Modern wallpaper for staircase wall
10 ways with stairwell wallpaper |
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
Stair wallpaper ideas are often over-looked, but stairwells are actually the perfect place to showcase beautiful prints and decorative designs.
Occupying only a small part of your home and one that is used for short periods of time, the staircase is an ideal location for those big patterns that might feel overwhelming elsewhere. Using a range of staircase ideas and experimenting with color, texture and pattern with wallpaper, can beautifully uplift a space that is usually ignored.
Connecting two floors together, stairwells offer a large expanse of wall that can be used as a blank canvas for a range of wallpaper ideas, providing an area on which to stamp your personal style and make a real statement across two stories.
Stair wallpaper ideas
Including wallpaper among your hallway ideas and entryway ideas not only helps bring visual interest to this transient space, they are also a vehicle for showcasing your personality.
If you’re considering wallpaper ideas for stairs then there are an array of wallpaper trends to choose from, from show-stopping panoramic murals, to botanical prints and timeless stripes, there is an option to suit every style and space, no matter what the size.
But before you decide, there are some key things to consider as the type of design and how it is used can really alter how a space feels. A good place to start is to take a good look at the stair area, taking into factors such as light levels, room size, room orientation and materials already in a space as well as the decor of adjoining rooms.
‘Hallways and stairs are fantastic spaces to create a first impression for guests, but also the first area you enter when returning home, so consider how you want your home to make you feel,' says Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director of Little Greene . 'Consider the views into the hallway or onto your stairs from other rooms, how much do you see, how will the design you choose flow into the other rooms?’
With so many staircase ideas to choose from it’s tricky to know where to start, so we’ve rounded up an array of eye-catching stair wallpaper ideas as well as expert tips to get you inspired.
1. Bring the outside in with bespoke mural
(Image credit: De Gournay / Chris Andre)
Often stretching across multiple stories, stairwells offer the opportunity to decorate walls differently and make a real statement. If you are after something truly breathtaking, consider a bespoke mural which captures the majestic beauty of nature.
Tara Miller from The Heartland Interior Design states 'a mural instantly adds a scene to your space. Instead of having a piece of art in a frame, a mural pulls you into the scene itself by making it more life size. You can add the entire mural to your wall, or you can frame each strip of wallpaper with trim molding to make your money go further.
A panoramic mural can not only transport you to another space, but by choosing a nature-inspired design, the boundaries between indoors and out can become blurred, especially if the exterior as glimpsed from windows echoes the scene on the walls. This will have a restful, restorative, comforting effect.
'
(Image credit: Manuel Canovas Nara wallpaper in Celeste )
Contemporary wallpapers inspired by archive designs such as toiles are guaranteed to bring a feel of romance to a stairwell – and will inject your home with a touch of history, too.
Originating in the 18th century, in the French village of Jouy-en-Josas, toile de Jouy also known as ‘toiles’ was historically linen cloth printed with engravings of romantic pastoral scenes, but today there are wallpaper companies today that offer printed wallpapers inspired by the toile fabric designs which are refreshed for the 21st century. A modernized toile inspired by Japan in timeless blue and white, this Nara design by Manuel Canovas features scenes of pagodas perfect for bringing a touch of the exotic.
‘Many of today’s florals and toiles have been given a contemporary twist through the use of fresh color combinations so they can be enjoyed in both modern and traditional interiors,’ says Daniel Slowik, Associate Design Director at Sibyl Colefax & John fowler.
‘Combining the patterns with neutral or plain color tones – and adding colorful block-printed cushions and rugs always works well. Hanging carefully chosen modern pictures can also enhance the modernity of the colors in the designs. Plain floorboards in a light colorway or white keeps the room looking fresh as does stone and natural flooring. Play up the freshness of the designs by combining them with contemporary ceramics and baskets.’
3. Use wallpaper to make a feature of a staircase
(Image credit: GP&J Baker)
Wallpapers for stairs are a brilliant idea for open plan spaces, as Ruth Mottershead explains.
‘As more people embrace open-plan living rooms, homes often now include stairs that are open to a living space. Rather than treating them as a separate area, incorporate the stairs into your design scheme with a coordinated color palette, or create a statement with the addition of a beautiful wallpaper which will create a personality-filled design statement.
