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How to decorate stairs wall


10 ways to dress stair walls beautifully |

(Image credit: Future)

A large expanse of space, staircase walls deserve some of your decorative attention, and that’s where these staircase wall ideas come in. 

Employing color, hanging wallpaper, or adding paneling can transform plain walls, while artwork, wall sculpture, or other wall-hung displays can equally give this part of your home personality, and make the staircase far more than simply a way up and down.

Here, we’ve put together staircase walls ideas along with expert input to make your hallway ideas beautiful and individual. 

Staircase wall ideas

Make the most of the large blank canvas above and below the staircase with staircase wall ideas for homes both modern and traditional in their style. From staircase ideas that include structural elements, such as paneling, to simple tricks like hanging artwork, these are our favorites.

1. Create a vignette

(Image credit: In Detail Interiors Photograph: Greg Riegler)

Whether you're looking for landing ideas or a way to draw attention to the wall at the bottom of the stairs, there's always an area that can become a focal point with clever styling.  

‘In this particular project, we were bringing a more classic, but sort of stodgy, interior space up to date and refreshing the entry area helped set a better tone for the house all around,’ explains Liz Lapan, showroom manager at In Detail Interiors .

‘After a fresh coat of paint we wanted to keep the feeling clean but offer a comfortable little vignette that featured artwork on the walls (stairwell areas are always a great space for more of a salon-style hang with artwork which means you can use a litany of different styles and sizes of art) and added a foyer table paired with some stools. 

‘When doing this at home think about your sightlines, colors, a mix of frame styles – and don’t be afraid to lay things out on the floor first and use a friend to help hold things up to see how they look and feel before committing to their placement on the wall.’

2. Make a display

(Image credit: Jon Day/Future plc)

Wall decor ideas are a great way to create a point of interest and you can easily curate a display on a staircase wall with sculptural objects. These round pieces create a fluid shape but are sufficiently close to one another to make an impact as a group.

These are hung on a backdrop of wallpaper but their shape and texture ensures they’re not lost against the bold pattern. Similar colors and curvaceous lines make the pairing of display and wallpaper cohesive.

3. Make staircase walls surprising

(Image credit: JL Design)

Unconventional choices can make impactful staircase wall ideas. ‘For an outside-of-the-box idea and application, I added shoes on the walls and ceilings, winding up four flights of stairs in this contemporary home,’ says Jessica Davis, principal designer of JL Design .  

‘By following the steps of the shoes you are led to a rooftop deck for lounging. This unexpected installation creates surprise and delight to those who enter and introduces fun pops of color in the process.’

(Image credit: M Lavender Interiors Photograph: Chris Bradley Photography)

The right staircase wall ideas can make it a destination rather than merely a circulation area – and hallway wallpaper ideas are an obvious option.

‘The stairway in this photo is located in the main entrance to the home,’ says Mark Lavender, principal designer of M. Lavender Interiors . 

‘We were looking for that strong statement as you entered the home and found it with the Shanghai wallpaper from Scalamandré. We decided to go for it and use it on all walls as well as the matching fabric on the Roman shade.’

5. Use paneling for staircase walls

(Image credit: Dodson Interiors Photograph: Nathan Schroder)

Paneling ideas are a classic choice for staircase walls and have both aesthetic and practical benefits.

‘Paneling adds depth to this entryway, and dresses up the space,’ says Julie Dodson of Dodson Interiors . ‘On stairs, paneling is nice because it’s wipeable and easy to clean. 

‘This particular home was gutted and restored, and we wanted to create some depth and texture on the wall. You can do this with wallpaper, but that wasn’t the homeowners’ style. They are a little more traditional-meets-transitional, so we chose a more modern paneling with even squares. ’

6. Multiply the view

(Image credit: Roger Oates)

Consider hanging a mirror in addition to artwork on a staircase wall. Decorating with mirrors can provide a pleasing alternative view of the detail of the staircase and your choice of stair runner or carpet as well as the artwork hung there.

The dimensions of a staircase wall offer the opportunity to scale up a mirror hung there as well as pictures for a look that’s clean lined and unfussy.

7. Be bold with artwork

(Image credit: M Lavender Interiors Photograph: Janet Mesic Mackie)

Gallery wall ideas are a favorite decor choice for staircase walls, and allows pieces to be enjoyed to the maximum as they’re located in a much-used part of the home.

‘Our client had a very eclectic and robust art collection including these famous prints,’ says Mark Lavender. ‘We chose the basic black and white plaid pattern to serve as a canvas for the more bold art pieces.’

8. Opt for a textural staircase wall 

(Image credit: Missy Stewart Design Photograph: Gracie Henley)

For subtle but unmistakeable decorative detail consider a textural finish for the staircase wall.  

‘This is a floating staircase with a stacked stone wall for its backdrop,’ says Missy Stewart, principal designer at Missy Stewart Designs . 

‘The light-up tree is a beautiful welcoming beacon in this entry. We added a replica of a city grate to complete the look.’

