15 Staircase Renovation Ideas for Your Home

Upgrade your stairs to a stylish focal point

Brothers going downstairs to meet mom in the kitchen
Photo: AzmanL / E+ / Getty Images
Brothers going downstairs to meet mom in the kitchen
Photo: AzmanL / E+ / Getty Images
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Renovating your staircase can be a game-changer for your home, adding style, functionality, and value. Whether you’re aiming for a bold transformation or a subtle refresh, there are countless staircase renovation ideas to suit every taste and budget. Find the perfect way to elevate your staircase and enhance your home’s appeal.

1. Paint the Risers

Mother and daughter sitting on a colorful staircase
Photo: Adam Hester / Tetra images / Getty Images

Painting the risers can completely transform the look of your staircase. Choose a bold color for a striking contrast, or a soft pastel for a subtle charm. This is an affordable way to add personality and style to your stairs without needing a full renovation.

2. Wallpaper the Risers

Wallpaper with various patterns installed on staircase risers
Photo: Teguh Inneke / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Wallpapering your risers adds a whimsical touch to your staircase. With countless patterns available, you can easily match the design to your home’s aesthetic. This idea allows you to experiment with patterns, textures, and colors without a long-term commitment, making it easy to refresh when your style evolves.

3. Add Tile to the Risers

Decorative tile installed on staircase risers
Photo: Anneliese Gruenwald-Maerkl / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

For a Mediterranean or bohemian vibe, try tiling the risers. Choose tiles with intricate patterns or vibrant colors to turn your stairs into a visual centerpiece. Tile adds a touch of elegance and is durable enough to withstand daily wear, making it a practical choice. 

4. Stain or Refinish the Wood

Wooden stairs with light color stain
Photo: Camilo Morales / Tetra images / Getty Images

Breathing new life into an old staircase is easy with a stain or refinish. This technique reveals the natural beauty of wood, and you can go dark for a dramatic effect or light for an airy feel. Refinishing wood steps with stain enhances the grain and texture, adding depth and richness.

5. Add a Stair Runner

Classic style staircase with stair runner
Photo: pics721 / Adobe Stock

Stair runners add warmth, texture, and a touch of elegance. You can choose a bold patterned runner to make a statement or opt for neutral tones for a classic look. Runners are also a practical addition, providing grip and noise reduction.

6. Replace the Balusters

Staircase with iron balusters and wooden handrail
Photo: tab1962 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Changing the balusters can give your staircase a completely new look. Opt for wrought iron for a classic look, sleek glass for modern appeal, or wooden spindles for a timeless charm. Depending on the material and design you choose, this update can be as subtle or dramatic as you like.

7. Install LED Lighting

LED lights installed under stair treads
Photo: PAWEL / Adobe Stock

Add ambiance and safety to your staircase with LED lighting. Install lights under each tread, along the railing, or on the wall. LED lights are energy-efficient and provide a modern aesthetic, creating a well-lit path that’s stylish and functional, perfect for evening use.

Angi Tip

While it might be tempting to remodel your space based on the latest trends you've seen on social media, it's best to wait out that urge. Fads come and go quickly, so try to avoid trendy styles that you might regret in the future.

Morgan Rousseau
Content Editor, Angi

8. Add a Newel Post Cap

White newel post cap installed on the staircase
Photo: jacquesdurocher / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

A newel post cap can have a big impact on your staircase’s overall design. Whether you choose a vintage-inspired finial or a sleek, contemporary design, a new cap can add sophistication and a polished finishing touch.

9. Install a Glass Railing

Staircase installed along minimalistic staircase
Photo: piovesempre / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

For a contemporary look, replace your traditional railing with glass. This sleek option opens up the space and allows light to flow freely, giving your staircase a modern, airy feel. Glass railings are perfect for creating a minimalist vibe and can make your home feel larger and more luxurious.

10. Add Wainscotting

Wainscotting installed along the staircase
Photo: Wirestock / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Wainscotting along the staircase wall adds texture, depth, and a classic touch. It can be painted to match your decor, and it protects walls from scuffs and scratches. This detail adds sophistication and is perfect for creating a traditional, polished look that complements any staircase style.

11. Add Storage Underneath

Build in drawers under wooden staircase
Photo: John Keeble / Moment / Getty Images

Transform the space under your staircase into practical storage. Built-in cabinets, drawers, or even a cozy reading nook can utilize this often-overlooked area. This renovation maximizes your home’s storage potential, making it functional and stylish.

12. Opt for a Spiral Staircase

Person going down a spiral staircase
Photo: imagenavi / imagenavi / Getty Images

Spiral staircases save space and add a unique, architectural flair to your home. They’re available in a variety of materials, from wood to metal, and can be a modern or rustic statement piece. Spiral staircases work well in smaller homes and you can benefit from hiring a local stair company to revamp your current design.

13. Upgrade the Hand Rail

Metal handrail installed along modern staircase
Photo: alabn / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Swapping out your handrail can change the entire look of your staircase. Choose a rustic wooden rail for a cozy, farmhouse feel, or stainless steel for a modern touch. This quick update is a great way to infuse your personal style and complement the rest of your home’s decor.

14. Consider a Floating Staircase

Floating staircase installed in a minimalistic style house
Photo: Westend61 / Westend61 / Getty Images

Floating staircases are sleek, minimalistic, and make a bold statement. With no visible risers, they create an illusion of space and add a contemporary feel. Ideal for modern homes, floating staircases are a visually stunning choice that can turn a standard staircase into an architectural marvel.

15. Install a Stair Lift

Stair lift installed in a modern home
Photo: imaginima / E+ / Getty Images

If you plan to age in place, installing a stair lift is a practical addition to your staircase. It ensures mobility and safety, allowing easy access to multiple levels of your home. Modern designs blend seamlessly into your decor, providing convenience without sacrificing style.

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