56 Best Staircase Ideas to Decorate Your Entry

If you’re doing a full-on makeover, be sure to keep a little bit of your home’s historic charm. In this upstate New York home, designer Christina Salway chose to paint the wood newel post and banister black, while leaving the delightfully worn wood treads exposed. In the connecting entry, a fresh color palette of crisp white and happy sage adds a cheery spin.

Get the Look:
Wall Paint Color: All White by Farrow & Ball
Trim Paint Color: Quiet Moments by Benjamin Moore

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

RELATED: The Top Dark Gray Paint Colors to Warm Up Your Home

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!

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Before the renovation of this 19th century New York home, the stairs were covered in a colorful carpet and the walls were painted bright salmon. Now, crisp white walls complement the dark stair treads and a simple Moravian star lights up the entry. The homeowners also embraced the quirky antique newel post cap that came with the home and welcome it as a conversation starter for guests.

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Antique portraits line the entire stairwell of this California farmhouse giving it a collected-over-time look. Search for a quirky mix of personalities to get a similar look that also makes for a great conversation starter.

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Rather than painting your stair railing all the same color, give it a little wow factor by paint the balustrades a different color than the handrail. Here, that blue and blue color pairing is repeated on the front door.

Don’t know what to do with that empty landing? An oversized pitcher or an antique accent piece can easily fill a design dead space in the corner of an L-shaped staircase. Just be sure to measure your piece so you don’t crowd the walking space.

Add an unexpected twist by hanging small pieces of art on staircase risers—as shown here in actor Tony Shalhoub’s charming Martha’s Vineyard home. This works best if the pieces are in a similar style!

RELATED: 50+ Inspiring Gallery Wall Ideas to Try in Your Home

Obsessed with fun and figural pieces? Take inspiration from this Wisconsin lake house and hang them with pride. Cascading down the main stairwell, these skis, which the homeowners spent years collecting, take wall paneling to the next level.

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When stairs won’t do (or there is simply no room), opt for a sturdy, permanent ladder such as this one. Work with a contractor to make sure your setup follows code and is safe for the whole family.