Wallpaper staircase ideas

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. '

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.

16 Fabulous Ideas That Bring Wallpaper to the Stairway

With newfound love for wallpaper starting to spread its wings in homes across the globe, we have already showcased several inspirations ranging from brilliant bedrooms to gorgeous kitchens draped in wallpaper. Today, it’s the turn of the often forgotten and overlooked staircase and the stairwell wall that offer a great opportunity to create a captivating focal point while using wallpaper that you truly adore. Unlike in the case of the living room, bedroom or dining space, the wallpaper choices here are not constrained by the style, theme or color palette that define the rest of your home.

Graphic black and white wallpaper adds chic beauty to the interior [Design: Lynne Parker Designs]

There are two different ways that you can go when it comes to giving the staircase that trendy wallpaper edge. One can either opt for a pattern that complements the style of the staircase or go in a completely tangential direction and create a surprising burst of color and unexpected pattern. It is time to step up the style quotient!

It’s All about Color!

Every time one thinks about wallpaper, the first thing that comes to mind is a world of energizing and exciting colors that enliven even the blandest of settings. If your staircase needs that additional pop of color along with a subtle pattern, then wallpaper is the easiest way forward. Far more effective than just paint, wallpaper instantly grabs your attention, as it offers both visual and geometric contrast, and the tall stairwell wall is the perfect spot for it. How you add wallpaper to the staircase depends a lot on the style of your staircase and its specific design. Adding wallpaper to the stair risers is one such cool option for those looking to do it with subtle, understated flair.

Circus wall panel wallpaper adds color to the staircase design [Design: Gruber Home Remodeling]A splash of purple for the contemporary staircase [Photography: Chris Snook]Custom multi-color, striped wallpaper enlivens the stairway [Design: JWT Associates]Use wallpaper to usher in color and personality [Design: Lisa Borgnes Giramonti]Orchid wallpaper turns the stairway into a delightful setting [Design: Benco Construction]

A Backdrop to Remember

We absolutely love the use of wallpaper for the walls that act as a background for cool, space-saving spiral staircases, as it seems to transform the entire ambiance of the area. Instead of the old, boring white, simple gray or any other monochromatic look, use the wallpaper to breathe life into this setting and give it a completely new look. Custom, handcrafted wallpapers can take this approach to an entirely new level, as they give your interior a sparkling, snazzy personality of its own. When using the wallpaper for the staircase wall, make sure that its pattern is repeated elsewhere to give the interior a more balanced and classy appeal.

Eclectic and cheerful backdrop for the festive staircase [Design: Tobi Fairley Interior Design]Hand painted wallpaper steals the show here [Design: Yrmural Studio]Gorgeous use of wallpaper with elegant green pattern [Design: Hansen Architects]Space-saving spiral staircase with a backdrop draped in wallpaper [Design: GLM Ltd]Fabulous wallpaper complements the hue of the wood around it beautifully [Design: Period Homes]

Infuse Some Pattern

One of the biggest reasons for the revival of wallpaper in the recent past is the ability of designers to produce patterns that go easy on gaudy colors. This basically means you have plenty of modern wallpaper options that only add pattern to the interior while leaving the color scheme of the home undisturbed. Designs such as the Woods Wallpaper are quickly achieving the status of modern icons precisely because of this reason! No matter what eclectic and exotic pattern you are after, there is contemporary wallpaper out there that can deliver it in cool, neutral hues.

Beach style interior with pops of bright color [Design: Anthony Baratta]Chic wallpaper in gray with paisley pattern for the staircase wall [Design: Rad Design]Turn your stairwell wall into a stunning focal point [Photography: Elad Gonen]Innovative way of using popular Woods wallpaper for the staircase [Design: Vanillawood]Wallpaper brings vintage pattern to the stairway [Design: Elizabeth Reich] Sherry is a blogger who loves to live her life to the fullest. She enjoys everything associated with design, décor and stylish modern trends. Born in California, Sherry has grown up on open ranches and in a wild setting, which has defined her taste for design and developed her interest in examining how structures and homes interact with the beauti[.

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