14 Ways to Transform Your Staircase Into Something Spectacular

Most of us go up and down the stairs every day without thinking much of it. But your stairs don’t need to be an afterthought. You can create a stunning staircase with intricate detailing or beautiful, bold colors to give it a totally fresh look. Here are some creative ways to style your staircase so you can get inspired.

1. Add Lights

This one-of-a kind staircase by Aspire Fine Homes has so many unique features. The custom-made railing is a wonderful contrast to the white colored wall. The risers are made out of brick and lie beautifully above the wooden treads. Perhaps the most unique (and fun feature) is the well-lit path that can guide you during your midnight snack expedition.

2. Paint a Design

These basement stairs are far from ordinary, but getting this look was a bit of a challenge. Making sure the tape was placed correctly to create the gray stripes and taking the time to measure is key to achieving the beautiful detailing. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to transform your staircase, grab your favorite paint color and use this project by The Heathered Nest to guide you through.

3. Use Floor Tiles

If you’ve dreamed of something bold for your staircase, this tile riser look by VRae Designs is the perfect (and super affordable!) solution. This project cost approximately $125, and it looks like a million bucks. Pro tip: Once you measure the first tile, there is no need to measure all. Just place each tile on top of the first and cut—it’s a total time-saver

4. Stick to Natural Wood

A clean trim on the stringer and fresh white paint on the risers is always a breath of fresh air, especially when combined with a matte black handrail. These stairs by Nicole Leak Designs not only brighten up the home’s front foyer, but they enhance the size of the room. Wooden treads look effortless and can last for decades with proper maintenance.

5. Create More Storage

It’s everyone’s wish to have more storage, and DJD Woodworks made that dream come true. This clean and fresh cabinet look was achieved by knocking down a wall to maximize the space. Drawers, bookshelves, and cupboards make this staircase fully functional and unique. If you’re looking to get more organized or have a smaller living space, consider this unique staircase trend.

6. Include Pops of Color

Color makes everything better, and Nine The Avenue’s stairs are no exception. Her favorite spot in the house is made up of Mexican textiles, hot pink and orange risers, and an array of lively plants all around. If you’re in the mood for that cheery section of your home that will make you smile every time you pass by, this combination will do just that.

7. Make a Statement With Unique Prints

Making a statement in your home can be simple with the right accessories, and Josh Gremillion Photography captured just that. A unique print can add life to any part of your space by enhancing your neutral colors. This animal print runner rug adds that extra flair to a two-toned staircase without the need for anything else. If you’re not into prints, you can achieve this by adding a bright-colored or textured rug instead.

8. Make It Spiral

Have you ever seen a romantic movie with one of the lead characters dashing down the curved staircase to greet their love? Grange Bar Renovation’s Belgian staircase inspires that vision. The risers and treads are the original white oak that the house came with but this staircase transformation combines timeless colors, making it easy to keep for many years to come.

9. Keep It Classic and Contemporary

If you’re thinking of a contemporary look, glass railings have been a popular choice for office buildings and homes for many years. Roe’s Stair Corp have made white carpeted stairs look clean and vibrant while adding in all the classic details. If you’re keen on using glass, make sure it’s safe for your family and clean it often to keep your stairs looking bright.

10. Hide Some Details

Not every single detail needs to be seen, and Taahira created this mysterious stairway that not only adds personality and structure to the room but has a hidden cupboard inside. These golden vintage tones combined with dark oak stairs and greenery will make any mid-century enthusiast jealous.

11. Use Stencils

Inspired by traditional wallpaper, Drusilla Fischer made it her mission to achieve this staircase wall by using only stencils and paint. While the final look turned out amazing, moving the stencils around while some painted parts were drying was quite challenging. Nonetheless, this project was achieved in about eight hours and it’s complemented with perfect multi-patterned additional decor.

12. Combine Light Colors

When Thistle House bought their house to renovate, they knew they wanted their home to have a liveable aesthetic by using coastal, light, and natural colors. This two-week staircase project was one that they contemplated for a while. Combining Victorian ash timber with glass spindlers makes for a dreamy and airy vibe that can be combined with an array of accessories or kept neutral and minimal.

13. Create a Rainbow

In her quest to transform her home office into a serene haven, Home Office Palace decided on colorful rainbow stairs as a symbol to remind her family of hope after a storm. These colorful risers, white treads, and sky teal walls make them feel like they’re floating into the basement on a cloud. 

14. Paint Them Black and White

As part of a “One Room Challenge” participation, the brown carpet and tiles were removed from this staircase and replaced with a classic black and white paint job. Lesley Metcalf suggests that a little paint can certainly go a long way. Having a black and white palette in any room can make your space take on a whole new look without minimizing other areas of the house.