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Stairs are more than just a utilitarian fixture of the home. Why not make a major statement in theentrywaywith one of the following staircase ideas, which are sure to capture guests attention as soon as they set foot inside of your space? There are so many creative routes to take when it comes to staircase design. Staircases are a beautiful way to work in corresponding materials found elsewhere in the home or to add pattern and texture through runners, says AD PRO Directory member Benjamin Johnston ofBenjamin Johnston Design.Below youll find 39 top-notch staircase design ideas from experts all across the country that will leave you feeling majorly inspired, whether you desire a modern staircase, crave a minimalist look, are working with a small space, and so much more. (Just dont make thesestaircase renovation mistakes.)Select a statement centerpieceDesigner Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis went the custom route with an eye-catching chandelier to anchor her stairwell.Photo: Emily FollowillAD PRO Directory designer Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis in Atlanta commissioned artist Brent Warr to create this plaster chandelier for her own Atlanta home. I really wanted something organic to contrast with the hard lines of the architecture of the space, she says. The stairway is pretty narrow and the opening is not that big, so I love that Brent was able to create something super custom that works with the spatial constraints and geometry.Craft an airy atmosphereWarm wood, spare decor, and white walls allow natural light to take center stage in this serene stairway.Photo: Tramp StudioThis tranquil staircase in a project by AD PRO Directory designer Linette Dai of the Belmont Shore, Californiabased firm Linette Dai Design exemplifies the minimal look that she says will reign supreme this year. Paired with the skylights overhead, it fosters an extra airy, natural hallway atmosphere.Tap into continuous moldingContinuous molding along the wall adds character to this white stairway.Photo: Jenn VerrierThe decision to incorporate picture frame molding in this stairway was a strategic one, according to VW Fowlkes of Fowlkes Studio in Washington, DC. Having a continuous pattern on the wall gives the stairs a sense of autonomy from the architecture around them, he says. The picture frame molding appears unbroken as the stairs float by it.Intentional storageA console fit to the slant of the stairs provides great storage while taking up little space in the home.Photo: Halkin MasonJapanese influences are at play all throughout this town house, explains Marco Angelucci, design director of the Philadelphia-based AD PRO Directory firm Marguerite Rodgers Interior Design. This storage solution tucked underneath a staircase draws inspiration from a modern interpretation of a Japanese tansu chest, Angelucci says of the under-staircase setup. Rich walnuts framed by burnt orange accents anchor the soft whites and glass enclosure of the stairway.Go for a sizable galleryA gallery is a great way to fill out the entire space along your staircase wall.Photo: Pr BengtssonAD PRO Directory designer Meg Lonergan of Meg Lonergan Interiors in Houston notes the profound impact that art can have in a stairway. Wrapping walls with a curated collection of artwork melds art with architecture, elevating any overlooked stairwell into a vibrant and dynamic focal point, she says. In this instance, Lonergan displayed a collection of herbariums placed atop a peachy-pink archival paper. The spacing, arranged on-site and deliberately random, adds depth and dimension to the cohesive collection of a single medium, she says.Add a hand-painted touchA hand-painted stairwell pairs well with a gallery wall here to make for a visually invigorating space.Photo: Richard PowersThose struggling to source the right wallpaper for their stairway may wish to take a cue from this project by AD PRO Directory designers James Dolenc and Tom Riker of James Thomas. Here, the entire stair hall was hand-painted to mimic the look of a custom wall covering. We love the look of a wallpapered stairwell for its striking effect, the Chicago-based Riker says. For further pizzazz, hang some artwork. Creating a salon-style gallery wall is a bold way to bring life to this often-overlooked space, Riker adds.Consider custom railingBoth the railing and the runner in this stairway are custom designs.Photo: Erin LittleThis staircases custom hand-hammered iron railing was designed by Blair Moore of Moore House Design in New York and Rhode Island. She says the feature serves as a sculptural centerpiece, exuding a hand-forged, artisanal quality. To round out the space, the designer created a full-length staircase runner using vintage Mahal runners that have been custom-sized and bound together.Scalloped elementThe scalloping along these stairs create a compelling side view.Photo: Stacy Zarin GoldbergSara Swabb, the Washington, DCbased founder of Storie Collective and AD PRO Directory member, explains that she chose to incorporate a scalloped detail on this staircase to soften the architectural lines and add a subtle, decorative element that feels both classic and unexpected. By refining the profile of the stringer, we introduced a sculptural quality that elevates the transition between floors while keeping the overall look understated.Modern runnerA staircase by Kendall WilkinsonPhoto: Trevor TondroAdd comfort to your staircase with the addition of a runner. This contemporary