Stairways can be so much more than a functional path from one level of the home to another. Whether you’re redecorating or starting from scratch, there are many ways to give this area some style of its own. Read on to discover our favorite staircase decorating ideas that will turn the passageway into a stylish focal point.
Easy Staircase Decorating Ideas
Transitional staircase decorating ideas by Decorilla
A variety of different staircase decorating ideas include everything from color and texture to accessories and lighting. Simple staircase wall decor should be easy to put together, whether as a unified set or as a mix of styles.
Pro Tip: Knowing your style preference can help you decide which staircase decorating ideas are right for you. Take our Free Interior Design Style Quiz to discover your unique decorating style today!
1. Lighting Staircase Decorating Ideas
Simple staircase decorating ideas by Decorilla designer, Taize M.
Stylish and contemporary staircase decorating ideas include statement lighting design, whether that be chandeliers up above, wall scones, or lantern features on the stairs themselves. It’s also easy to see why – a chic fixture can update a space just by its look – not to mention adding extra light, shadow, and drama. However, keep in mind when adding decor to the stairs, there should still be plenty of room for foot traffic.
2. Art for a Stairway Wall
Abstract art for stairway wall decor by Decorilla designer, Wanda P.
If you want to create a personal touch, the staircase is the perfect place to do so. It provides a space to continue the storytelling you started at the entrance hall. Along with adding personal touches through accessories, you can also elevate your design scheme with a unique piece of artwork. Keep the statement item at eye level to be visible for everyone approaching the stairs.
Stairway Wall Decor
Modern stairway wall decor by Decorilla designer, Kristina B.
The walls of a stairway provide the perfect blank canvas to display some of your favorite wall decor. On the other hand, you can create a stunning feature wall that’ll also be sure to steal the show.
3. Gallery Stairway Wall Decor
Adding a gallery wall to your staircase is a great way to add style and put together different elements of your design scheme at once. Depending on the rest of the interior design, your stairway wall decor can be modern, abstract, eclectic, or traditional. Alternatively, you can play and mix the styles, but keep at least one element, such as frame style, in common to all pieces.
4. Library Staircase Wall Decorating Ideas
This staircase decorating idea is excellent for everyone looking to add more storage and display space to their home. In other words, it will do both jobs at once without using up too much floor area. Add a couple of extended wall shelves along the staircase, or set a small library under it. You can even get crafty and think outside the box when it comes to what you store there – such as displaying vinyl records, books, or collectibles.
Decorating a Stair Landing
When you’re blessed with extra space at the top or bottom of your staircase there are plenty of ideas for decorating a stair landing. You can add additional seating, storage, or even let the outdoors in.
5. Biophilic Staircase Decorating Ideas
Decorating a staircase landing with a zen garden by Decorilla designer, Laura A.
Biophilic design is a shortcut to quickly add character and style to your home. You can arrange a miniature zen garden under the stairs, add a living wall, or include some potted plants up the stairs. Such ideas combine wonderfully with wooden threads and walls – but feel free to experiment.
6. Less is More
Simple modern decorating for stair landing by Decorilla designer, Shasta P.
When decorating a stair landing it is important to keep in mind that the stairs need to serve their main purpose as a corridor for foot traffic. As a result, you don’t want to congest the space with unnecessary decor. A streamlined modern look is able to add style to the space while keeping clutter at bay. Sleek glass panels can serve as railing while keeping the space feeling open. Furthermore, an accent wall on the landing and a linear chandelier add just enough eye candy.
Decorate Stair Risers
Decorate stair risers with veined marble by Decorilla designer, Mladen C.
Staircase staircase risers – the vertical sections connecting one step to the next – provide an excellent opportunity to add character and charm to the whole space.
7. Tile-clad Risers
Stair treads made of decorative tile may not be the safest solution due to the little traction they deliver. On the risers, however, you may employ almost anything to add a creative punch without risking slips or falls. Brightly colored glazed tiles can make a strong and durable statement. If you prefer to DIY, you can also consider wallpaper or vinyl decals.
8. Reclaimed Risers
The simplest, and often most cost-effective methods to decorate your stair risers is using reclaimed material. The addition of raw wood or patinated metal brings character to an otherwise charmless part of the stairs. Use your creativity with this idea and see what reused materials bring a sense of style to your space.
Entryway Staircase Ideas
Seating area as entryway staircase ideas by Decorilla designer, Sonia C.
The first impression guests will have of your home is formed in your entryway. This area can range in size and shape, but adequately scaled staircase decoration ideas can give it a whole new dimension. Build the look around features you want to highlight.
9. Cozy Entryway Staircase Decorating Ideas
Rustic traditional entryway staircase ideas by Decorilla designer, Lindsay B.
Create the ultimate welcoming staircase entryway with some cozy decor. Add a small console table as a catchall at the door and complement it with a nice armchair to comfortably change your shoes. In addition, use a runner or rug to anchor the furniture. Then, freshen up the space with some small potted plants. Finally, complete the look with a mirror and some art.
10. Grand Staircase Ideas
Grand entryway staircase ideas by Decorilla design, Rachel H.
When blessed with a double staircase at the entrance of your home you’re able to create a design worthy of fairytales. In this case, it is important to coordinate all the elements of staircase decor for a cohesive style that highlights the grandeur of the space. Consider details such as an entryway table displaying fresh blooms and intricate staircase railings. In addition, add interest to the vertical height of the room with staggered staircase wall art and a classy chandelier.
Decorative Stair Railings
Decorative railing for a spiral staircase by Decorilla designer, Lauren A.
Many times decorative stair railings can also serve as a statement themselves. These works of art are best left with minimal decor so they can rightfully take the spotlight.
11. Draw the Eyes Up
Floor-to-ceiling decorative stair railings by Decorilla designer, Dina H.
A beautiful staircase can be a powerful visual point in a home, so keep that in mind when deciding on railings. Sleek, simple handrails are, of course, a great option. However, think also about extending the bars floor-to-ceiling, making it a prominent design feature.
12. Go Horizontal
Decorative horizontal stair railing by Decorilla designer, Casey H.
Naturally, it seems fitting to chose vertical stair railings, however add a contemporary flair to the space by opting for horizontal railings. This option creates a decorative style to a practical requirement of staircases. Metal rods or strips as well as steel cabling are all popular options for this setup.
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