We go up and down the stairs every day. But when was the last time you decorated this space? Staircases – along with hallways – can sometimes be overlooked spaces in our home. However, just like any other part of our home, they occasionally need a makeover. Below are just a few ‘steps’ to improving your stairs.
Sort out those creaks and cracks
Start by making sure that your stairs are in good condition. Creaky stairs could be a sign of loose treads and risers that have started rubbing against each other – potentially caused by a loose screw or shrinkage/expansion. Tightening and replacing any screws could help to get rid of creaks, while warped tread and risers may need to be replaced. It’s also important to make sure that there are no cracks in your stairs – if there are, you should replace this part of the stairs as soon as possible, as cracks could eventually lead to treads or other parts of your stairs giving way.
Install a new handrail
Any staircase with four or more steps needs a handrail on at least one side. It could be time to replace this handrail if it’s started to get wobbly or if it has scratches and cracks. Handrails come in many different styles from square wooden handrails to metal cylindrical handrails. Work out what style is right for your staircase – something more traditional and ornate could be more suited to a period home, while something minimal and modern may be more suitable to a more contemporary home. When it comes to the banister handrail, make sure to also inspect the spindles for damage in case they need replacing too.
Decorate the banister
There are many ways to transform a banister without replacing it. A wooden banister can be repainted to give a staircase a completely different look. Alternatively, you could decorate your banister with garlands of flowers, patterned ribbons or string lighting by weaving them through the spindles. Christmas is the most common time to do this, but there may be other seasonal ways of decorating your banister such as false cobwebs around Halloween or patel colored garlands in the Spring.
Repaint your stairs
Wooden stairs can be transformed by repainting them a different color. A popular color to choose is white – this can brighten up your staircase and potentially make it look larger. A black staircase can meanwhile provide a sophisticated look – especially when contrasted with white walls. There are various other tones that you can consider for a burst of color. You could even consider painting steps in alternate colors.
Decorate the risers
Patterned risers can be a fun way to make your stairs stand out. These are typically juxtaposed with plain wooden treads. There are various different patterns that you look into from geometric patterns to Moroccan tile patterns. It’s also possible to add letters and words to risers to spell out messages.
Add a stair runner
A stair runner is a strip of carpet that runs down the centre of the staircase. Stair runners can help to muffle noise, prevent falls and make your staircase warmer underfoot. They also come in many different colors and patterns – making them a great way to visually transform your staircase. Twist pile carpet is a good choice because it is hard-wearing and easy to clean.
Transform the space under the stairs
When transforming your stairs, don’t forget to consider the area beneath and around your staircase. In many homes, the area beneath the stairs is largely unused or is turned into a place for dumping clutter. This could be repurposed into a more functional space. A few ideas for inspiration include:
- An additional bathroom: Using a company like Above and Beyond Plumbing, it may be possible to install a toilet and sink under your stairs, or possibly an extra shower room.
- A cloakroom: The space under the stairs could be a great location to place a cloakroom for hanging jackets, as well as perhaps containing racks for storing pairs of shoes.
- A bookshelf: If you’re got a lot of books, you could potentially turn the space under your stairs into a mini library by adding some bookshelves here.
- A pantry: A pantry cupboard could also be another creative use for the space under the stairs – giving you somewhere beyond the kitchen to store foods and kitchen utensils.
- A pet den: The space under your stairs could also be turned into a den for your dog or cat to use. It could also be a great place to put an animal cage, a fish tank or a vivarium.
Consider the wall next to the stairs
You should also consider the wall next to your stairs. There could be numerous ways of decorating this wall to make this space more stylish. A few examples of ways to decorate the wall next to stairs include:
- Wallpaper: A bold choice of wallpaper could make this wall stand out compared to other walls in your hallways. This could contain any pattern you desire.
- Paintings: The wall next to the staircase could be an excellent place to hang some paintings – which could include artwork you’ve painted yourself or paintings you’ve bought/inherited.
- Photographs: Another idea could be to turn the wall beside your staircase into a gallery wall of photographs. You could even tell a story with photographs as you climb up the stairs.
- Certificates: You could also use the wall next to your staircase as a place to show off your achievements by hanging up certificates and medals here.
Conclusion
There are clearly many ways to transform your stairs. Make fixing any damage your priority and then start looking into ways of making your staircase more visually striking. You don’t have to go wild – it’s possible that you may even prefer a more minimal staircase. However, exploring different colors and patterns make your staircase feel more unique. Make sure to also consider how you use the space beneath your staircase and how you use the wall beside it.