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We think this grand stairwell has been beautifully elevated by the GP&J Baker Floral Rococo wallpaper, the elegant design invites you to take the stairs, and adds warmth and texture to the large open space. Ann Grafton, Creative & Managing Director of Mulberry Home states, ‘Floral Rococo provides a contemporary take on the country house look. Soft and pretty, this opulent design will transform a staircase into a light, open space, in country and town houses alike'.
4. Choose versatile stripes for a timeless feel
(Image credit: Sanberg Kristina Blue Wallpaper)
For stairwell decor that will stand the test of time you cannot go wrong with a classic stripe in an ever-popular blue and white palette.
Blue and white decor is timeless, and one of the most classic interior design combinations, perfect for creating a serene yet fresh aesthetic. When used in conjunction with stripes, this masterful combination works beautifully in country or coastal retreats to create chic spaces that look relaxed and informal at the same time.
5. Soften stairwell wallpaper with complementary paint colors
(Image credit: Little Greene Richmond Green wallpaper in Stella )
Wall-to-wall print can sometimes be overwhelming, so for a more pared-back look consider papering just one of a stairwell or hallway and teaming it with plain walls and woodwork in colors picked out from the design for a cohesive scheme.
'Consider your woodwork color carefully – rather than opting for traditional white, consider pairing with coordinating or contrasting colors to deliver a considered and inspiring interior,' says Ruth Mottershead.
6. Inject glamor with a metallic wallpaper
(Image credit: Sefina wallpaper in Wild Rose)
It can be hard to know what to do with the redundant wall space under a stairwell –why not use it as canvas for showcasing a beautiful wallpaper and bringing a touch of personality to your home? If the space is feeling dull and lifeless consider a design with metallic detail which will glitter when it catches the sunlight.
Metallics work beautifully with pastel pink shades, as this Sefina wallpaper in Wild Rose wallpaper from Romo proves.
7. Use a ditsy nature-inspired wallpaper for a calm feel
(Image credit: Harlequin)
If you love pattern but are looking for a calm yet cheery to welcome when you return home, a repeat floral design is a good option, bringing pretty pattern and personality without powering your space.
This nature inspired Harlequin wallpaper uses a natural color palette with beautiful flowers and birds to create a fresh and inviting atmosphere, guaranteed to lift spirits after a long day. Liberty Blackwell, stylist at Harlequin states, 'simply patterned wallpaper is perfect for a staircase as it is well-placed to accentuate decorative pieces such as mirrors, artwork, or family portraits. Simple repeating patterns fit best as they won’t draw attention from the decorative objects, but rather, will make them all the more eye-catching thanks to the break in pattern'.
8. Paper half a stairwell to break up high ceilings
(Image credit: Little Greene Broad Stripe wallpaper in Mullion)
As well as bringing color and pattern to a room, wallpaper can also be used as a clever device to change how a space looks and feels. Large stairwells can sometimes have a tendency to feel cold and drafty – in these instances consider breaking up the wall by papering the ground level section.
A timeless stripe in a warm neutral such as Little Greene Broad Stripe wallpaper in Mullion will subtly break up large wall expanse whilst keeping a space feeling bright and welcoming.
'For those interiors without a dado rail or paneling to naturally divide the wall, a stripe of a darker paint tone is an effective way of adding a design detail that is also hardwearing and practical,' says Ruth Mottershead.
9. Celebrate nature with a leafy print and woodwork
(Image credit: Little Greene )
If you have a country home with a large entrance hall why not use it to pay homage to your beautiful rural surroundings with a nature-inspired wallpaper? Large, occasional spaces are a brilliant canvas for ornate prints to really shine, plus they can help them feel more intimate and welcoming.
10. Use the stairs to showcase a playful paper
(Image credit: Linwood)
If you’re a fan of mid-century design then there’s a wealth of printed wallpapers that reference archive designs and, as an occasional space the stairwell is a brilliant place to display them.
In an attempt to differentiate from their previous collections, Linwood has released a new one-off whimsical winter wallpaper with a mid-century feel. Off-Piste is derived from a 1950s document discovered in a French archive and captures the fun, thrills and exhilaration of the slopes. Its stylised skiers have been captured in a chalky color palette of red, yellow and green on a monochromatic ground that is true to the original.
Can you wallpaper a staircase?
