Oak staircase- stair runner or carpet stair treads?

[ChishandFips33]

Ok we have a wooden staircase (oak) and I've had a couple of narrow misses with slipping down

DH has suggested a stair runner but I'm squinting at the thought of someone nailing/fixing in to the oak and ruining it so it can't go back to bare wood

A friend has suggested carpet stair treads - apparently the glue can be removed and doesn't ruin the wood - but I'm not sure if I think they are old fashioned

• I do like runners, it's just the fitting/spoiling I have an issue with

I've added a pic (staircase is all oak though, no paint) - anyone care to give an opinion/experience/alternative please?

Honestly, I think the treads are hideous. If you were saying that it wasn't safe for your small children, or your elderly grandmother: if, in other words, you were saying this was a temporary measure, then maybe it would be worth putting up with an ugly interim solution to revert to the beautiful stairs when the danger has passed. But if the stairs are dangerous for you now, there is never going to be a time when they're not. Therefore, I think you should go for the stair runner. If you're always going to need the runner, you don't need to worry about the "damage" underneath it. I know it's a shame to have to cover up your beautiful staircase at all, but the reality is that your safety is always more important than the way your stairs look. And a runner can look beautiful too: I suggest you fork out for some really beautiful carpet, so you can enjoy it on its own account.

I agree. Go for the runner. In our old house we had similar stairs and kids in socks regularly had bumps so we had a runner fitted. It actually looked lovely in the end.

Now in our new house we have another wooden staircase - this one does a full 180 degree turn so I've been wondering about how to get that carpeted. I did think about the treads but also think they could look yuck.....

Thanks, that's what I thought you might say.
We are aiming to sell hence wanting to keep the staircase 'undamaged' in order to remove the covering and show it in all it's glory

I shall by myself some non slip granny socks and slow down on the stairs in my keenness to get my housework done, not!