Decorating Ideas for Stairs and Landing: My Surprising Approach: 1 Minute to Elevate Your Stairs and Landing—From Blank to Beautiful, the Sarah Thompson Way

Decorating ideas for stairs and landing are something I used to avoid—until a client’s narrow, blank stairwell challenged my creativity and changed my mind. Why do our most-trafficked spaces become afterthoughts in design? As an interior designer who loves small spaces, I’ve discovered that these transitions are unsung heroes—places where a little style makes a huge impact on daily life. If you’ve ever felt your stairs or landing was nothing but wasted potential, you’re not alone. I’ll share how I transform these overlooked spots, the mistakes I see most, and the fresh approaches that delight both the eyes—and the soles of your feet.

Personalizing the Staircase Wall for Impactful First Impressions

The first thing most people see as they enter a multi-story home is the stairs, so why not make it memorable? I begin by treating the stairwell wall as an evolving gallery—mixing family photographs, flea market paintings, and bold mirrors. One time, I helped a newlywed couple craft a curated display of quirky travel prints along their narrow staircase. They loved the way stories of their adventures greeted them every day. Even in small homes, this technique creates an expanding vertical timeline. What statement would you want guests to see as they climb your stairs?

Lighting transforms transitional spaces too. A sculptural pendant lamp or modern sconces—set to highlight those curated walls—are affordable upgrades that I swear by. Don’t be afraid to mix finishes; brass with black and matte glass add both sophistication and visual layering without overcomplicating things.

Transforming Landings into Usable, Creative Spaces

Often, a landing gets written off as a hallway pause. I disagree—my rule is, make every square foot count! Last autumn, I worked with a client in a compact townhouse, using their generous landing to carve out a mini reading nook. A low-profile bench, a colorful rug, and floating shelves gave them the coziest perch for morning coffee, and it only took a weekend to assemble. See how you might curate a landing gallery or create an inviting corner with soft lighting and plants. Even shoe storage can become an artistic vignette with the right basket or bench.

For homes craving clever storage, built-in drawers under stair treads or slim cupboards along landings change chaos into order. I always caution: keep things proportionate—bulky furniture overwhelms, but a slender console or wall-mounted hooks invite use without clutter.

Color, Texture, and Unexpected Accents: My Design Game Changers

Never underestimate the transformative power of paint and wallpaper. I’ve experimented with vibrant runners, chevron-gradient steps, and wallpapered risers to inject personality without blowing the budget. Want to try a durable pop of color? Go for washable semi-gloss paint on stair edges or landings. Curious to see how this would look? I often map out patterns digitally before picking up a brush—it saves both money and regret!

If you’re hesitant, consider peel-and-stick wallpaper or removable decals. I once helped a friend revive her dingy basement stairs with geometric decals—her kids joined in, turning it into a weekend art project and a daily source of pride.

Integrating Sustainable and Smart Touches

I’m constantly searching for eco-friendly upgrades. Installing reclaimed wood treads, recycled glass tiles on landings, or even thrifted handrail accents keeps your design unique and planet-friendly. In my own home, I used bamboo stair nosings and solar-powered step lights—tiny tweaks, huge impact.

Smart sensors that gently illuminate each stair as you pass felt like a luxury, but they’ve proven to be an energy-saving safety feature (not to mention an unexpected wow-factor during dinner parties). Have you ever wished stumbling through dark staircases wasn’t part of your nightly routine?

Case Study: From Bland to Brilliant in a Family Rowhouse

I recently tackled a classic challenge: a London rowhouse with a cramped, bland stairwell and a forgotten L-shaped landing. The family wanted style without sacrificing open space. We layered muted botanical wallpaper along the stair, sprinkled in vintage brass hooks for school bags, and installed open shelving for their ever-growing plant collection on the landing. The surprise hero? A colorful Moroccan kilim rug that brightened the entire area and muffled steps for the early-bird kids. The before-and-after was dramatic—not just visually but in how the family interacted with these spaces.

Ready to transform your own overlooked stairs and landings? Start by seeing them not as obstacles but backdrops for your own story. Which design detail, no matter how small, would make you smile every time you climb the steps?

FAQ

Q: What’s the easiest way to decorate a stairwell?

A: Use a rotating gallery of photos or art, add character with bold lighting, and experiment with paint or peel-and-stick decals on stair risers.

Q: How can I make a small landing feel special?

A: Opt for space-saving benches, floating shelves, and layered rugs. Even compact landings benefit from well-placed baskets or wall-mounted hooks for both style and storage.

Q: Are there sustainable options for stairs and landing makeovers?

A: Yes! Consider reclaimed wood for stair treads, bamboo, recycled tiles, and solar or motion-sensor lights to blend beauty and sustainability.

Q: What mistakes should I avoid when decorating these spaces?

A: Don’t over-furnish the landing or ignore lighting; keep colors coordinated and scale appropriate to avoid overwhelming narrow areas.

Q: Can I test designs before committing?

A: Absolutely. Many designers—including myself—use digital tools to simulate patterns, colors, and furniture placement virtually.