A staircases is a great place to add wallpaper. As a 'linking space' that we tend not to spend long amounts of time in, you can afford to be bold with your decor in a stairwell. Wallpaper is an exceptional way to introduce elements of color, pattern and personality.
Staircases are also everyday spaces that can get lots of wear and tear, so remember to think about practical, durable wall treatments.
Liberty Blackwell states, 'a staircase is the ideal place to get creative with wallpaper, giving people the opportunity to tell a story, or journey through the pieces they choose, as they transition from one floor to another'.
(Image credit: Jon Day Photography)
What is the best wallpaper for a staircase?
The best wallpaper for a staircase will depend on many factors, so it is a good idea to evaluate what you want from the stairwell and the existing qualities of the space before you start. Pay attention to factors such as light levels and the existing materials in the space such as flooring and internal woodwork as well as the decor of adjoining rooms.
‘Hallways and staircases can often be narrow with little natural light so consider using color and pattern to create a design scheme that brings warmth and light to the space,’ advises Ruth Mottershead.
Pippa is Content Editor on Homes & Gardens online contributing to Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors print issues. A graduate of Art History and formerly Style Editor at Period Living, she is passionate about architecture, creating decorating content, interior styling and writing about craft and historic homes. She enjoys searching out beautiful images and the latest trends to share with the Homes & Gardens audience. A keen gardener, when she’s not writing you’ll find her growing flowers on her village allotment for styling projects.
Stairs Wallpaper Ideas And How to Apply Them
By Emily Medlock | Published on
Buy Now
Stairs wallpaper is a magical decor item and wall covering that often gets a bad rap. But the truth is that wallpaper if done right can be amazing when added around your stairs or on the steps of your staircase.
Wallpaper is an amazing tool that should be appreciated. Since a staircase can be a tricky thing to work with, the effects can be even grander than when using wallpaper in a powder room or living room.
Why Add Staircase Wallpaper?
View in galleryImage from Rikki SnyderThere are multiple ways to add wallpaper to your staircase. You can add it to the wall around the stairs or you can add it to each step on the stairs. Both ways are quite attractive and can transform a space.
Continuing Staircase Wallpaper
View in galleryImage from Peter Zimmerman ArchitectsOne easy way to add wallpaper to your stairs is to simply continue the wallpaper that you are using in the room below or above the staircase. This will make it easier to pick out wallpaper and save the trouble of putting it up twice.
It also creates great flow for your room, especially if the stairs are in the entryway. Mudrooms and entryways usually appear small and need all the help they can get to look larger.
So this is a great hack!
Doing Both
View in galleryImage design from Bel Arbor Builders, Inc.This is probably the most advanced and difficult to achieve without going overboard, but it can have fantastic results. You can add wallpaper to both the staircase and the walls around it if you are careful.
Just make sure not to choose something too loud as it can overwhelm the room. You can also choose two different wallpapers. One for the walls and one for the staircase which can tone things down a bit.
Choosing A Staircase Wallpaper
View in galleryImage from Fry HomesChoosing wallpaper can be difficult. You can’t try it out beforehand and you can’t take it down easily if you don’t like it. So it feels like quite a commitment and that can be scary in the interior design world.
Your best bet is to choose something that you like every time you look at it. A good trick is to buy the wallpaper, keep it for a few months, or as long as you can, and still be able to return it.
Then, take it out again and see if you still like it.
If you do, then put it up. You can also try the same technique without buying by finding a wallpaper and looking at it regularly, only buying if it is low in stock. Make sure you still love it before buying.
Matching Your Design Style
View in galleryImage from Lisa Frantz InteriorsOne of the best ways to ensure your wallpaper looks good is to match your design style. You can either choose the wallpaper first or you can choose the decor first. Either way, the results will be the same.
Mismatched wallpaper can ruin a space. So make sure that you feel like the two are cohesive. You may need to opt for a wallpaper you like over one you love unless you are okay with switching up the design style of your room.
Opposite Staircase Wallpaper Technique
View in galleryImage from Carolina V. Gentry, RIDThis technique is more about not putting wallpaper on the stairs or around it. It’s simply another way to showcase the staircase if you will.
This works especially well for alternatively mounted staircases.
Which means spiral staircases, staircases mounted to pillars or freestanding staircases. Because if you put wallpaper everywhere except where the staircase is, it can make a similar statement to wallpaper around the staircase.
