Staircase wall ideas
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.
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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.
8 Staircase Wall Decorating Ideas — Bustling Nest
If you have a multiple-story house, you’ve probably asked yourself, “what do I do with this huge wall space?” Decorating a staircase wall can be challenging, especially if you’re trying to stick with a specific interior design style.
You want it to look great, but you want to keep it low maintenance and practical.
Fortunately, there are many ways to create a breathtaking display over the stairs. An important thing to focus on is keeping this space clutter-free and bright. When you walk through the door and see the stairs, you want to feel welcomed up to the next level.
Keeping things light and fun in this space can help you achieve that and turn your boring staircase into one of your favorite spots in the house.
Here are a few ideas to inspire you!
1. Fun wallpaper
If you don’t want to hang things on the wall over the stairs, you can install a fun wallpaper! This prevents getting out the ladder every time you want to change a picture or piece of decor, and it looks great.
Wallpaper is making a huge comeback, so you can find just the style you’re looking for regardless of your interior design preference. You can keep it simple by adding wallpaper that looks like shiplap or brick, or you can use a moody color with bright flowers to add interest to the space.
Either way, the wallpaper can stand alone and prevent you from spending any additional money on decor or having to change out family photos every few years.
2. Strategically Placed Pictures
In most homes, the staircase wall seems to be moving up towards the second or third story of the house, creating a climbing illusion. You can have fun with this and strategically place your photos in an escalating pattern.
The photos can stay evenly spread out, and you can choose to add just three or four, or you can create a wow moment and add several associated images. Using the same picture frame will enhance this illusion and keep things tied together, even if each photo is different.
3. Incorporate Unique Lighting
Whether the staircase is tucked between two walls or open to the living area, you can add unique lighting the enhance this area. If the stairs are nestled in the corner of the home, consider adding sconce lighting to brighten up the space and add an authentic touch.
This will make the space feel larger and it’s a great addition if you move between levels of the house at night.
If they’re open to the living area, you can add pendant lighting or a fun chandelier to create a dramatic moment while receiving functional light. Choose a fixture that speaks to your interior style and take the opportunity to find something unique to add charm and character to the home.
4. Large Piece of Art
Keeping large areas clutter-free is important, especially in a tight space such as this one. Using just one large piece of art could be the perfect addition. It gives this space some character but doesn’t feel cluttered or distracting.
You could use a large oil painting, a canvas print of your favorite photo, or a large abstract piece of art. The possibilities are endless, and since this space is likely very large, you’ll have the ability to choose something meaningful.
Black living room interior with a staircase, a white armchair, a loft window and a potted tree.
A vertical poster. 3d rendering mock up5. Textured Walls
Hanging photos or displaying decor isn’t for everyone. If you like to keep things simple and chic, you can add texture instead. Adding board and batten or wainscotting by the staircase is the perfect way to enhance the space without hanging anything on the wall.
These textures will look great in the large space and make your home feel sophisticated. It’s also a great way to add home value and add charm while working on a budget.
6. Add A Window
Although it might not be possible in every home, adding a window above the staircase would completely transform this area. If you have the opportunity, add a window either on the wall adjacent to or next to the stairs to add much-needed natural light.
The light from the windows will open this space up and help it feel authentic and relaxing. It can make narrow staircases feel wider and add value to your home. You might need some extra money upfront, but it’s a renovation that will pay off in the end.
7. Small Mirror Arrangement
Mirrors are a great way to add different dimensions and shapes to any space. Adding a small arrangement of mirrors could be a great way to add character and include different shapes to this area.
You can choose some to match your interior design style by adding antique frames for traditional homes or using sleek metal frames in modern or contemporary homes. This could be a fun way to decorate this large space, and if you have little ones in the house, it could help you keep an eye on them as they’re going up or down the stairs.
8. Incorporate Small Plant Holders
Adding diverse plants is always a great way to freshen up a space and add a pop of color. Using small floating shelves or woven plant holders, you can add plants to the area above the staircase.
This adds a pop of natural color, and it could help the space feel authentic and airy. You can even stagger the positions to make them easily accessible for water and pruning.
Small succulents or air plants would be a perfect addition and help your home feel relaxing and inviting.
Jessica Childres
Jessica Childres is a Georgia native and former teacher. She loves to share her skills, knowledge and passion with others. She has an ongoing interest in real estate, home decorating, and design.
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