Waterfall
The runner leaves the nosing and drops straight down to the back of the next tread, without following the curve of the step edge. It creates a soft, cascading line and is the faster of the two to fit.
Hollywood (wrapped or upholstered)
The runner is pulled tight around the nosing and pushed into the crease at the back of each tread, so it follows the exact profile of the staircase. It shows off the step shape, looks crisper, and is the traditional finish on period staircases.
| Waterfall | Hollywood / wrapped | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Soft, relaxed, contemporary | Tailored, crisp, traditional |
| Material used | Less | More — about 2× nosing depth per step |
| Labour | Faster | Slower, more skill |
| Best with | Thicker pile, plain runners | Low pile, patterns, decorative nosings |
| Shows step shape | No | Yes |
Know your numbers in 30 seconds
Enter your step count, tread depth and riser height — the stair runner calculator gives you the exact length to order, in metres and feet, with waste included.
Open the stair runner calculatorHow much extra material Hollywood needs
Budget roughly twice the nosing depth per step. On a 13-step staircase with a 1.25in nosing that is 32.5in — most of a metre. Forgetting it is the classic reason a wrapped installation runs short on the last step.
Which should you choose?
- Thick or high-pile runner: waterfall — thick pile will not wrap a nosing cleanly.
- Patterned runner: Hollywood — the pattern follows the step and reads correctly from below.
- Decorative or moulded nosings: Hollywood, to show the profile.
- Tight budget or DIY: waterfall, as it uses less material and is easier to get right.
- Open-riser staircase: waterfall is usually the only workable option.
Tell your supplier which you are doing
Material quantity, and sometimes the recommended construction, differ between the two. Quote the same figure to every supplier so you can compare like with like.
Whatever you decide, get the numbers first: the stair runner calculator doubles as a stair runner length calculator, adding nosing wrap, landings, winders, pattern repeat and waste so you order the right length the first time.
Frequently asked questions
Is waterfall or Hollywood better for stairs?
Neither is objectively better. Hollywood looks more tailored and shows the step profile, waterfall is softer, cheaper and easier to fit. Pile thickness usually makes the decision for you — thick pile does not wrap well.
Does a Hollywood installation cost more?
Yes, on both counts. It uses roughly twice the nosing depth in extra material per step, and fitters typically charge a few dollars more per step for the slower work.
Know your numbers in 30 seconds
Enter your step count, tread depth and riser height — the stair runner calculator gives you the exact length to order, in metres and feet, with waste included.
Compare both in the calculator