9. Strike a balance with architectural features

(Image credit: Dodson Interiors Photograph: Jack Thompson)

When a staircase is a stand-out feature of a home, it pays to exercise restraint when considering staircase wall ideas. 

‘Houston-based Robert Dame did the architecture for this home,’ says Julie Dodson. ‘The wood beams and the asymmetrical ceiling created a moody backdrop for the staircase. Sometimes you have to let the architecture speak for itself when it comes to decorating stairs. Here, it was more about textures than anything else.

‘The artwork didn’t need to be big or overwhelm the space; it’s proportional to the small scale of the staircase. A larger work would have taken away from the architecture and that moodiness. ’

10. Play with tradition

(Image credit: M Lavender Interiors Photograph: Chris Bradley Photography)

Hanging a classically patterned wallpaper can strike a traditional note for the entrance to a home as well as adding interest to the staircase. However, it can be worth teaming hallway wallpaper ideas with more contemporary decor.

‘We had selected this very traditional damask wallcovering for a stair hall in our client’s home,’ says Mark Lavender. 

As for the choice of stair runner: ‘We liked the idea of bringing in a more irregular modern pattern to run against the strictly traditional wallcovering,’ he explains. ‘We love the tension these two concepts create with each other.’

How can I make my stairwell more interesting?

To make a stairwell more interesting, treat it as you would the rest of your home, considering paint or wallpaper to change the look of the walls. Adding paneling, meanwhile, makes for a sophisticated finish but it’s also protective, sparing the walls bumps and scuffs in a busy family home.

Consider hanging pictures, whether that’s a themed gallery, or one linked by the color of the picture frames. Objects can create an alternative display on the walls, and since staircase walls can be sizeable, there’s an opportunity to show off larger pieces from wallhangings to more quirky found pieces.

How do you decorate a small staircase?

A small staircase can easily pack a decorative punch despite its proportions. It’s important not to make passage up and down the stairs difficult, so for walls use paint or wallpaper rather than hanging pictures or other pieces if these could get knocked during everyday comings and goings.

Use stair paint ideas to dress up plain treads or consider staircase carpet ideas for color, pattern, and a more forgiving surface underfoot. 

Think about whether to upgrade balusters or change a handrail to a more interesting and tactile material – new staircase railing ideas can have a massive impact. 

Think imaginative staircase lighting ideas, too: hang beautiful pendant lighting, too, rather than sticking with plain ceiling-recessed lights.

Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor. Previously executive editor of Ideal Home, she’s specialized in interiors, property and gardens for over 20 years, and covers interior design, house design, gardens, and cleaning and organizing a home for H&G. She’s written for websites, including Houzz, Channel 4’s flagship website, 4Homes, and Future’s T3; national newspapers, including The Guardian; and magazines including Future’s Country Homes & Interiors, Homebuilding & Renovating, Period Living, and Style at Home, as well as House Beautiful, Good Homes, Grand Designs, Homes & Antiques, LandLove and The English Home among others. It’s no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house renovator. 

Gorgeous Ideas for Staircase Decorating for a Stylish Look

Have you ever struggled with what to put on the wall of your staircase? Here are 20+ ideas for staircase decorating for a gorgeous look. From gallery walls, to collection displays, oversized objects, and more, one of these ideas is sure to inspire.

Decorating a staircase can be tricky, don’t you think?  Many have a large expanse of wall that seems empty if not filled but its odd shape and elevation change can make it challenging. 

Not to mention the fact that the stairway serves as a transition between the downstairs and upstairs {also often the public areas and the private ones} and so the decor needs to work in both spaces!

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If you’re struggling with your stairway then let one of these 20+ staircase decorating ideas inspire you!

Gallery Wall

A gallery wall is a beautiful addition to a stairway. Whether you showcase family photos, children’s artwork, or even a collection of your favorite prints, a gallery wall is an easy way to fill the empty space.

Photo by Heidi Caillier Design – Discover staircase design inspiration

How to Create a Stairway Gallery Wall

When creating a gallery wall on a stairway, remember two things:

  1. The angle of the center line of the gallery wall {imagine a line running the length of the display} should match the angle of the staircase so that, while the layout is informal, it has balance.
{via Wholesaleframing.com}

2. The starting frames should be hung low on the staircase so that they look right when viewing from the first floor.

I love this eclectic gallery wall from Jill at Forever Cottage. 

And this gallery wall that Karen Hill created in her foyer.  I love how she created a straight line at the bottom but the top rises along with the stairs.

{via Karen Hill}

A gallery wall doesn’t have to be eclectic, though. If you prefer a more formal, structured look, try a series of prints in matching frames that ascend at the same rate as the stairs.

Photo by Studio M Interior Design – Browse staircase photos

Floor to Ceiling Display

Another, bigger and bolder option, is to use the entire stairway wall from floor to ceiling. This looks best when large artwork is used so that it doesn’t look too cluttered.

