Stair Rods
The popular decorative accessory of stair rods is a favourite way to enhance a staircase. Whether the carpet is a runner up the centre of the stairs or a fitted carpet the full width of the staircase, there is an inspiring choice of designs from which to choose.
End finials that catch the eye
For both the runner stair rods and front fix designs for fitted carpets, undoubtedly it is the finials either end which introduce character and style to a staircase. From balls to thistles, fleur-de-lys to arrowheads or simple, stylish capped ends, finials provide attractive detailing to each step.
Cylindrical and triangular stair rod styles
Meanwhile, the rod style provides opportunities to personalise your staircase décor scheme yet further. Choose from cylindrical designs such as the classic range of 5 different Premier designs featuring a solid core rod. Alternatively, the hollow rod options such as the Vision, Homepride and Country ranges all provide sturdy options in an attractive range of finishes. If you prefer a flat-face style, then the Royale range will appeal.
Attractive finishes
Carpet rods come in a variety of finishes including popular antique brass and polished brass. A more contemporary look is the brushed chrome or satin nickel finish, whilst the Tudor wooden design have a lovely, natural wood appeal.
Off -the-shelf or made-to-measure
There are few staircases alike and therefore most quality stair rods are made-to-measure, which means they are bespoke-made and are ready to fit. Full details on how to measure up and order the correct length are provided in our useful Measuring Up for Stair Rods Guide.
However, the cheaper ranges of Jubilee and Homepride carpet runner rods are supplied in a choice of just a few lengths, which you cut to size to suit your staircase and runner carpet.
Choose from our comprehensive range and have them delivered to your door. Take a moment to look at our gallery to help you imagine how your staircase could be transformed. For most UK orders, P&P is free. If you need some technical advice, we’ll be pleased to help, just email or T:0330 113 4909.
FAQs
What are stair-rods and stair carpet rods used for?
They are a decorative feature to enhance the look and appeal of a staircase. In many homes, the staircase is visible from the front door and a major focal point of the house. Carpet bars provide character and ambience to a staircase, which otherwise can appear rather bland and purely functional.
When they were first invented, back in the Georgian era, carpet rods were used to fit a stair rug or runner to stairs. However, over time the runner would typically sag and ruck up. Subsequently, gripper was invented, which has proved to be a secure and effective way to attach a stair runner to each step. Carpet rods have therefore become attractive, decorative accessories to a staircase, for both stair runners and fitted stair carpets.
Attractive features include the finials or ends, which come in a wide choice of styles from balls to thistles, fleur-de-lys to arrows, and stylised acorns to crystal spheres. The repeating rods, rising up a flight of stairs, are also recognised as an effective way to create the desirable illusion of spaciousness and width to even the narrowest of staircases.
Are they practical or just for looks?
They are a decorative feature to a home, providing style and ambience to a staircase. For many, the two go hand in hand, much like paint goes with walls or bread with butter! The one without the other seems boring and bland, whilst the two together create a completely new dimension to your home, which you can’t do without.
Do the rods come with brackets?
Yes, all our designs are supplied with a pair of brackets to hold the rods to the staircase. The design of the brackets varies depending on whether you choose rods for a runner carpet or whether you require the Front Fix or Side Fix option for fitted stair carpets.
What size of rod do I need – thick or thin?
Quality stair rods are made-to-measure, so it is worth checking the retailer’s advice on measuring up before ordering. We suggest the 12mm and 12.5mm diameter for domestic use; the 9mm designs, such as the Jubilee work out cheaper but likewise have less impact. In contrast the 16mm diameter rods are intended for extra-wide staircases and are available in a few ranges including Eastern Promise, Country and Premier.
In terms of length, this will vary depending on the width of your stair runner or fitted carpet. And, don’t forget that this may vary from one step to another. For the quality ranges, which are made-to-measure, it is the tip to tip measurement which is key, as this is what you order. If you have a runner, then this total length includes an overhang either side of the runner and space for the rod brackets; typically we recommend an additional 50mm either side to allow for this.
Alternatively, the Homepride and Jubilee ranges are sold in four fixed lengths only, which you cut to size at home.
Should they be used to secure a runner onto the stairs?
No, the normal way to fix a stair carpet is using carpet gripper on each step. The pins grip the carpet and hold it firmly in place. Carpet stair rods are purely decorative and simply sit across a stair runner with fixing brackets.
How to fit
They can be installed at the same time as a new stair carpet or retrospectively. Most trained carpet fitters are able to fit them, as can DIY enthusiasts. However, for winders you may like to contact a skilled fitter, as these are not as straightforward and require some experience.
Stair carpet holders are held in place by brackets, which are fixed in place with screws. We supply hinged brackets with most of our quality stair rods, which ensures installation is that much easier; they are attached with screws to the staircase. The Front Fix for fitted stair carpets have semi-circular brackets; these fix over the rod and through the carpet. The Side Fix option attach to the stringboard either side of the steps, again with screws.
How often do they need replacing?
Quality carpet runner rods can last a lifetime. You can even re-fit them when you replace a runner or fitted carpet or take them with you when you move house. For anyone who has inherited a set or taken them up only to lose the brackets, we sell replacement rod holders in a choice of dimensions, sold separately.
0330 113 4909 
