Cottage style stair railings


Cottage staircase ideas – style tips for a homely look

(Image credit: Future / Mark Scott)

If you are looking for cottage staircase ideas, then you've come to the right place. The cottage staircase is often a key part of a simple rustic home. In smaller cottages, the staircase is usually in a prominent place, either open to one of the reception rooms, or just inside the front door. So the cottage staircase should be sympathetic in style to the rest of the home. 

Give careful thought to how you decorate your cottage staircase. It may only be a small, narrow area but if you make the most of its height it can have a big impact. And the good thing about it being a simple space is that it won't take long to give it a new look. 

Looking for inspiration and ideas for a cottage staircase? Keep scrolling for tips and advice from the experts to make sure your cottage staircase is top flight, rather than low level. 

See: Cottage decorating ideas – charming ways to get a characterful look

1.

Keep it simple 

(Image credit: Vanessa Arbuthnott)

What makes a cottage staircase special, and what are its key design characteristics?

A cottage staircase's simplicity of design is what Daniel Slowik, associate director at Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler , finds most appealing, as he explains, 'A cottage-style staircase is simple in design and sensitive to the scale of the house. I favor traditional joinery in painted wood with a painted floor, or possibly a sisal or seagrass floorcovering. A flatweave antique runner can also look very smart.' 

See: Hallway ideas – stylish ways to create a welcoming first impression 

Designer Vanessa Arbuthnott , whose textiles are featured above, agrees, saying, 'A utilitarian stair runner is more in keeping with rustic cottage tradition than a fitted carpet.I would choose a 100% wool over a jute type of matting as its easier to clean and softer on the feet.

'It’s not necessary to use stair rods,' the textile designer adds, 'the runner can just be tacked to the wooden treads,  for a simple look that's more in keeping with a cottage. In a busy household, stair runners will also keep the noise levels down as people charge up and down the stairs.' 

See: Cottage ideas for a living room – for more inspiration

2. Create a place to display art and collections

(Image credit: Richard Parsons)

A cottage staircase is a great place to hang pictures and to enjoy collections of all kinds. This simple staircase has been used to display a collection of antique Dutch wooden clogs. The rustic footwear looking perfectly at home against the part-painted treads, and bare wood where there was once a stair carpet. 

See: Staircase ideas – inspirational features for treads, rails, materials and more

3. Make a feature of open-plan stairs

(Image credit: Future/Polly Eltes)

Rather than letting it fade into the background, why not emphasise the simple architecture of a cottage staircase when it's part of the main living space? 

'The wall by the stairs is a wonderful place to hang lots of artwork from framed photos to portraits and more! A simple light paint color creates a neutral backdrop for the art and keeps the space as light as possible,' says designer Vanessa Arbuthnott. Here, a gallery wall uses the full height of the wall and adds interest to the simple wooden stairs, the spindles and banister highlighted in white paint. 

See: How to decorate a staircase – design ideas for stylish staircases

4. Take a bold, sculptural approach

(Image credit: Susie Watson Designs)

‘Even in a cottage space a staircase can be quite a feature. If you are brave, making something bespoke and sculptural, can really add to the interest and look, not just of the hall but landing too. This staircase balustrade was inspired by Scandinavian design. Painting the floor and keeping the colour tones neutral, emphasises the feeling of space and light. A colourful rug and patterned cushions in warm rosy tones, makes this landing a fun and useful space,’  says Susie Watson at Susie Watson Designs

5. Plan for a traditional look

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

You can't go wrong by sticking to well-established hall and staircase traditions. A grandfather clock keeps time at the foot of a smart decorative red stair runner, with the entrance hall tiled in classic black and white chequerboard tiles with a border to further emphasize the elegant proportions of the stairs and banisters. Timeless perfection.  

Don't miss our cottage lighting ideas for pretty, practical solutions.

