Decorating Ideas for Stairways

Pictures

• Picture galleries utilize the unused wall space that stairwells provide. For a streamlined look, use picture frames with the same color family and shape. For a modern look , use black, silver or slate gray frames in squares or rectangles. For a softer look, use circle and oval frames in a warm color like gold. For an eclectic look, combine frame shapes and colors. Keep the pictures at or just above eye level; too high or low makes it difficult to see the pictures.

Color

• Add a splash of color to your stairway. Look at the colors around you on both floors. If your living room is a dark color and the family room at the top of the stairs is a bright color, use a neutral color to segue between the two rooms. If the stairwell isn't caught between two contrasting colors, choose a soft palate that won't overwhelm the area. Dark colors make small spaces appear even smaller, so a light, airy color works well on staircases. If you have a large, open stairway, a somewhat darker color helps it to appear less overwhelming.

Stencils

• Decorate the stairs themselves with favorite quotes, inspiring messages or Bible verses. Wooden staircases give the homeowner an opportunity to print favored sayings to read while walking upstairs. Head to a local craft or hobby store to find plastic stencils and acrylic paints to use on the stairway. Each stair can hold its own message or you can write a long message starting at the top and working your way down. If you do not want to use words, stencil in animals, patterns or any other creation.

Railings

• Give your stairway an update by changing or painting the rails. The rails are an important support structure for the stairwell, but often get overlooked. Home-supply stores offer different types of railing to suit your needs. If replacing the rails is out of the question, give them a quick paint job to make an immediately noticeable difference. If you prefer not to paint, wrap long, plastic ivy or flower garlands through the railings for an "outdoors" feel.