Stairs may not be the first thing most of us think about decorating, but simple details like a coat of paint, a little bit of pattern, or the perfect runner can make them the highlight of a home. Click below for 8 ways to treat your stairs, from rainbow treads to faux floating steps...
This painted staircase from Living Etc. creates the illusion of floating steps by matching the risers with the white wall, while staining the treads dark.
This staircase from our Shaker Brick House Tour incorporates painted treads, a traditional runner, and stair rods to keep the carpet in place.
This spiral staircase from an attic room in the Lloyd Hotel becomes the focal point of the space with a coat of bright red paint. Other details in the same color tie a hodge-podge of architectural elements together.
Two versions of black and white stairs: graphic signage in the "Level 5" staircase featured on Typornography, and classic black and white stairs from StairPorn.
This staircase from architect Roy McMakin's portfolio uses pale yellow to highlight the Victorian details of a classic banister and hallway staircase.
Two colorful options: rainbow stairs from Domino and concentrated color from a Danish home.
These painted stair runners from AT:Boston are an inexpensive alternative to a carpet and rod system.
Shawna's wallpapered stairs are simple, beautiful, and totally DIYable.
More stair love from AT:
• Close-up: The Amazing Staircase
• Staircases from the 1100 Architect Portfolio
• Roundup: Best Staircase Storage Solutions
• Glass Staircases from the NY Times
• Tolo House: The House of Staircases
Before & After: Emily Henderson Transforms a Senior's Studio Space
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
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The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
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On Saying No to Paleo: Why Eating Isn't One Size Fits All
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
Eek, that black and white staircase makes me feel dizzy.
LOVE the wallpapered stairs- that's a great idea.
Every time I see Shawna's stairs it makes me wish I had stairs in my house. Just beautiful.
I too love the wallpapered stairs! I've seen several different ones, and I think they're all great.
Uh am I the only one who thinks the floating stairs are actually floating stairs? You can see the tile floor between the bottom two treads! Or is only part of it floating?
Hannaleighh, I see that, too!
Delicious. I love those flowery wallpapers stairs.
Hannaleighh - as Doug Henning would say, "It's an illuuuuuuuuuuuuuusion!"
hannaleighh - you're right! I see that the light is coming from under the stairs and casting a shadow of the treads on the wall. Those shadows don't make sense if there are risers there. And you can just see the bottom side of the top tread.
Well, the best way to create the allusion of floating stairs is to have floating stairs.
With the exception of those stairs that are simply painted, my one question about these ideas is: WHY??? The floweres and stripes and multi colors and whatnot simply look dumb. Stairs are cool in and of themselves, there is no need for do-dads and what-nots all over them.
Ooh I think I'd like to paint my steps rainbow colors. What kind of special paint and primer would one use for durability? TIA!
JoanneM
Yep! Hannaleighh is right--you can totally see the underside of the top tread. BUSTED, Living, Etc.! Hee!
I like the wallpaper idea (or highlighting risers in general), but wouldn't use it for my main stairs--risers get lots of scuffing and dings, and it would be such a shame to gunk up that pretty paper.
I've always liked painted stairs. so many staricases are so boring and ignored-- it's a nice way to add some spice. though if they have some architectural interest in and of themselves, I'd be hesitant to do anything to distract. stairs with runners always make me think of old european hotels, though the one pictured seems light and fresh enough.
A friend once lived in an old Victorian with a narrow oak staircase. She upholstered the fronts of the risers with vintage quilt patches to go with her country decor. Looked pretty wonderful!
(My stairs have boring but functional wall-to-wall carpeting continued from the adjacent floor.) (ho-hum)
I really like the wallpaper idea because its so cheap, easy, and you can have whatever option you want... i should try this out.
Love the painted ones! good idea!