Often, when we think of decorating staircases, we think of gallery walls or unique wallpaper. But as these spaces show, sometimes all you need is a gallon of white paint.
White draws attention to stylish, sculptural staircases, but it also modernizes timeworn ones. If your staircase is a bit dark and cramped, white can open up the space considerably. While this trick also works with carpet, it seems especially well-suited to wood staircases, drawing out varnish colors, wood patterns and other pretty details.
- White walls show off a gorgeous, minimalist staircase from Light Locations.
- Older stairs look homey and chic with white walls and a metal coat rack. Via Hus & Hem.
- Muted walls and open risers give this staircase an ethereal, airy feel. Via Residence Magazine.
- Detailed tin paneled walls look fresh in white, while the color draws attention to the beautifully stained stairs. Via Dwell
- The lines of this artful, geometric-inspired staircase really pop thanks to the white walls. Via Architizer.
Images. 1. Light Locations 2. Björn Lofterud for Hus & Hem 3. Residence Mag via Designspiration SK 4. Dustin Aksland for Dwell 5. Architizer






Shaw's Original Fir...
Oh! there's another stair case without railing. It's the calm before the safety-polly-annas-storm in here.
I don't know... That first gentle step and then all the others seem steep as a MOFO!!! WTF?
@Chasepage :)
Without a doubt the most awkward looking staircase I've ever seen! And with a small child no less!
Chasepage, I thought the same, but yours was funnier. Seriously, AT, it's a lawsuit waiting to happen...At least put a bannister on the wall side!
I actually have a co-worker who is suing a small local theater for having poorly designed, badly lit stairs. Four cracked ribs and a huge hospital bill.
But ok, I do agree about the simplicity in decor. We just stripped down everything on our hall staircase and painted the wall a sage green. Looks fantastic.
I'm thinking rectangles/ovals cut from things like old asphalt roofing tile, for some serious slipper traction, might be fun.