{via Pinterest}

But then again, maybe cluttered has never looked so good!

Photo via Rikki Snyder for Country Living

Ledge Display

Using ledges is another great option to display art because it gives you a horizontal surface.  A ledge display has more structure than a gallery wall but accomplishes the same goal.

In the photo below, the homeowner has created one giant ledge and the results are stunning!

{via Jason Donnelly Photography}

Oversized Art

For a more dramatic look, try using oversized art on the stairway wall (ideally in odd numbers like 3 or 5).

Photo by – Search staircase design ideas

Photo by COOK ARCHITECTURAL Design Studio – Browse entryway ideas

Mirrors

Mirrors are great for reflecting light and creating an open feel. Just like with art, you can go for oversize or a gallery display!

{via Pinterest}

And speaking of bold, Annie Brahler designed one of my all-time favorite layouts using assorted mirrors!

{via House Beautiful}

Tapestry

If a tapestry fits your decorating style, then try a stairway wall is a great backdrop and beautiful display.

Photo by Dee Simmons Interiors – More staircase photos

Millwork

Millwork is a beautiful architectural detail that fills the walls without looking cluttered. This classic detail is timeless and adds dimension (and value) to your home.

Photo by Pimlico Interiors – Browse staircase ideas

Collections

Do you have a collection you’d love to display? You can use it as your stairway wall decor! Whether you use antique bread paddles, animal heads, baskets, or antique plates, remember to keep it grouped together for a tidy look.

Photo by – More staircase ideas

Do you have a collection you want to display? Check out my

Oversized Object

You can use just one, large statement piece on your staircase as a focal point.

Photo by Anthony Baratta LLC – Look for staircase pictures

Photo by Stairs Designs – Discover staircase design inspiration

Lighting

If you have statement lighting, sometimes it can be enough to stand on its own!

Photo by The Anderson Studio of Architecture & Design – Look for staircase pictures

Feature Wall

A feature wall can add drama, elegance, and visual impact! Whether you use paneling, wallpaper, or even a mural.

Photo by Robin Baron Design – Look for entryway design inspiration

Photo by Heather Garrett Design – Discover staircase design inspiration

Photo by Pfuner Design – Miami Interior Designers – More staircase ideas

Combination Ideas

The great news is that you don’t have to choose just one idea! You can combine lighting with artwork or mirrors. Or try artwork mixed with collected objects!

Photo by Denise Morrison Interiors & House of Morrison – Search staircase design ideas

More Decorating Ideas

Which of these staircase decorating ideas best matches your style?

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Wall decoration near the stairs: materials

Wall decoration near the stairs: how to choose materials and decor?

Today in the heading "Designer, Give Advice" we received a question about finishing the wall near the stairs. What material to choose? How to organically connect the design of the stairs with the decoration of the surrounding interior? Dmitry Voyunkov, head of the DIA Studio, shows live the design options for the walls of the stairway in a private house.

What can be used to decorate the wall near the stairs?

You must understand that there are steps that are tightly adjacent to the stairs, which means that too protruding material will not work. In addition, the stairs are quite a passage area through which we can carry something up and down, and its space is limited. The wall itself is very large, so finishing material should be practical .

Here are the materials that Dmitry Voyunkov considers suitable for the stairwell:

1) Decorative plaster . An interesting pattern (thin, similar to silk or velveteen) and a deep color on a large area will look very good. The play of shades of decorative plaster will gracefully decorate the wall near the stairs. Another advantage of this option: the material is easy to restore. If over time something gets damaged on the stairs, you can easily restore this place. There are a lot of shades of decorative plaster, so it will not be difficult to create an interior in a single style.

2) Textured plaster : concrete slabs, panels, rust, etc. This solution looks stylish, it is possible to form any shade. Decorative plaster is applied seamlessly, so the wall will look like a single canvas.

3) Large format tiles. It, unlike decorative plaster, has the ability to reflect and fill the interior with depth. In addition, tiles with a beautiful pattern will make a good accent on the wall with stairs. The size of a wide-format tile today reaches 1.2 m * 2.6 m. Yes, of course, seams will appear on the wall in any case, but their number will be minimal. It is worth clarifying: this material will cost you more than plaster.

1) Wallpaper. This option is also suitable for a large wall. There should not be a large pattern, you should choose a solid color. But you need to understand the following: at such a high height, like at a stairway, the probability of visibility of the junction of two wallpapers is high. Therefore, if you use wallpaper, then only with a small vertical strip, which will hide these effects as much as possible.

2) Parquet board . It is simply glued to the wall, and such a solution looks cool and original. Visually, the wall decoration near the stairs will turn into a large wooden panel!

3) Stone veneer. Like tiles, it is sold in a large format, looks very impressive, has a lower weight compared to porcelain stoneware. Plus, it's hard to damage. A great design solution for a modern, minimalist style.

Let's summarize. The main focus should be on practicality.

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