Helen Norman
Staircases do more than connect floors in your homethey’re an opportunity to showcase style and creativity.
With our many staircase ideas, transform them into stunning architectural statements.
From spiral stairs tosleek wood designs, there are staircase designs forevery decorating style.
Credit:Helen Norman
The combination makes for a sophisticated twist onfarmhouse style, which repeats in the subtleplanked wallsand lantern-style lighting.
Contemporary Staircase
David A Land
Some staircase ideas highlight while others help them recede into the background.
Staircase with Ironwork
Jay Wilde
Opt for a decorative iron railing to conjure the feeling ofSpanish-style homes.
Credit:John Granen
Try peel-and-stick wallpaper for an easy, temporary DIY update that’s simple to apply and remove.
Modern Farmhouse Staircase
Jared Kuzia
Rustic elements in a toned down finish signify modern farmhouse design.
The plank stair treads feature simple square edges, but the light wash makes them feel contemporary.
Credit:Robert Peterson
Spiral Staircase Design
Kip Dawkins
Clever staircase ideas also take into account small spaces.
The small footprint allows you to get more use out of your floor space.
Decorative molding applied to the walls throughout the foyer blends well with the dramatic look of the staircase.
Credit:David A Land
Period Details
Werner Straube
Would you believe this intricate staircase is part of a new build?
A high level of craftsmanship and a commitment toarchitectural detailstransform a newly constructed home into one that feels timeless.
The staircase features iron balusters with decorative medallions and picture molding for a glamorous, time-traveling effect.
Credit:Jay Wilde
Install shiplap to create further depth on white-painted walls.
Unexpected Patterns
Carson Downing
Any pattern you love could be the perfect update to your staircase.
Here, an indigo-dyed ikat print is applied to the risers.
Credit:Edmund Barr
Dark-colored paint on risers help conceal dust and scuff marks from shoes.
Cottage Staircase
Dana Gallagher
Add height to a petite staircase with a grand striped runner.
This white and taupe color scheme matches the coastal cottage feel of the rest of the space.
Credit:Adam Albright
Modern Wood Stairway
Greg Schiedemann
Wooden slabs used as stair treads often convey a country feel.
But these clean-lined risers give off an undeniable contemporary look.
Classic plaid speaks to the traditional style of the staircase design while adding a fun dose of personality.
Credit:Jared Kuzia
Building these stairs combined the skills of various artisans who work with wood, metal, anddrywall.
Beaded-Board Panel Design
Michael Partenio
This simple staircase includes white-painted, beaded-board paneling.
The wall covering extends onto a doorway, disguising the basement entrance.
Credit:Kip Dawkins
The right location will enhance design flow and consider privacy.
Positioning a staircase along a wall of windows offers a nice view and natural light for an appealing ascent.
The crisp white-painted base pairs expertly with the deep brown wood treads and hand railing.
Credit:John Bessler
Spacious Winding Staircase
Colleen Duffley
This wide front hall has plenty of room for a winding staircase.
This nautical staircase leads the way into a cozy, colorful TV room.
The blue risers look fresh against the white treads and the variation in color is fun and playful.
Credit:Werner Straube
Wraparound Staircase
Greg Scheidemann
This statement-making staircase wraps around one end of this light-filled home.
The staircase’s open construction reflects the home’s open floor plan.
Its simple design doesn’t distract from the soaring ceilings and plentiful windows.
Credit:John Bessler
The dark wood risers and railings lend a hint of contrast.
Flowing down like the train of an elegant gown, this staircase creates a dramatic style statement.
The dark wood treads and metal balustrade contrast the otherwise all-white foyer.
Credit:Jonathan Mark Denby
Natural Rustic Staircase
James Yochum
A whimsical woodland railing is a unique staircase design idea.
The handrails and balusters look as if they were fresh-cut from the trees outside.
A row of drawers provides convenient stowaway spots for every family member.
Credit:Carson Downing
In addition, a recessed niche next to the drawers offers openstorage spacefor larger items like bags and baskets.
An alternative to custom storage built-ins are step bookcases or stackable modular cubbies.
Stairway Landing
Eric Roth
A shapely staircase gives this entryway a dramatic look.
Credit:Kim Cornelison
The white-painted risers and balusters expertly contrast the dark wood treads and hand railing.
A bench and asmall side tablemake the landing look more welcoming.
Warm Welcome
Many staircase ideas rely on the adjacent walls to create a pattern.
Credit:Kritsada Panichgul
Step Right Up
Patternedceramic tileon the stair risers hints at this home’s sophisticated old-world style.
The ornate metal railing adds another layer of pattern and architectural interest to the staircase.
Clever Project
Consider this simple do-it-yourself staircase design idea to save money on a costly stair runner.
Credit:Brie Williams
Rich wood elements, such as the support column and handrails, help warm up the primarily white-painted space.
Painted Staircase
Adding a rainbow of color to your risers makes a staircase feel playful and cheerful.
Here, a pastel palette with subtle variations in color complements the honey-toned stair treads.
Credit:Dana Gallagher
White walls make the whole space light and airy.
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