Feature Wall Technique
View in galleryPicture design from Hansen Architects, P.C.Putting up wallpaper is all about creating a unique space for your family. You can use it anywhere that you want and still have amazing results. One technique is the single wall technique where you only use one wall.
This is perfect if you can’t afford much of the wallpaper you want or if you want to keep things simple. It is also another amazing way to ensure that the eye is drawn to the staircase before anywhere else.
Pairing With Carpet Technique
View in galleryImage from Amy Kartheiser DesignPutting carpet over your entire staircase isn’t ideal but you can put a runner down that is easy to clean instead.
When you do this, you forfeit putting wallpaper on the steps but allow a different vibe.
It is also sort of a hack that makes it where you don’t have to use as much wallpaper, which can save money. Not to mention, the carpet protects those stairs. You can replace the carpet but stairs are difficult to replace.
How To Apply Staircase Wallpaper
View in galleryImage from Lynne Parker DesignsNow it’s time to learn how to put up wallpaper on the steps of your staircase. The best place to put wallpaper is on the front of each step. You can actually use contact paper instead of wallpaper for this too.
Step 1: Measure The Steps
Measure at least three times. Measure that each step is the same size. The width and the height of the area you are going to put the wallpaper are what you need to know. Then, add half an inch to each end.
Step 2: Attach The Staircase Wallpaper
Today, most wallpapers for this use are peel and stick. This is so much easier than the classic way of dipping the wallpaper in adhesive or applying adhesive to the walls.
This way is super easy, anyone can do it.
However, you do have to do it slowly to prevent bubbles. Start at one corner and slowly peel away the back as you stick the wallpaper down just as you would when applying a screen protector on your phone.
Step 3: Remove Stray Bubbles And Paper
As hard as it is to get rid of bubbles, there will still be a few remaining if you do your best. So use a squeegee to smooth out bubbles and creases as you go. This will save you a lot of heartaches so take your time doing it.
After you finish applying the paper, you can cut the excess paper off and smooth the rest back down. Only use a very sharp utility knife and don’t use scissors at all. A dull knife will only wrinkle your paper.
Now you’re done! This is way easier now than it was ten, twenty, or thirty years ago. Now it’s just like applying contact paper! So you can DIY this design as often as you want.
How To Apply Traditional Staircase Wallpaper
View in galleryImage from Elza B.
Design, Inc. We all know that even today, not all wallpaper is a simple peel and stick. Some of the more high-end wallpapers are actually still traditional. You can also get some good bargains are large amounts of the traditional type too.
Step 1: Clean The Walls
Clean the walls thoroughly with warm water and soap, allowing the wall to dry fully before doing anything else. It’s not a good idea to saturate the walls but rather wash them with a damp rag so as not to damage them.
Step 2: Even The Area
It’s important that there are no cracks, dents, or imperfections in the wall, or else they will stick out once the wallpaper is applied. So use mud and spackling to ensure you fill every crack and sand it down.
Step 3: Prime The Wall
It’s a good idea to prime the wall before hanging wallpaper as it will stick better to a freshly primed wall. So dust the wall after sanding and apply a simple primer so that you can have a fresh wall base.
Step 4: Measure The Walls
Now it’s time to measure the walls.
Do so a few times. Measure and cut paper, adding a few inches to each side. Roll the paper backward to stop it from curling while you are getting it ready and then cut it.
Step 5: Apply Adhesive
Use a figure-eight motion to spread the adhesive evenly over the surface of the paper. Be sure to cover as much of the paper as you can without saturating it to the point of damaging the paper or poking holes.
Step 6: Apply Paper
Starting at one corner, apply the paper carefully. You can fold the end over to give a dry spot to hold onto. You should also use a smoothing brush to smooth the paper down as you go, being careful not to leave any bubbles.
Step 7: Finish Up
After you have finished one wall, cut the excess and begin with the next wall. Each wall should be pressed down at the seams to make sure that they stick. They shouldn’t overlap nor have a gap. Once you’re done, sit back and enjoy the view!
Letting The Staircase Wallpaper Shine
View in galleryImage from TM5 PropertiesIt’s all about letting the staircase shine, as it will be your feature piece.
So whatever you need to do to do that will be perfect. Use any wallpaper, put it anywhere you like. Find a way to make your staircase stand out.
