Stair risers can often be overlooked in the grand scheme of our home decor lists of wishes and wants, but don't let this unused sweet spot go to waste. This space can really make a big statement when given a little love and attention.
Creative use of stair risers can really draw attention to an otherwise boring or forgotten space. You can easily add some dynamic visual interest with just a little paint, wallpaper or stenciling. You can even buy pre-stenciled stair risers from Royal Design Studio. Here are a few examples to help get the ideas flowing.
1 & 2. Here are two examples of elegant wallpaper designs that add a nice, graphic element to the stairs, giving them visual interest. Via Door Sixteen.
3. I love the color and pattern of these bright yellow stairs. They are just so cheery and welcoming. via Paint It.
4. This stencil does a great job of incorporating nice patterns and interest while still highlighting the neutral tones of the stairs. via Peacock Pavilions.
5. These fantastic pantone stair risers are found in the studio of Tamotsu Yagi Design in San Francisco. via Style File.
Images: as linked above






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Love these!
I LOVE them. I'm really tempted to do this in my apt... my stair risers are looking a little worse for wear, and if I'm going to paint them, why not do something fun?
Love them -- except for the Pantone thing. Why does everything these days have to be an advertisement for a company that offers standardized colors?
Someone I once knew long ago rented a tiny Craftsman cottage with a second floor. The stairs were relatively narrow dark wood. She upholstered the risers in vintage quilt squares and incorporated a lot of other "country" features in her decor, and the effect was really charming. Another take might be gorgeous upholstery fabric...