Stair runner – Miracle on Thirty Fourth

Product links: Mirror / Mushroom light fixture

I had a dream light in mind for this entry. There were four numbers in the price. (I liked this olive leaf light, too) In the recesses of my brain was a clever light fixture hack, I saw way back in 2014. Pam, at Simple Details Blog, used a Martha Stewart, sunburst mirror and a simple light fixture to make a grand entry light. The basic concept: round mirror frame as a light medallion.

Entry Light: Mirror plus mushroom light mashup

I needed something big… like 30″ plus big, but also flush mount. The existing light brushed our heads as us giants breezed by.

I used a decorative, olive leaf mirror and a big box store, mushroom light mashup for $65. The 9″ LED light I used is no longer available, similar size linked. The mirror was an open box deal on Amazon for around $45. Mirror currently $99.

Light fixture and mirror before attached to ceiling.

This project was the easiest DIY ever and took 15 minutes. Tops. I popped out the center mirror. Installed light. Used the mirror as a ceiling medallion. Screwed on shade.

I didn’t even need to use screws to attach the mirror medallion; it is supported by the shade and light fixture screws. The hardest part was finding a light fixture with the correct dimensions to make it look like one piece.

Entry status when the light was installed. Look at baby Everett!

The possibilities are endless. Look for any round mirror that has a removable center. Find a light with a matching circumference. Ta Da Big ol’ light on the cheap.

Let me know if you have questions.

XOXO Ruthie

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Product Links: Stair rods / Runner

(stair rods updated Amazon link for 3/2023)

During the last two years, some projects have happened quickly, others more drawn out and painful. Our runner, firmly in the painful category, took nine months to birth.

I finished the carpet portion five months after starting the project. I was totally bummed when I ran a few feet short, only to discover the rug was on backorder. I underestimated the giant, pattern repeat, and the resulting amount of waste. I was forced to use scraps to finish it off, while I waited for the re-stock. How to figure out the runner length you need.

Safavieh Courtyard Billye Indoor/ Outdoor Rug — Safavieh Matrix Runner, Overstock, black/sand

It turned out to be one of life’s blessings in disguise. During flu season, little Everett replicated a scene from the Exorcist right on those patched in scraps.

In the end, I spliced together five, sand/black, 2′ 7″ x 5 runners. The runner comes in 14′ length, if you can use the 2′ 3″ width. My stairs are wide and required the larger size. I loosely used Young House Love’s stair runner tutorial for the last three runners I’ve installed.

Close up: Splice between the second and third steps.

Four months after completing the runner, I installed the stair rods. The rods are only $19.50 a piece, but I needed 16– an investment during a time when we were making major repairs to the house.

Laying this runner was no joke. Securing the stair rods, with my father-in-law (Jerr Bear), ended up being the easy part. All it required was a screwdriver and a little muscle, since we didn’t drill pilot holes.

Stair rods are magic for hiding any evidence of multiple rugs; I chose to splice where the riser meets the stair tread. To join, I folded the rough edge under and secured with fabric tape. Then I attached with staples as usual. Splicing and stair rod install tutorial on OKL.

Project Cost:

Runner: $150

Stair rods: $300

(stair rods updated Amazon link for 3/2023)

*affiliated links

Miracle on Thirty Fourth

Category: Stair runner

Grand Entry Light Fixture DIY-$65

The Nine Month Gestation of our Stair Runner