14 Ways to Transform Your Staircase Into Something Spectacular

Create the staircase of your dreams

Wood cutout stairs white brick wall firewood
Photo: kopikoo / Adobe Stock
Wood cutout stairs white brick wall firewood
Photo: kopikoo / Adobe Stock
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

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

White stairs black railings lights
Photo: Aspire Fine Homes

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

white stairs gray details stripe
Photo: The Heathered Nest

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

Black and white pattern stairs railings
Photo: VRae Designs

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

Brown wood steps black rails white
Photo: Nicole Leak Designs

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

White stairs built in bookshelves drawers
Photo: DJD Woodworks

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

Colorful stairs black and white wallpaper
Photo: Nine The Avenue

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

Cheetah carpet red trim stairs
Photo: Josh Gremillon

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

Spiral staircase black and white greenry
Photo: Grange Bar Renovation

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

Black stairs white carpet modern
Photo: Roe’s Stair Corp

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

White wall wood stairs black railings
Photo: T Rooms

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

Stairs carpet pattern navy wallpaper
Photo: Druscilla Fisher

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

Wood stairs modern door open plan
Photo: Thistle House

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

Color painted stairs light blue walls yellow couch
Photo: Home Office Palace

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

Black and white stairs latern
Photo: Lesley Metcalf

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.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to general contractors
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A land with grass and trees
Nov 7, 2024
Nov 7, 2024
Going from an undeveloped plot to your dream home can be expensive. Learn about the cost to develop land and what factors can affect your total.
senior woman in stair lift seat
Nov 1, 2024
Nov 1, 2024
Use our guide to calculate the cost to install a stair lift in your home. Prices depend on the type of stair lift, including the seat style and other advanced features.
a brick wall and wood floor room with black modern reading chair and lamp, ottoman, and bookshelf with ladder
Jul 22, 2024
Jul 22, 2024
Brick walls can add character and elegance to interior and exterior spaces. Use this brick wall cost guide to see the price range for adding one to your home.
man using caulk on his door
Aug 14, 2024
Aug 14, 2024
Discover why your silicone caulk is not drying and learn effective solutions to fix the issue. Ensure a flawless finish for all your sealing projects.
The exterior of a suburban house at dusk
Mar 1, 2024
Mar 1, 2024
Storm damage repair costs depend on the extent of the damage. Whether you’re dealing with high winds, flooding, hail, or lighting, this guide can help.
Young couple painting walls
Oct 21, 2024
Oct 21, 2024
Does your home need a refresh? Learn more about how home improvement loans work and how to find the right one for your renovation project.
Share project details to get started.