6. Choose a smart staircase for calm cottage decor

(Image credit: Hunniford Design Studio/Pieter Estersohn)

James 'Ford' Huniford who runs the New York City based Huniford Design Studio  says he likes cottage staircases to be 'simple and unfussy' but also appreciates the way a staircase 'can add a nice architectural detail to a space, and become an inviting element for an entry hall.' His designs for the Bridgehampton cottage, pictured above, incorporate a smart but simple staircase in keeping with the home itself. 'I like to create an unique staircase using an interesting style of newel posts, painting the handrail in an unexpected color instead of a simple stain or using a bold pattern or stripe for a stair runner,' he adds.  

(Image credit: Will Goddard)

If you're building a new staircase as part of alterations or renovations to a period cottage, you can be more creative with the space. The owners of this extended 17th-century cottage rebuilt and repositioned the stairs to bring together the old and new sections of the house. The door alcove to the original stairs has been repurposed with a low cupboard and display shelf. The style and decor of the new cottage staircase is simple and pared back in keeping with the original parts of the property.

Extending a period cottage? See our cottage extension ideas for more design inspiration.

8. Master a complete overhaul

(Image credit: Brent Darby)

Here's a sight you wouldn't expect to see on a cottage staircase - the complete works of Charles Dickens. The risers were painted by a professional signwriter to look like the spines of books, while the treads have been sanded and polished. The finished effect is most definitely Great Expectations, not Bleak House. Incidentally, the handrail for this unusual staircase came from a St John's Ambulance stretcher!  

9. Decorate a traditional Victorian cottage staircase 

(Image credit: Future / Darren Chung)

The staircase pictured above is part of typical Victorian workers' cottage, where the stairs are seen from the front door of the house, at the back of a tiled hallway. Keeping the stairs simple allows the decorative tiles to shine.

'If you don't want carpet or a runner, it can look very effective to paint the risers and keep the treads a natural wood. This give you a opportunity to brighten the space or introduce another color,' says designer Vanessa Arbuthnott. 'Painting the treads and bannisters can create a more Scandinavian feel.' 

10. Try a bold pattern

(Image credit: Manuel Canovas)

There's an understandable tendency to avoid bold patterns for cottage staircases, however they can look dramatic and effective, as Daniel Slowik, of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, explains, 'It’s great to juxtapose the simple joinery with a bold colour or pattern on the wall. There tends to be quite a lot of wall space on a staircase so why not a big pattern? This will act to heighten the scale of the space.

'The stairs act a link between the entertaining space downstairs and the sleeping space upstairs,' he adds, 'so this should be considered when choosing the decoration. It also tends to have a prominent position, which is why it’s good to go bold.'

11. Build a staircase in the living room

(Image credit: Jeremy Philips)

Courtney Coleman of New York City-based Brockschmidt & Coleman Decoration & Design says that cottage staircases 'are not grand sculptural moments, but are usually tucked away in back spaces where they are configured to fit in whatever building conditions exist – sometimes giving them meandering shapes, winders, and steep risers.' 

'Often these staircases open onto family spaces like kitchens or back hallways,' adds Courtney Coleman, 'making them seem more intimately connected to private rooms upstairs.   Also, the stairs are sometimes partially exposed, so there is a run of spindles or decorative brackets at the springers that give architectural detail to these back of house spaces.' As is the case above, where the stairs are right at the back of the living room. 

12. Opt for a quirky cottage staircase

(Image credit: Brockschmidt & Coleman)

Courtney Coleman says that at Brockschmidt & Coleman Decoration & Design they consider that staircases' 'often-quirky shapes are very much part of the eccentric charm of cottages and bungalows,' adding, 'We love to emphasize quirky shapes – especially winders – with carpet runners.  For this carriage house in New Orleans we used a very colorful striped Venetian-style carpet runner that winds around the stair landing and continues along the second floor bedroom hall. The runner is fastened along the edges with brass upholstery tacks, giving it even more fanciful detail.'

13. Don't forget the landing

(Image credit: Future /Brent Darby)

The climb up the stairs in this 15th-century cottage is rewarded with the view from the window, and a close view of the property's original timber frame. The space at the top of the cottage staircase is furnished and accessorized as though it were a room in itself, with a rug, fresh flowers atop a medieval oak coffer, and a vintage throw adorning the balusters.

