A Home Stager Picks 5 Items That Will Upgrade Your Stairway for Less Than $15

Do you feel like your stairway lacks that special something? Whether it’s in dire need of light or just a colorful pick-me-up, the stairwell is a space that can be taken to the next level (literally) with one or two quick fixes. We asked Minol Shamreen, founder and creative director of Studio M Designs, to pick out five items that can take your stairway from a tedious climb to a stunning passageway for less than $15. Here are the home stager’s picks.

“The most popular method to show off your style and personality is to have a gallery wall on the stairway. Having a bunch of pictures on the wall gives something to help the eye travel across the length of the stairway. For a more casual vibe, go the mix and match route, and use different sizes, colors, and shapes of frames.”

Buy: 4-Count Natural Picture Frame Set, $15

“One of my favorite design ideas to add drama in a stairway is to use wallpaper. It allows you to bring in bold patterns, bright colors, and fun designs on your walls and on the vertical part of your stairs, too. The best part is this doesn’t extend into the space, but still manages to create a huge visual impact. Pick one that complements the style of your home and your personality.”

Buy: HaokHome Modern Stripe Peel & Stick Wallpaper, $9.87

“Sometimes, all we need is one single item to decorate a wall in a compact space like a stairway. You should pick something that is at least 24 inches tall and 36 inches wide. The rule of thumb when it comes to hanging art is the center of the piece should be at eye level, which is typically 60 inches to 64 inches from the floor. One important thing to remember when using any frame in a closed staircase is that it should not be more than two inches in depth, or else it will visually encroach into the walking space.”

Buy: Tube Profile Poster Frame, $6

“Paint is a simple way to bring instant color and flair to your stairway. You can also use painter’s tape to create patterns to make it more interesting. Typically, one gallon of paint covers about 400 square feet of wall space, but this will change depending on the number of coats you may need. For hallway and stairway walls, I typically recommend a satin or eggshell finish.”

Buy: Speed-Wall 1 Gallon Adobe White Eggshell Interior Latex Paint, $12.90

“This really is one of the simplest ways to create one-of-a-kind art for your stairway. Fabrics and tapestries make great show stoppers on a large scale. They also make for a great option for closed and narrow areas.”

Buy: Samhita Macrame Wall Hanging, $13.98