Add a Stair Runner

Lay down a stair runner to add pattern and interest to your steps. The well-worn stair runner at this 18th-century farmhouse is a fond reminder of guests who have come and gone. To get the look in your own home, find a runner you love and don't forget the carpet tape!

SHOP STAIR RUNNERS

Utilize Dark Paint

Don't be afraid to make a bold statement with your staircase, like this one that's painted an inky gray. Offset the dark with light paint on the walls and bring in warmth through aged picture frames and rustic lighting fixtures.

SHOP GRAY FLOOR PAINT

Create an Under the Stairs Pantry

If you're unsure of what to do with a little nook under your stairs, transform it into an adorable and versatile pantry, complete with a crusty barn door.

SHOP BARN DOOR KIT

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Add an Accent

An oversized pitcher crafted from natural materials or an antique accent piece can easily fill a design dead space in the corner of an L-shaped staircase.

SHOP CERAMIC PITCHER

Channel Beachy Vibes

If you didn't know you were near the ocean before entering this house, the sea-foam green staircase might be a huge clue. Built in 1855, this Maine home embraces its history and geography with pastel colors and vintage signs. A duo of picnic baskets lined up against the white wall adds to the summery theme.

SHOP PICNIC BASKETS

Put Your Collection on Display

Take a note from these Wisconsin homeowners who turned their love of the lake into a show-stopping display of skis! Cascading up and down the main stairwell, this collection of skis ranges take wall paneling to the next level.

SHOP DECORATIVE SKIS

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Go Bold with Paint

Try Trompe L'Oeil Paint

Rather than lay a real runner in this narrow stairwell, designer Christina Salway painted one! To get the look, start with a neutral base (white or black works best) then paint a thin boarder around your main paint color.

SHOP PAINT

Hang Old Shutters

Add unique shapes to the wall to draw the eye up. Here, recycled shutters gathered from an architectural salvage yard make for a creative wall decoration full of rustic charm.

SHOP SHUTTERS

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Install a Permanent Ladder

When stairs won't do (or there is simply no room), opt for a sturdy, permanent ladder like this one with an iron railing to make climbing up and down easier.

SHOP LADDER

Hang Some Pawfect Portraits

If your furry friend is more like family, consider decorating an area in honor of your pooch. A wall of dog silhouettes and portraits add collected charm to this space.

SHOP CUSTOM DOG SILHOUETTES

Embrace Pattern All Over

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Build a Dreamy WFH Space

Take a note from homeowners Sarah and Russell Bennett by transforning the traditionally overlooked space beneath the stairwell into a home office.

SHOP SMALL DESKS

Go Wild With Wallpaper

Turn up a simple staircase's "wow" factor by adorning the walls with a pretty patterned paper. You can always use removable wallpaper for a renter-friendly (or easy to DIY) touch.

See more at Lark and Linen.

SHOP RENTER FRIENDLY WALLPAPER

Put Up Plenty of Paintings

Does your artwork hang out in storage because there's no room to display it in your home? Take a tip from designer Ken Fulk, who hung oil pantings all over the place—including above and underneath his staircase.

SHOP ARTWORK

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Try to Remove and Reveal

Go for a Nautical Vibe

A Garnet Hill rug and porthole-shaped mirror reinforce the nautical vibe of this coastal staircase, painted in Benjamin Moore's Big Country Blue.

SHOP PAINT

Be Deliberately Simple

Paul Caddell, the owner of this modest New York cottage, added just a single handrail on the side of his stairwell for a simplistic look. He also installed vertical beadboard to give the impression of taller ceilings.

SHOP BEADBOARD

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Layer Mirrors to Bounce Light

Take a page from stylist Matthew Gleason's playbook and layer in lots of mirrors in a small stairwell to make it feel bigger!

SHOP MIRRORS

Try Ladder Style

Two Tennessee brothers replaced a dilapidated and enclosed staircase and installed this ladder-style solution stained to matche the rest of the home.

SHOP WOOD STAIN

Anna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isn’t working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!

Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pLvUp6ursZyew6q6xmeaqKVfnbyusYydnKyhl6N8pbHCqKmarJmjtG61w56YrGeXZoF6hI6sq5qhopiutLGMopuemaNk