straightforward alternative to staircase runner rugs: stair treads. These peel-and-stick wool pieces come in several dimensions to account for different stair sizes and can be secured to your flooring within minutes.

Complete with a wave-inspired border and heathered yarn for tonal intrigue, this neutral, but elevated piece works across a myriad of décor styles, from coastal and rustic to traditional.

If you're more of a mid-century enthusiast, you will appreciate this runner rug's retro-inspired print. The playful pattern's golden suns will make you smile every time you head upstairs.

Here's another neutral piece that should suit several design sensibilities; the touch of black, however, packs a modern punch.

For those who dream of crafting a home that would fit in on the European countryside, this gingham-forward piece might be what your staircase is missing. The French blue hue is particularly inviting.