If your staircase is already special then it won’t take much. Try applying it to the front or even around the spindles if you dare. Experiment and create an amazing room with the wallpaper that you love.
Stairs with wallpaper on the walls - 135 best photo ideas for stairs to the second floor in a private house
Treppenraum 1.OG
KuDo Architektur
railings and wallpaper on the walls - great interior photo
DRUNK MONKEY
Carl Mattison Design
All new staircase with built in bench and storage in the home accessing the new second floor. nine0007 Stylish design: a large u-shaped wooden staircase in a classic style with wooden railings, wooden steps and wallpaper on the walls - the latest trend
North Beach Refresh
Board & Vellum
Photo by Andrew Giammarco.
Design ideas for a small wooden u-shaped staircase with wooden steps, metal railings and wallpaper on the walls
Bearsden extension
Breagh Architects
Fresh design idea for a modern style u-shaped staircase with carpeted steps risers, wooden railings, paneling on part of the wall and wallpaper on the walls - a great photo of the interior
81_Modern Oak Steps with Raised Area for Seating, Great Falls VA 22066
Century Stair Company
This versatile staircase doubles as seating, allowing home owners and guests to congregate by a modern wine cellar and bar. Oak steps with high risers were incorporated by the architect into this beautiful stair to one side of the thoroughfare; a riser-less staircase above allows natural lighting to create a fabulous focal point. CSC © 1976-2020 Century Stair Company. All rights reserved. nine0007
トータル コーディネート
EMU_INTERIOR Design
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In the photo: a modernist staircase with glass steps and wallpaper on the walls from
Projet L.
- Rénovation d'une cuisine
Agence 25 90 de003
Rédovation et laier renovation cage 'escalier metal/bois.
Stylish design: modern style medium sized corner staircase with wooden steps, metal railings and wallpaper on the walls without risers - the latest trend
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住む 家 は。 どんな 暮らし で 彩る の は たち。 永く 暮らし も 飽き たり 、 を 感じ し ない。 自然 体 シンプル で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で で でPな家
Home Inspiration: Stairs with wallpaper
Transform Gold Diamond Geo Peel and Stick Wallpaper by Graham & Brown on Stairs
Graham & Brown
Simply balanced, this diamond geo is sure to catch your eye . This wallpaper features a white and gold geometric design. Our peel and stick wallpaper is perfect for renters and redecorators.
This paper is perfect for use in small spaces, such as on a staircase to add a bold touch to an otherwise ordinary space. nine0007
House by the river.
Darya Kharitonova
wide oak staircase with white balusters.
Fresh design idea: a large classic style wooden staircase with wooden steps, wooden railings and wallpaper on the walls - a great photo of the interior modern style medium sized shaped staircase with marble steps, marble risers, metal railings and wallpaper on the walls
Aspen Village
KRN Residential Design
In the photo: P-shaped wooden staircase in the neoclassic style (modern classics) with wooden steps, glass railing and wallpaper on the walls
Brillance
Rivet design
A fresh design idea: a modern style bolted staircase with metal steps, metal railings and wallpaper on the walls without risers - a great photo of the interior
北区の家 S 中庭から光を取り入れる、都心の3階建ての家。 株式会社小木野貴光アトリエ一級建築士建築士事務所 https://www.
ogino-a.com/
Grand Hallway Transformation & Restoration in Balham
Mi Decor
This hallway restoration started from removing all wallpaper, making all walls and ceilings good, repair water damage. The next new wallrock system was applied - reinforced Lining paper. Everything was restored including with dustless sanding system and bespoke paint application. nine0007
90,000 wallpaper on the stairs in a private house (78 photos) ”at the dacha photoWall decoration on the stairs
Wallpaper for the hallway in the house
stupor
Moldings on the staircase
Wall decoration on stairs in a private house
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Interior of a hall in a private house
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Host of Provence
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Living room with a staircase
Staircase Hall Hall Follow Wall Color 9000,0007
Wall Raping
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Beautiful stairs
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Stage Stairs 9000
Decoration
Walls stairs in a private house
Staircase in a classic style
Staircase in a classic interior
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Stage finish
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Wall decoration
Stage Railway 9000
STARTIONAL MARCH 9000
Classic ladder Classic ladder classic lad
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Wallpaper on the stairs in a private house
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Stairs 9000
Buaseri Staiser
curtains per stairs.