14. Go for a simple cottage aesthetic

(Image credit: Future / Darren Chung)

The staircase in this restored 19th-century farmworker's cottage is in keeping with the simplicity of the rest of the property. The simple wooden handrail, striped stair carpet, and rustic neutral colors are the perfect choices here. A collection of prints and paintings in vintage frames are displayed to great effect and provide a transition from the downstairs living spaces to the bedrooms. 

See: Cottage bedroom ideas – design inspiration for cozy restful spaces 

15. Make your cottage staircase the heart of the home

(Image credit: Future / Mark Scott)

The cottage staircase in this early 18th-century former wool weaver's cottage, is positioned directly opposite the front door and is part of the small kitchen-diner.  

For cottage kitchen ideas, don't miss our inspiring image gallery

Painted in soft white shades, the stairs and newel posts are kept simple so as not to detract from the home's show-stopping original architectural feature - that deep arch at the back of the kitchen.  

This feature was created by H&G's sister brand, Period Living magazine 

Subscribe to Period Living for more inspiration   Period Living is the UK's best-selling period homes magazine. A subscription provides you with all you need to know about caring for and improving a traditional house and garden.

Karen is the houses editor for homesandgardens.com and homes editor for the brand’s sister titles, Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors, and an experienced writer on interiors and gardens. She loves visiting historic houses for Period Living and writing about rural properties for Country Homes & Interiors, and working with photographers to capture all shapes and sizes of properties. Karen began her career as a sub editor at Hi-Fi News and Record Review magazine. Her move to women’s magazines came soon after, in the shape of Living magazine, which covered cookery, fashion, beauty, homes and gardening. From Living Karen moved to Ideal Home magazine, where as deputy chief sub, then chief sub, she started to really take an interest in properties, architecture, interior design and gardening. 

Clever Cottage Staircase Ideas to Enhance Your Home

The staircase in the cottage can be a beautiful design piece, rustic and unique. However, it can also be a challenging place to design, often narrow and steep. Safety is important when considering cottage staircase design, especially as narrow enclosed spaces mean less light is available. 

But that doesn’t mean you have to hold back on inventive design and beautiful decoration. We have compiled these staircase ideas for cottages for you to make the most of your space without compromising on aesthetics. 

Keep reading to get inspired.


Cottage Stair Carpet Ideas

Stair Carpet Runner

The perfect addition to a cottage staircase is a carpet runner. Stair carpet elevates the comfort level of your home with that lovely cosy touch. Installing a stair runner is far easier than fully carpeting your stairs. Stair runners can come in a range of designs, like striped runners which can add a contemporary touch to the modern cottage.

Thin runners actually create the illusion of greater space, making the stair tread appear longer. If you’re choosing a runner for this purpose, keep it simple as too complicated a design can look cluttered and unappealing.

Stair Runner Range

Stair Rods

If you’ve got a stair carpet runner, you’ll need to secure it to your stairs. The best way to do this is with stair rods. Not only are stair rods eminently practical, but they also allow you to elevate the design of your staircase with a multitude of style and material options. 

Stair Rod Range

Stair Clips

If you’re looking for something more traditional and ornate, Victorian stair clips provide a sophisticated way of securing carpet to your cottage staircase. The subtle antique design of stair clips would look wonderful in the traditional home.

Stair Clip Range


Cottage Stair Railing Ideas

A stair railing is a great addition to your cottage staircase, especially if it’s very steep. Having two sets of stair rails allows for more grip and, therefore, more safety. A stair railing doesn’t have to be just for functionality: they also offer the opportunity for some design flair:

Create a Contrast

Paint your banister a different colour to the rest of your stairs to create a cool contrast that demonstrates considered design. You can keep this simple, like a dark banister paired with light stairs, or even go for a vibrant accent colour. Why not paint the newel post and spindles different colours? Find more inspiration for painting your staircase banister.

