7 Stylish Ways to Spruce Up Your Staircase

Whatever happened to the days of grandiose staircases? You know, the ones with multiple landings with a lavish chandelier hanging in the middle à la “Dynasty” or “Clueless.” Today, it often feels like staircases are less of a statement and more of a practical means to get from point A to point B.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. At Apartment Therapy, we believe it’s important to style every square inch of your house. Yes, including your staircase. Whether you’re dealing with a modern, spiraled case or a couple of steps, there are plenty of ways to take your stairs to the next level.

Below, a few ideas to kickstart your inspiration:

Living in a rental? Add strips of temporary wallpaper to the riser. We’re loving this speckled style from Chasing Paper that A Beautiful Mess used.

Go big or go home with a sweet wallpaper a la this English manor. Now that’s what we call a statement wall.

There’s no design problem some great art can’t fix. We love the jumbo piece Massucco Warner Miller places by this staircase.

Psst… here are five places to score your own large-scale art.


Or, as designer Anthony Carrino argues, why have one large painting when you can have an entire gallery wall?

For a style that’ll make a statement at any angle, grab a rug. This rainbow style from The Rug Company is perfect for design risk-takers.

The under-staircase storage space in this Prospect Heights Home is both practical and pretty.

Jennifer Laskey and Hunter Hall‘s stairwell is the perfect solution for aspiring plant parents.