In the vast majority of houses, the first thing you see when you enter is the stairs and hallway. The right stair ideas can make all the difference in getting the perfect first impression.
Of course the staircase does not stand alone, it should work with your hallway ideas to create coherence. Really think about what you want your house to say when people walk in. The hallway and staircase will set the design tone for the entire house.
Use old wallpaper or cards to give each floor a little something extra, or paint the entire shack in your favorite color. You can even paint the pegs and banister to your liking and put wall decals on the stair walls or the walls opposite each half of the landing.
Staircase Ideas to Inspire all Homes
Our staircase ideas ensure that you make the right impression the first time. So whether it’s for fun or to impress guests, it’s important to take the time to create a special place to enjoy.
1. Get Colour Drenching
Paint spillage is fashionable right now, and one place where this decorating technique works particularly well is in the hallway. Once you learn how to paint a ladder, you have more options.
Paint the stairs, walls, radiator and even the ceiling and/or floor the same shade to make a serious statement. To change the trend a bit, opt for tonal colors to impress, but without focusing entirely on one tone.
2. Be Inspired by Pretty Patchworks
Whether you live in a country house or simply love the finer things in life, a patchwork quilt can be an unexpected source of inspiration. Wallpaper your stair ideas with different and incompatible prints and patterns.
To keep it simple, stick to one color or theme. For example, anything made of flowers, dots, abstract designs…
3. Create a kids’ zone
Keeping hallways clean and tidy in a host family is a challenge. As you go through your stair ideas, try to think about how your design can make your life a little easier. The addition of an underwear rack, sofa and individual baskets for shoes and outdoor gear keep everything at home.
Hide the things the design has done by painting the wallpaper a different color than the stairs itself. This will also help to visually delineate the area.
4. Co-ordinate with Paint and Wallpaper
Painting your wood dark — or a darker charcoal gray — can really take a space to a more sophisticated level. Contrast with white walls for a fresh, modern look, or complement it with warm navy blue or emerald green for even more drama. A stairwell adds a bright pop of color and delicate pendant lighting accentuates the double-height ceiling.
5. Boost light levels
One thing that isn’t considered as often as it should be is how much light a ladder can block. Keep it simple and clear with a few simple tricks. A glass balustrade allows sunlight through and by protecting the site with wood or white paint, the available light is encouraged to reflect.
The built-in floodlight also helps on dark days and at night.
6. Welcome Pattern on the Stairs
A pattern not only gives an instant personality to the color scheme of the hallway, it is also very practical. “The models are perfect for high traffic areas such as hallways and stairways where dust and dirt are regularly stepped on the carpet,” says Jodie Hatton, Residential Designer at Brintons (opens in new tab).
Before I go on to say, ‘We need a few happy moments throughout the house, so decorating the hallway should be just as ridiculous as your living room or bedroom. It’s the first place you see when you get back from your daily walk, so why not make it special?’ We couldn’t agree more with that sentiment.
7. Create a Statement with Coordinated Colour
Be bold with the color to make a statement, but remember to keep it coordinated to get a cohesive color scheme that looks good. If you’re using a rich color on the walls, like this bold blue in the hallway, repeat the same color in the stairwell or rug. Here, the blue trim is enough to add a subtle yet impressive accent to the neutral stairwell.
The natural wicker rug coordinates effortlessly with the banister and natural wood studs, balancing neutral elements with the most provocative use of bold colors.
8. Make a Dramatic Entrance
Instead of choosing a bold color or striking wallpaper to make a statement on your stairs, why not use both? With a space as small as a ladder, there’s only a small area to cover, so you can be bolder when it comes to decorating. A bold color will look less overwhelming in such a limited capacity, it will enhance even a small space. Using wallpaper on a landing, such as an impressive wall, usually only requires one roll, which also keeps the budget down.
9. Make it personal with curated photos
Stairs are the ideal place for a gallery wall. Choose matching themed frames and images. White is every gallery’s favorite blank canvas, but a wooden bench and armrest add some warmth to balance out the look.
10. Keep the Style Simple
Often, a hallway can feel restrictive on the style front due to a lack of space – in this case, less is more. Using natural wood in a hallway can promote a Scandinavian aesthetic that will make you breathe a sigh of relief as you walk down the hallway. door after a manic day.
Adding a potted plant or two can also add to that soothing sensation. Try to keep accessories to a minimum so the overall effect is uncluttered and fresh.
11. Uplift a Scheme with Colour and Pattern
Instead of choosing a bold color or striking wallpaper to make a statement on your stairs, why not use both? With a space as small as a ladder, there’s only a small area to cover, so you can be bolder when it comes to decorating.
A bold color will look less overwhelming in such a limited capacity, it will enhance even a small space. Using wallpaper on a landing, such as an impressive wall, usually only requires one roll, which also keeps the budget down.
How Can I Make my Stairs Look Better?
How you can improve the look of your stairs depends on the style of your home and your own design preferences. That said, there are some small but significant additions that can seriously update your stairs ideas.
“Upgrading and installing new handrails, steps, new stairs and pits can completely transform the entire staircase,” said James Murray, Senior Stair Designer at Neville Johnson. “These all-important decorative touches, like wrought iron spindles, can be used to introduce a touch of traditional elegance.”
The choice of wood and even glass can also make a difference. ‘Oak creates an impression of warmth, quality and refinement,’ advises James. “While Ash offers a lighter finish and wilder grain for more visual variety.”
“Combining oak with glass has become a very popular choice for hallway and staircase designs in recent years, especially for more contemporary schemes,” continues James. ‘Smoked oak helps create a modern and elegant look, and the addition of glass really opens up the space, allowing light to flow in, giving the impression of a larger hall.’
How do I Make Stairs More Interesting?
There are many ways to make stairs more interesting. If you’re on a budget, you can easily paint stairs to transform your hallway at little cost. You can be imaginative with wallpaper and tiles to add pattern to the risers, adding a touch of decor at every step. Of course, rug is also a brilliant way to make your stairs more interesting, also more comfortable underfoot.