Bannister Inspirations

Go Nautical

Create a unique, ocean-inspired look for your cottage by installing a rope handrail. A large, thick rope with a quality finish will add the perfect decorative touch.

Extend The Rustic

A countryside cottage can greatly benefit from an extension of that pastoral theme throughout the rest of the home. If you want to reinvigorate your staircase but are limited by budget and space, updating your cottage stair railing is the ideal solution.

Cottage Stair Paint Ideas

Painting your staircase is another savvy solution to update the area within a certain budget. Depending on the paint colour, you can be really creative: 

Maximise Light

White paint is fantastic for light as it bounces more easily off this colour. If you’ve got a dark, enclosed staircase in your cottage, white paint will help you to lighten the area and create a bright, clean look.

Contrasting Colours

Painting the stair risers and treads in different colours helps your stairs to stand out in an aesthetically pleasing way. You could keep the treads dark and the risers light to really elevate the design. 

Ombre

Using an ombre scheme, where different hues of one colour subtly merge, is a creative way to bring colour into your cottage. The rising gradient helps to draw the eye upward, making this a great choice for a narrow staircase or an enclosed one where all the light comes from the landing.


Steep Cottage Staircase Ideas

You’ll find that staircases in older homes and heritage properties are often much steeper because building regulations used to be far laxer than they are now. If you have the room and the means, lengthening the stair tread of the steps in a very narrow staircase is the best way to make them safer. However, this requires big renovation work and isn’t always possible. 

Here are some ideas for steep staircases in cottages:

Open and Airy

If you’ve got the option of creating a new staircase or of fully renovating one, building a staircase without any stair risers will make the space feel more open. These are also called floating stairs since the hidden support structure makes it appear as if it’s floating in the air, making for an attractive aesthetic. The removed visual obstructions help the space feel open and airy.

Create The Illusion of Space

If that’s not an option for you, there are other renovations you can add to an existing staircase. A beadboard consists of tongue and groove boards nailed together vertically. These vertical lines help to create the illusion of taller ceilings, which makes them ideal for steep staircases in small, cramped cottages.

Spiral Staircase

Spiral staircases are one of the best space savers around when it comes to stairs. Spiral staircases will take up less space, meaning you will have extra room downstairs. They also act as a great centrepiece and focal point for a living room, for example, so are not only practical but also help in enhancing your home design. An oak spiral staircase can fit with a rustic traditional decor of a countryside cottage, or a metal spiral staircase could work well in a contemporary-style home. 

Maximise The Space

If you have a steep cottage staircase, it’s likely you don’t have a lot of living space. If this is the case, why not maximise the space you do have by incorporating stair storage? A great idea is to install drawers into your actual stairs. Or, if you have a staircase that runs up a wall, you can easily convert that space to include shelving or cupboards. Get more inspiration for under stairs storage.

Stair Storage Ideas

Safety First 

If your cottage staircase is very steep, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Grip tape is one of the easiest ways to help with this. You can easily apply the tape to your star tread and it will help with increasing grip and preventing slip. Another way to help with stair safety while keeping aesthetics in mind is with stair nosing. Stair nosing helps to extend the stair treads, lengthening the step for greater safety. If you have hardwood stairs, oak stair nosing provides a beautiful addition.

Learn more about stair safety.

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Get Premium Stair Accessories for Your Cottage Staircase

We offer a superb range of staircase accessories that can transform the look of your cottage staircase and improve the safety and usability of a steep staircase. Our range of  stair rods, stair clips and carpet studs come in a variety of quality finishes to suit any cottage design from the traditional to the modern.

At Stair Rods Direct, we offer free UK delivery when you spend over £75 on our high-quality, easy-to-install products. Shop our impressive range and enrich your cottage staircase design today. If you need any advice or more information, just get in touch with our friendly team who will be happy to help.

If you’ve been inspired by these staircase ideas for cottages and you’re looking for more inspiration for small or steep staircases, check out our 7 space-savvy staircase ideas for small houses.

Staircase Ideas

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Stairs and railings in a country house: the choice of design, form