The Best Natural Fibre Carpet For a Stair Runner

Studio Jeandré
Apr 27, 2021
4 min read

Updated: Jul 17

If you're looking for stair runner ideas that combine style, durability, and sustainability, a natural fibre stair runner is an excellent choice. These runners add warmth, texture, and visual interest to an often-overlooked part of the home—your staircase. Whether you have wooden stairs with a runner or a carpet runner on stairs with landing, natural fibres like sisal, sisool, coir, jute, and seagrass offer unique benefits.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best natural fibre stair runners, their pros and cons, and why they make a fantastic addition to any home.

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Why Choose a Natural Fibre Stair Runner?

Natural fibre carpets are a top pick for homeowners who want:

- Eco-friendly materials (biodegradable and sustainable)

- Durability (ideal for high-traffic areas like stairs)

- Textured, stylish designs (from striped stair runners to herringbone and basketweave)

- A modern stair runner look that complements both traditional and contemporary interiors

Now, let’s dive into the best natural fibre stair runners available.

1. Sisal Stair Runner – The Most Popular Choice

Sisal stair runners are the go-to option for many homeowners. Made from the leaves of the Agave plant (also used for rope and twine), sisal is incredibly durable and perfect for stairs.

Designs & Styles:

- Herringbone

- Boucle (looped)

- Basketweave

- Panama

Pros of Sisal Stair Runners:

✔ Available in a wide range of colours and designs (can be dyed)

✔ Extremely hardwearing—ideal for high-traffic staircases

✔ Adds a modern stair runner aesthetic with natural texture

Cons of Sisal Stair Runners:

✖ Avoid large loops—they can bunch up against stair risers

✖ Absorbs water easily—not ideal near exterior doors (use a doormat if needed)

Best for: Homes needing a durable, stylish carpet runner on stairs that withstands heavy use.

Buyer Tip:

Whenever I’m helping clients with natural fibre stair runners, this is the number one concern that is flagged as they run their hands on the sample - won’t this be too rough to walk on?

When shopping for natural fibre runner options do not judge the roughness of the texture with your hands, take your shoes off (and your socks if you so wish) and stand on the sample.

Your hands tend to be more sensitive than your feet, I promise you will be pleasantly surprised once your feet touch the sample.

2. Sisool Stair Runner – A Soft & Durable Hybrid

Sisool combines 60% sisal and 40% wool, offering extra softness underfoot while maintaining durability.

Pros of Sisool Stair Runners:

✔ High domestic durability rating

✔ Easier stain removal (thanks to the wool blend)

✔ Softer than pure sisal—great for families

Cons of Sisool Stair Runners:

✖ Limited availability (not all suppliers offer it)

✖ Only comes in five colour options

Best for: Those who want the durability of sisal with a softer feel.

Buyer Tip:

When looking at different loop sizes (yes, there are many to choose from!) always put the sample on the floor and look at it from a standing height, this will give you a better idea of how big or small the loop will look once installed.

3. Coir Stair Runner – A Natural, Water-Resistant Option

Made from Indian coconut husks, coir is a hardy, water-resistant natural fibre often used in doormats.

Pros of Coir Stair Runners:

✔ Naturally water-resistant (unlike most natural fibres)

✔ 100% biodegradable

✔ Adds rustic warmth to wooden stairs with runner

Cons of Coir Stair Runners:

✖ Can shed over time

✖ Rough texture—less comfortable underfoot

Best for: Entryways or homes needing a water-resistant carpet runner on stairs with landing.

Buyer Tip

Should you choose to add a border to your stair runner, have some fun with the design and colour.

Why not choose a bright colour that will contrast well with the natural warmth of the natural fibre stair runner or consider having a double border in different colours.

4. Jute Stair Runner – The Softest Natural Fibre

Jute is harvested from the tiliaceae plant, resulting in a soft, sandy-hued fibre.

Pros of Jute Stair Runners:

✔ Extremely soft—almost like wool

✔ Ideal for low-traffic areas like bedrooms

Cons of Jute Stair Runners:

✖ Not very durable—not recommended for high-traffic stairs

✖ Absorbs moisture easily

Best for: Decorative use in low-traffic areas (not the best for main staircases).

Buyer Tip

Most companies will advise on having the stair runner sprayed with a protective spray as natural fibre carpets do tend to stain.

The cost is approx. £5 per m2, it's definitely worth paying a little extra for this protection.

5. Seagrass Stair Runner – Stain-Resistant & Durable

Grown in Vietnamese riverbanks, seagrass is naturally water- and stain-resistant.

Pros of Seagrass Runners:

✔ Highly durable and stain-resistant

✔ Softer underfoot than sisal—great for living areas

✔ Ideal for a modern stair runner look

Cons of Seagrass Runners:

✖ Cannot be dyed—limited colour options

✖ Check with suppliers for stair suitability

Best for: Homes needing a tough, low-maintenance stair runner carpet.

Which Natural Fibre Stair Runner is Best?

For most homeowners, a sisal stair runner is the top choice—it’s durable, stylish, and eco-friendly. However, if you prefer a softer feel, sisool is a great alternative. For water resistance, consider coir, while seagrass offers excellent stain resistance.