staircase by Kendall Wilkinson ofKendall Wilkinson Designin San Francisco features a stair runner from The Rug Company and a delicate light fixture by Jeremy Cole. The piece of art in this Silicon Valley, California, home is by Pamela Jordan and titledLune.Mix and match runnerA space by Nadia WattsPhoto: Emily MintonRedfieldWhen designing this traditional foyer in her home city of Denver, AD PRO Directory designer Nadia Watts ofNadia Watts Interior Design opted to create a custom, full-length stair runner by cutting and binding together three individual runners that spoke to her.Glitz and glamAnother project by Nadia WattsPhoto: Emily MintonRedfieldIn a Highlands Ranch, Colorado, home, Watts dressed up a sweeping staircase with a custom-designed color from Scott GroupStudio in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Two KravetHaddam high backchairs upholstered in a Pierre Frey fabric add a welcoming touch to the foyer.Wallpaper momentLilse McKennas projectPhoto: Read McKendreeLilse McKenna, the founder ofLilse McKenna, Inc., in New Canaan, Connecticut, covered the area surrounding this staircase in Sister Parishs Desmond wallpaper. Sitting in sleek gold frames, meaningful photos and articles that her client has collected over the years add a pop of personality parallel to the banister. I love agallery wallgoing up the stairs or through a hallway, McKenna reflects. In a space like this, which has quite a lot happening architecturally and visually, I recommend keeping the frames and mats consistent to give the eyes a rest.Wrought-iron touchA staicase by Benjamin JohnstonPhoto: Julie SoeferIn an unexpected yet stylish fashion, this staircases wrought-iron balusters are mounted on the stringer rather than directly onto the treads,Benjamin Johnstonexplains. No space is wasted here, the Houstonbased designer adds. A small gate cleverly transforms the lower portion of the staircase into a cozy kennel for our clients pup. The middle section provides a deep storage closet perfect for seasonal and holiday decorations or long-term storage.Color storyA vibrant staircase in the background by Gray Walker InteriorsPhoto: Jessie PrezaIn a Sea Island, Georgia, home Gray Walker ofGray Walker Interiors from Charlotte, North Carolina, brightened up the staircase with an eye-catching, rainbow-colored Missoni runner. A painting from Travis & Company hanging in the foyer mimics many of the hues present.Wood on woodA Fire Island project by Peter DunhamPhoto: Tria GiovanWe did everything we could to keep the decorating minimal and simple so as not to detract from the architecture-as-sculpture staircase and how the light comes down beautifully from the windows above, says Peter Dunham ofPeter Dunham & Associates. In this Horace Gifforddesigned Fire Island Pines, New York, home, a cedar console by LA artisan Bradley Duncan is a perfect complementary piece, given that the wood staircaseand every other surface in the houseis made from that same material.Molding emphasisA staircase moment by Czar InteriorsPhoto: Venjhamin ReyesLauren Czarniecki, founder and principal designer ofCzar Interiorsin Delray Beach, Florida, added geometric-shaped moldings to this stairwell, opting for a flat-stock molding in lieu of a more traditional paneling to achieve a contemporary look that better suited the space. She then installed a sculptural light fixture with glass details that mimic the crystal accents on the stair railing. The translucent nature of the fixture allows you to see through to the outside, bringing the natural light and Florida foliage into the space, the designer shares.Sconce effectA modern project by Linda HayslettPhoto: Lauren TaylorOriginally, this Los Angeles homes stairwell featured a chandelier, but Linda Hayslett ofLH.Designsfelt that such a fixture was impractical for her clients busy family and opted to hang Fett wall sconces instead. I wanted a more dramatic, cool, interesting effect when you walked up the stairs, the Los Angelesbased designer says. But I also wanted my clients to not have to worry about changing a light bulb down the road either.Smoke glassIn Palm Beach, a project by Marc-Michaels Interior DesignPhoto: Jessica Klewicki GlynnSmoke glass adds drama to the staircase, which a clear glass cant accomplish, says Shannon Callahan, director of design atMarc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc., in Winter Park, Florida. In this Palm Beach, Florida, home, the glass appears differently depending on where one stands. When standing within the staircase looking through a single pane, it appears like a light smoke-tinted glass, but standing in the living room looking to the kitchen the multiple layers cast tones as dark as deep graphite, Callahan says. Meanwhile, she adds, slabs of natural walnut as the stair treads help to balance out the look.Chandelier focusInside a project by Alexandra Kaehler DesignPhoto: Aimee MazzengaAlexandra Kaehler opted to take advantage of this Chicago homes high ceilings and installed a large yet airy chandelier in the stairwell. I wanted something with a bit of whimsy to contrast the exposed brick wall, says the Chicagobased principal ofAlexandra Kaehler Design.Creative wall artA home by Jackson Warren InteriorsPhoto: Claudia Casbarian for Julie SoeferKiley Jackson and Aileen Warren of HoustonsJackson Warren Interiorshung various framed Herms scarves in the stairwell of this local home. In the landing, a bench from Dmitry covered in Loro Piana fabric makes a bold statement.Statement artAn LA project by Jeff AndrewsPhoto: Grey