Stairs can be a major focal point of the home. Not only do you see them every single day, if your staircase is right by an entrance, they’re one of the first things visitors see when they come over. After a while, they might start to look a bit worn out or maybe you’re just starting to get tired of the way they look. Most people don’t have the budget to completely knock out their existing staircase and build a new one, but there are plenty of ways you can give your stairs a whole new look.
A New Handrail
A new handrail is a great way to completely transform any staircase. The railing on your stairs can be a great accent for your home’s style. Wood rails have a very classic look and can be stained or painted to suit any color of decor. If your If your home has a more unique, offbeat style, check flea markets and antique shops to look for a salvaged vintage rail. For homes with a very modern edge, maybe a railing with a glass railguard would be just what you’re looking for.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
Paint can really do a lot to completely transform a space and a staircase is no exception. Black and white stairs are a popular choice for a very classic and refined look, but they’re also a opportunity to add color to your home. Is there a color that would look great as an accent color against the walls? If you really want to keep your options open, chalkboard paint is a popular choice for stair risers since it gives people the chance to have fun with their stairs. Or maybe you could paint a runner onto your stairs instead of using carpet. The possibilities are endless.
Wallpaper or Stencils
Your stairs certainly don’t have to be limited to being a solid color. Many homeowners use pieces of wallpaper on the risers of their stairs to add a vibrant pattern to the space in a way that isn’t overwhelming. Instead of using wallpaper for a strong pattern, you can also use a textured wallpaper to create a subtle but memorable appearance. This blog post from Amassing Cents shows an excellent use of textured wallpaper on stairs.
If you like the idea of having a pattern on your stair risers, but don’t like the idea of using wallpaper, see if you can find some stencils so you can create the same look using paint.
Molding and Wainscoting
Instead of changing the stairs themselves, why not consider changing the wall by the stairs? Applying things like wainscoting and molding the the wall add visual interest and create a more polished-looking architectural touch. If you’re thinking of putting your home on the market soon, those sorts of touches could really impress a person who’s considering buying your home.
