We don't often think of the stairs in our home as an opportunity to make a statement but with the right tools, you can turn an ordinary set of steps into an Insta-worthy moment. The secret? A saturated or pattern-rich wallpaper, designated for the risers, that can offer a dose of unexpected flair to an often overlooked spot.
In lieu of having to commit to the semi-permanence of paint, opt for peel-and-stick wallpaper. Easy to apply and even easier to remove, the alternative is a prime opportunity to experiment with a vibrant hue or print. Whether you're looking to invite a cheeky detail to your space or for a clever way to cover up a dated flight, allow the colorful staircase ideas ahead to serve as a major dose of inspiration.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
1. Play to your strengths.
In this bright and airy Mattituck-based home designed by Hyphen and Co., a subtly printed grasscloth wallpaper brings a touch of color and texture to a nearly monochrome foyer. A perfect complement to the coastal scheme seen throughout, the print seamlessly blends in with its surroundings.
Get the look: Chesapeake Waverly Blue Faux Grasscloth, $63 per roll
2. Mix and match.
File this under the sweetest staircase idea we ever did see. If you find yourself torn between a few patterns, buy a sample strip of each and pair them together, as seen here. Spotted in Ryland Peters & Small's Botanical Style: Inspirational Decorating with Nature, Plants and Florals by Selina Lake, this charming scene is a lesson in going all out with a curated scope of vintage and floral patterns.
Get the look: Annie Selke Ines Multi Wallpaper, $96
3. Get your ombre on.
A soothing array of cool blues set the tone of this coastal entryway, where the hues are a welcome pop of contrast against the whitewashed space. Recreating this staircase idea is as easy as can be thanks to the preset packaging comprised of this inspired tonal range.
4. Turn it into a work of art.
Skip the framed art on the walls and instead, allow your stairs to serve as the canvas. Take a cue from this old-school staircase where a cheeky decal, inspired by Matisse's famous cut-outs, decks the risers with a vibrant splash of personality.
5. Splatter it on.
We've never met a speckled detail we didn't love and this staircase idea by At Charlotte's House is no exception. The blogger gave her existing risers a new lease on life with a paint splatter-inspired print that offers up a playful detail, fitting right in with its colorful surroundings.
Get the look: Spoonflower Splat Wallpaper in Indigo, $18 - $72
6. Go all out.
Not afraid to embrace bold colors? Then this rainbow-esque wallpaper is the perfect idea for you and your stairs. Katie Kime's peel-and-stick set comes with a pre-set palette featuring pink, orange, cream, sky blue, yellow, and dark pink, ensuring that every day will get off to a happy and bright start.
Get the look: Katie Kime Cottage Stripes Stair Riser Decal, $80 - $88
7. Embrace geometric patterns.
Working with a strictly contemporary aesthetic? You can still layer in a bit of fun with a geometric pattern that plays to the clean lines of the decor. Blues and brown make for an ideal pairing, so if your staircase features wood, consider the cool shade for a picture-perfect finish.
8. Make it a mural.
If you prefer something less defined and more abstract, a mural might be exactly what you're looking for. Follow the lead of Andy and Candis from Old Home Love and channel the opulence of a vivid floral arrangement by designating a similar scheme for the staircase. The trick to making this one work is to have dark wood or black treads to complement the wallpapered risers.
Get the look: Tempaper Moody Floral Removable Wallpaper, $125 per roll
9. Dramatize the foyer.
Marimekko's vibrantly graphic prints were made for upping the cool-factor of your staircase. Claire from Pillar Box Blue ingeniously used this iconic print to transform her dated risers into an eye-catching focal point.
10. Tile it out.
Pretty high up on the list of our favorite staircase ideas is using a removable wallpaper that mimics the look of vintage tile. The creative duo behind the blog Alice & Lois revamped their risers with a peel-and-stick option that emulates Portuguese tile, inviting a dreamy hint of Mediterranean style to the home.