The walls of a staircase are a space that are often overlooked when decorating, and in many households can be left blank. Homeowners tell us that the main reason for leaving the space blank and neutral is they find it a challenge to decorate - as when you go up each step, the height of the wall changes.
However, when decorated effectively it can be an interesting space from above, below and when travelling from one floor to another. In this article we provide some staircase decorating ideas and inspiration to guide you on your way to an eye-catching stairwell:
Apply some colour
It’s amazing what a difference a bit of colour can do for the small space that is your staircase. Often neutral colours are the right solution for your home and can be brought to life through the other suggestions in this article, however if you’re looking to make a real statement why not consider adding a vibrant colour to your stairwell.
There are endless amounts of wallpaper designs available too. Whether you’re looking for something bold to enhance a modern decor, or elegant to complement a traditional decor, with some time researching you are sure to find a wallpaper suitable for your stairwell.
Gallery Wall
A large group of framed photographs or artwork in the form of a gallery wall is a really effective way of decorating a staircase. The beauty of a gallery wall is you there is so much you can do with it:
Try using a variety of frames in different shapes and sizes. Wooden frames are great for a more traditional feel, while metal frames are more suited to a modern look.
Not everything within your gallery needs to be photography or family portraits. Try adding some art or memorabilia, while the inclusion of mirrors will help brighten up your staircase reflecting natural light.
Bright photography and artwork works fantastically where wall paint is neutral, while black and white and sepia portraits look great in more traditional settings.
Here’s a few tips to help when setting up your gallery wall:
Before getting the hammer and nails out, decide where you want the bottom, sides and top of the gallery wall to be and frame it out with masking tape. This will really help you to visualise what you want to accomplish.
Keep larger frames as the focal point of your gallery wall, with smaller ones acting as an accent to others.
When working up the staircase measure up from the floor ensuring the same height from each step – this way you will ensure the gallery is aligned with your staircase.
Large artwork
For bigger wall spaces large artwork that can be seen from above and below works well and acts as a real statement. From canvas prints and wall stickers to decorative signs and letters, with time spent searching the web and shops you’re sure to find something perfect for your home.
Many stairwells have a long, slim wall, and a floor to ceiling art installation is a unique way to create a statement in your home.
Wall clocks
Statement artwork may not be for you, and we know many homeowners like to keep things simple. So instead of oversized artwork or decorative signs, a large wall clock is both an impactful and practical solution.
Many large wall clocks look similar to those that you would see on public buildings but are now designed for indoor use and provide a striking appearance.
Lighting
Effective wall lighting can be very beneficial, particularly in narrow stairwells, helping to create a nice evenly balanced flow of light up and down your staircase. Either recessed or sitting against the wall, wall lights can provide a warm glove over each stair tread - an incredibly effective and ambient effect.
Once you have chosen your theme, there is no reason why you cannot experiment and match the wall lighting with mirrors, art and photographs.
Send in your photographs
Should you have used one of our suggestions, or have a great idea of your own, we’d love to see your finished staircase wall – just tweet us or tag us on Facebook.
