20 Wooden Staircase Ideas to Match Any Style

From upgrading the stair railing, to adding carpeting to the treads, to creating a gallery wall behind the staircase, there are different ways to elevate the look of wooden stairs. Whether you want to completely transform your wood stairs or you’re just looking to add some character, check out these wooden staircase ideas to spark inspiration in your own space. 

Styles of Wooden Staircases

Here are some different wooden staircase designs to inspire the layout within your space. If you’re considering a complete remodel, keep in mind that the cost to install stairs and railings is between $900 and $4,000. However, there are different ways to update the look of your existing wooden staircase without an overhaul. 

1. Spiral Staircase

A classic spiral staircase not only provides a visual point of interest—its narrow frame also fits within even the tightest of spaces. The risers are attached to a central column to form a complete circle so the structure takes up less floor space than a traditional staircase. What’s more, the openness of this spiral staircase draws the eye upwards to make the room feel wider and taller than it actually is.

2. Updated Stair Treads

An older staircase can look outdated and pose a safety risk. Before you replace the entire staircase, another option is to update just the treads. Check out our How to Install Elegant Stair Treads in 5 Steps guide to learn more about what this DIY home improvement project would entail. 

3. Floating Staircase

A floating staircase is characterized by open risers that are connected to a hidden support structure to provide a modern and minimalistic look. While the stair treads aren’t connected to one another, they are connected to a hidden stringer underneath the treads to make the structure look like it’s floating. 

4. Curved Elegance

A curved staircase—sometimes referred to as a helical or bridal staircase—features steps that continuously follow the bend of the wall or the banister, and unlike a spiral staircase, the stairs aren’t attached to a central column. The stair treads are usually wedge-shaped and taper down toward the top of the staircase to create a grand and elegant architectural statement. 

5. Industrial Aesthetic

Rooted in minimalism, practicality, and utilitarianism, the industrial aesthetic is a popular design trend. This staircase incorporates natural hardwood and metal accents to mimic the raw feel of a warehouse or factory. The sleek black outer stringers of the staircase and the metal cable railing, combined with the wooden treads and banister provide both form and function in this industrial-inspired space. 

6. Contrasting Risers and Treads

Having contrasting colors between the risers and the treads is not only visually appealing, but is a practical design choice. Painting the risers white creates depth and dimension to break up the red oak hardwood stairs and provide better visibility when going up or down the stairs. What’s more, using high-gloss or semi-gloss latex white paint on the risers is easy to clean and can hide scuff marks or smudges.

7. Modern Dual-Stringer Stairs

A dual-stringer staircase is designed with two beams supporting the treads of a floating staircase. This provides a sturdy base, without obstructing the view. The white stringers on this particular staircase blend well with the white walls to create a bright and open feel within the room. 

Banisters, Balusters, and Balustrades

The banisters, balusters, and balustrades are individual stair parts that can impact the overall look of the staircase. The banister—or handrail—is the part that people hold on to when going up or down the staircase. A baluster—or a spindle or rod—is the upright piece that connects the banister to the treads, providing vertical support. A balustrade is a unit consisting of multiple balusters to form a decorative railing piece that is supported by a decorative baluster post or end post.

8. Wrought Iron Baluster

This wooden staircase has a traditional look and is enhanced by the regality of the wrought iron balusters. The alternating pattern between the swirled scrolls and vertical spindles adds personality to the stair railing.

9. Natural Wood Balustrade

Embrace the look of raw wood by opting for a natural wood balustrade. The live edge wooden balusters connect to a sturdy support post—or newel post—for a finished look. The visible knots in the wood provide a homey and rustic aesthetic and can be incorporated into a variety of interior decor styles, such as modern farmhouse, transitional, and contemporary.

10. Floor-to-Ceiling Rail System

A trendy way to modernize the look of a staircase is to combine metal with wood. This floor-to-ceiling vertical rail system creates a visual point of interest within the space, while also serving the functional purpose of providing support while going up or down the stairs.  

11. Glass Balustrade Panels

By opening up the view of the wooden staircase without compromising safety, these glass balustrades panels provide both form and function. The toughened laminated glass encloses the stairs and the landing so the view isn’t obstructed, making this type of balustrade a perfect option for terraced areas, such as balconies or lofts. 

12. Contemporary Cable Railing

A cable railing system is a low-maintenance option compared to traditional wood or metal railings. The stainless steel cable wire runs horizontally, parallel to the wooden banister, and the tension of the cables can be adjusted for maximum security. What’s more, the mix of materials between the wood and the stainless steel creates balance in this modern space.

13. Contrasting Spindles and Wood Railing

Shake up the traditional look of a wooden staircase and rail system by painting the individual spindles white. The bright white contrasts with the dark wooden stair treads and handrail to make a stately first impression in a grand foyer. 

Staircase Decor and Upgrades

Browse through some accents and upgrades to add to an existing wooden staircase to show off your personal aesthetic. For more inspiration, check out our 23 Staircase Decor Ideas to Fit Any Style article, but here are a few other ideas for wooden stairs, in particular.

14. Adorning Shiplap Wall

Another way to amplify the look of a wooden staircase and the surrounding area is to create a shiplap wall behind the stairs. Shiplap planks painted white add charm and a rustic-chic look to an otherwise ordinary space. What’s more, installing the planks vertically gives the illusion that the wall is taller than it actually is.

15. Standout Accent Wall

Designate the wall behind the stairs to serve as an accent by painting it or covering it with a patterned wallpaper that’s different from the other surrounding walls. This wall features a botanical-themed pattern to create a focal point behind the floating stairway to elevate the look of the entire room. 

16. Functional Skirt Board

Adding trim board to the area where the wall meets the stairs—also referred to as skirt board—adds both decor and functionality. The skirting board protects the drywall from damage in a highly-trafficked area, but also provides a finished look to the overall staircase. Using a skirt board is also a low-maintenance way to clean the staircase, as its scuffs are easier to wipe down and clean from trim compared to drywall.

17. Potted Plants

Stairs are often overlooked when decorating the home, but don’t discount the impact that adding accents to the staircase can add to the overall aesthetic of the room. Include plants of varying sizes and heights, and even consider placing plants that spill over the edge of the stairs to add visual intrigue to an otherwise empty space.

18. Illuminated Steps

Add more light to your staircase by installing individual LED fixtures above the stair treads. Illuminating the stairs provides a soft glow, increases visibility, and you don’t have to turn the main lights on when you’re hitting the hay after a late-night Netflix binge.

19. Under-the-Stairs Storage

If it feels like you’re constantly running out of storage solutions, you’re not alone, as finding ways to adequately house items without taking up valuable floor space can be a challenge. However, a creative way to keep your trinkets contained is pull-out drawers underneath a staircase. These custom pull-outs taper from tall to short to keep a host of items organized in an easily accessible place.

20. Carpeted Stair Treads

Carpeting your stair treads instantly increases the safety of your stairs by providing grip over an otherwise slippery surface. These stairs feature carpet fully covering the treads and risers, but you can learn about other materials and ways to add traction to stair treads by referring to our article, Stair Treads Make Stairs Safer: Here Are 3 of Your Best Options.