Navigating Stairs with Vision Problems

Dear Melissa:

I’m getting on in years and while I can still climb the stairs in my home I have some vision problems and sometimes the stairs look like one solid color to me. My children are worried that I’ll fall. I’m beginning to think they’re right. Is there anything I can do short of moving into a ranch? W. H., Illinois

Dear W.:

Yours is not an uncommon situation, since we baby boomers are all aging (gracefully and otherwise). I’ve actually given a lot of thought to this problem. Good lighting is of course crucial, and rarely provided on staircases I might add. You need to highlight the edge of each tread so that the steps don’t blur together. This can be done in several ways depending on your budget.

Let’s get the two most costly solutions out of the way first. One is to have a carpet installer inset a narrow strip of carpet, in a second color, along the edge of each step; another choice would be to have an electrician light each tread – anything to create definition.

The least costly remedies are to remove the carpeting and stain or paint the edge of each tread. If someone is artistic, this accent strip could be a lovely stenciled design. No matter which solution you choose, get in the habit of keeping your hands free and ALWAYS using the handrail. M.A.K.

Carpet Care

Dear Melissa:

How should I care for a cotton area rug? It’s handmade and fairly expensive. Should I risk washing it? S.M., IL 

Dear S.:

Only if you want a misshapen pile of strings when you’re done. Fragile carpets should be treated professionally with stain repellants, kept out of direct sunlight, rotated regularly, and dry cleaned by a carpet expert. Treat carpets like the investments they are. Good care will prolong their life expectancy. M.A.K.

Tile in the Living Room?

Dear Melissa:

I am considering having ceramic tile installed in my living room. The carpeting I had installed a couple of years ago already has to be replaced due to heavy traffic, a long-haired cat, a 6-month old puppy, and a Newfoundland. The present carpet is forest green with the same carpeting going up the stairway and upstairs hall. My problem is: What do I do with the stairway and hall? Have you ever heard of using ceramic tile in the living room? I am afraid of losing the “comfortable feeling” it now affords if I install ceramic tile. Do you have any alternative suggestions? R.D., IN 

Dear R.:

Don’t I always? I sympathize with the conflict between pets and carpeting. Tile in living rooms is very popular in warm climates, like Florida and the Southwest. You are absolutely correct in thinking it will seem cold (and in fact, be cold to the touch). Some better options might be synthetic stain-resistant carpeting, hardwood (which can actually be priced fairly reasonably); laminated wood, which has improved dramatically; green patterned carpet; or replaceable carpet tiles.

Regarding the latter, I’m not referring to the cheap do-it-yourself carpet tiles of the past. These look exactly like broadloom when installed properly, but the individual stained tiles can be replaced. Commercial carpeting has always come like this. For a more residential feel, take a look at http://www.flor.com/ .

If the forest green carpet on the stairs looks tired or seems to clash with the new flooring, you might also consider a stair runner to make the transition from the flooring downstairs to the carpeting upstairs. It's a nicer look. M.A.K.