According to NewEngland.com, stair rods are a historically accurate and less invasive way to install carpeting on your stairs. Rather than damage your hardwood stairs with carpet tack strips ...

Victorian stair clips served both a functional and aesthetic purpose by clipping your carpet runner in place on the sides and preventing the fabric from slipping.

Holders: Similar to rods except they don't go all the way across, stair holders, also known as "carpet clips," are installed on either side of the creased edge like little carpet brackets.