20+ Staircase Decorating Ideas
Your stairs are probably the last place you think about in your house to decorate. I mean, unless you're willing to rip up the carpet or do a serious reno, there's not much you can do with them, right? WRONG. Whether you want to paint, re-carpet, or do as little work as humanely possible, we've got plenty of super creative ideas to update your staircase. Bring on all the colors and patterns.
Pattern Play
You don't even have to touch your actual stairs to make impactful decor changes. Wallpaper the wall against your staircase for serious wow-factor.
See more at Lark & Linen.
Back in Black
Have you ever seen a sexier staircase? A black staircase with reclaimed wood steps is so hot, it's NSFW.
See more at Nicole Franzen.
Step It Up With Stencils
This staircase started off a basic white-and-wood style. To mix it up, the designer painted each stair face a different shade of blue, and then added delicate-looking stencils inspired by bone inlay furniture.
See more at One Kings Lane.
Never Met A Stripe We Didn't Like
For a crisp, clean look, you can't go wrong with classic stripes. This blue-and-white design brings plenty of nautical charm without going overboard.
See more at My Paradissi.
Functional, But Still Chic
Hang a few hooks on the wall above your staircase. It's the perfect spot to hang your purse or jacket, so they're easily accessible when you're heading out.
See more at Nicole Franzen.
Blue Crush
Whether you actually live by the water or just wish you did, paint your steps blue. Coastal vibes for days.
See more at Emily Henderson.
Less Is More
Restraint is always overrated. For a cool, modern, minimalist feel, opt for reclaimed wood steps and a clean white staircase. To keep it from feeling too stark, add a small accent table at the base.
See more at Amber Interiors.
Compare & Contrast
The staircase in a California home is graphic goals thanks to patterned tiles. The contrasting mix works thanks to a common color palette.
Gallery Wall Goals
You know the perfect place to try out that gallery wall you've always wanted? Your stairwell.
See more at Emily Henderson.
Run This Town
Full carpeted stairs can look a bit dated, so instead, try a runner. It'll up the cozy factor from bare stairs, but look a little more fresh.
See more at Lark & Linen.
Looks Good On Paper
If you've got some leftover wallpaper rolls, apply them to your stair risers. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is an easy way to add some pattern to your stairs if you're not ready to commit to one pattern for the rest of your life.
See more at Pretty Plain Janes.
Go All Out
Absolutely obsessed with one color? Then go for it and do your whole stairwell, top to bottom, in that hue.
See more at MadeByGirl.
Keep It Classic
Rip out the old carpet on your stairs and gave it traditional, timeless style: Dark espresso brown for the rail and steps, and classic white for the rest.
See more at Centsational Girl.
Fabric FTW!
Give a staircase a breezy, colorful look using only paint and fabric. To apply the fabric, use a crafting staple: ModPodge.
See more at Plaster & Disaster.
Animal Instincts
If you're feeling daring, experiment with a crazy print. These stairs are carpeted in a zebra print, but you could also use temporary wallpaper if this feels too bold for a long term commitment.
Ombré Omg
Give your stairs the ombré treatment using just a few sample-sized paints.
See more at Design Sponge.
Color Crazy
Mix it up by painting your railing an unexpected color, like this candy apple red. The glossy red railing adds serious sex appeal.
Run With It
Rip your old carpet off the stairs and paint them white. Then, make a runner out of a few rugs.
Get the tutorial at Little Green Notebook.
Anchors Away
For a nautical-inspired staircase, choose heavy rope in place of a traditional railing and angle the runner to reveal a hint of bare floor.
On The Map
In this Bahamian vacation home, the stairwell was painted with a map of Guana Cay that includes the house, the family's favorite bar, and places they like to take their boat. A blue runner ups the seaside feel.
It will now be the most Instagrammed spot in your house.