Giving your staircase a coat of paint is an easy but impactful way to inject some personality and style into your home. Whether you have a grand entryway or a modest set of steps, these creative ideas can level up your interior design without costing lots of time and money.
Painted Stair Ideas
Before committing to specific ideas, think about your home’s overall style and the statement you want to make. Here’s some design inspiration:
Ombre
Ombre stairs have a gradient effect that add depth to your staircase. Follow these steps to achieve this look:
- Choose a saturated shade from your room’s color palette for the bottom two or three risers.
- Lighten the paint by about 20% with white for the next set of risers.
- Continue lightening and painting until you reach the top.
This technique works particularly well in spaces with neutral walls, allowing the stairs to become a focal point without overwhelming the room.
Classic
For a timeless look, consider leaving wooden treads and handrails unpainted while focusing on the risers. To protect the wood, apply a high-gloss coating to the treads and handrail. This highlights the wood’s natural beauty and creates a clean, crisp contrast while allowing for easy maintenance and touch-ups.
Faux Stair Runner
A painted faux runner offers the look of a carpet runner without the hassle of cleaning or replacement. It’s easy to create this effect:
- Use painter’s tape to mask off the desired width (typically 27 or 32 inches).
- Choose a color that complements your trim.
- Paint both risers and treads in your chosen design.
- Add patterns or borders if desired.
For added safety, an acrylic anti-slip coating can provide traction. This is especially important if you choose a paint with a glossy finish.
Traditional Look
The classic combination of white risers and black treads never fails to impress. To achieve this traditional style, paint the stringer, balusters, and risers white, the sand the treads and handrail down to bare wood and apply an ebony stain.
This high-contrast design works well in both modern and traditional homes. It’s a good option for a stylish yet understated staircase.
Faux Marble
Faux marble is an affordable way to achieve a high-end look. Marble comes in various colors, so choose a shade that complements your existing decor. Our faux marble countertop how-to also works on stair risers, or you can search online for additional tutorials.
Distressed Look
A distressed or “shabby chic” look is perfect for farmhouse-style homes or bland areas needing some character. You can keep the treads’ natural wood or distress them along with the balusters. To give your staircase an aged look without waiting years, follow the instructions in our guide to faux-aging painted wood furniture.
Patina
Add a patinated metal look on your stair risers for a unique, artistic touch. This finish resembles aged copper or brass and pairs well with both natural and painted treads. Use a metal effects kit for easy application. These kits often include everything you need to create a convincing patina finish.
Faux Shiplap
Shiplap is a popular design element that can be easily mimicked on stair risers. To create this look, follow these steps:
- Paint the risers a soft white.
- Once dry, use a ruler and pencil to mark horizontal lines.
- Paint thin black lines to resemble the joints between boards.
This technique adds texture and interest without the need for actual wood planks, making it a budget-friendly but attractive option.
Quotes/Letters
Personalize your stairs by adding inspirational quotes or family sayings to the risers. Choose short phrases that fit comfortably on each riser, and use stencils for clean, professional-looking lettering. Rotating quotes seasonally can keep the design fresh and festive.
Chalkboard Paint
For a fun and interactive option, especially in homes with children, consider applying chalkboard paint to your stair risers. This creates an easy-to-clean creative outlet for the family. Remember to seal the chalkboard paint properly to prevent dust from spreading throughout your home.
Wallpaper
This quick and removable (if you get renter-friendly wallpaper) makeover option lets you incorporate a wide range of designs, patterns, and colors. Choose a wallpaper that matches your home’s style. If you have leftover wallpaper from a previous project, you could use it on the stairs to add cohesion to your design.
Geometric Designs
Geometric patterns add a modern touch to your staircase. A diagonal design that extends from one corner to another helps narrow staircases appear wider. If geometric shapes aren’t your thing, you can tailor the design to match your preferred style.
Skirtboard
The skirtboard, which joins the staircase to the wall, is often overlooked but offers another opportunity for adding color or contrast. Consider a bold, statement color or a shade that complements your stair treads. For a seamless look, paint the skirtboard the same color as your walls.