CrawfordWhy opt for just one piece of art when you can create an eye-catching display? AD PRO Directory member Jeff Andrews ofJeff Andrews Designin Los Angeles, chose to hang two large paintings by Cuban artist Danilo Vinardeli via Pegaso Gallery on the second story of a grand foyer in Beverly Hills; the wallpaper is from Maya Romanoff.We used the large painting upstairs to help draw the eye up into the larger space and also complement the chandelier, Andrews explains.Coastal detailsA Maryland project by Purple Cherry ArchitectsPhoto: David BurroughsCathy Purple Cherry ofPurple Cherry Architectsin Annapolis, Maryland, designed this triple staircase to have a classical coastal railing design. In the landing sits a tail wing that the client, a collector of industrial artifacts, sourced from an artist. We loved the juxtaposition of this large industrial piece against the more traditional staircase, Purple Cherry says. Its unexpectedness in this space makes it a total showstopper.Wood detailingA San Francisco staircase by K InteriorsPhoto: Brad KnipsteinKristen Pea of AD PRO Directory firmK Interiorsin San Francisco imagines that back when this nearby home was built in the early 1900s, the area of the stairwell that now features wood detailing was home to stained glass. Filling in the area with this decorative wood detailing allows for light to pass into an otherwise dark staircase and provides a moment of visual interest as you come into the front door of the home, she shares.Cocktail nookA Houston bar nook by Creative TonicPhoto: Julie SoeferAD PRO Directory designer Courtnay TarttElias ofCreative Tonic chose to integrate a bar area under this Houston homes staircase, using artwork from her clients collection to add extra flair to this colorful nook. Adding a bright cocktail bar allowed us togive function and fun to the space without making any structural changes, Elias shares.Storage spaceA modern project by K InteriorsPhoto: Bess FridayPea kept function top of mind in this San Francisco home belonging to a family of four. This area is right off of the garagean entry zoneas the family returns from work and school, she shares, noting that the cabinets below the contemporary staircase are designed to corral essentials including backpacks, purses, outwear, and more.Nailhead ideaA Houston project by Creative TonicPhoto: Julie SoeferIn another Houston home, Elias of Creative Tonic gave a Stark Rugs runner a bit of a facelift by adding on a custom antiqued brass nailhead trim. I love a decorative nailhead detail on canvas rug borders when I can use them, she says. It is an unusual bespoke detail that stands outliterallyand a staircase is often the perfect spot for raised/textural details like this one.Geometric effectA custom runner by Studio Munroe.Photo: Thomas KuohEmilie Munroe ofStudio Munroein San Francisco designed a custom runner that winds through three stories of this Edwardian home in the Golden City, the second property on which she has worked with this set of clients. The black-and-white color combination is an homage to the two-tone color scheme in their prior house, with the angular geometric pattern serving to balance and complement the traditional architectural detailing found throughout the home, Munroe explains.Railing detailsA Texas project by Creative TonicPhoto: Julie SoeferIn this Galveston, Texas, home, Elias created her own custom wood railing. I was inspired by classic ChineseChippendale millwork fences and their light and breezyyet elevatedvibe, which fit perfectly in this bay house, she comments.Glass spindlesA project by PrairiePhoto: MELLON StudioIn her previous home, Shannon McLaren of CaliforniasPraireneeded to redesign her floating stairs to ensure they were up to code and kid-friendly. Because she loved the airy effect of the original setup, she chose to pay homage to that design and worked thick, see-through glass spindles into the mix. McLaren finished off the staircase with a custom walnut railing and green Missoni carpeting.Warm woodCaitlin Kah Interiors project in Palm BeachBrantley Photography 2021An airy wood staircase shines in this Palm Beach, Florida, home. Caitlin Kah ofCaitlin Kah Interiorsworked alongside Valencia Welding to design this staircase, which features a custom glass panel by Seabreeze Building. Kah also incorporated a floating window, designed by Roger Janssen of Daily Janssen Architects, beside the stairwell. The addition of the floating window allows for ample light to pour throughout the space, providing unobstructed ocean views from the living room, the staircase, and the foyer just out of frame, she comments.Rope handrailA staircase conceived by Sanayi313.Photo: Ali Yavuz AtaThis stunning staircase by Istanbulbased design studioSanayi313 features a black-and-white patterned custom carpet, as well as a unique looking handrail, which is made from silk rope.Showstopping and artfulA project by Traci ConnellPhoto: Matti GreshamTraci Connell, the founder of Traci Connell Interiors in Dallas, wanted to create a showstopper that is like an art installation with this staircase. The solid glass pieces connect beautifully on the metal eye beam structure, which also supports the white oak tread stairs, Connell states. Given that her clients travel often, live plants under the staircase were out of the question. I contacted one of my favorite artificial floral artists to create a chic, bonsai-type tree to set the mood of connecting the interior with the exterior, the designer shares.Dramatic and brightA staircase by Cheri Etchelecu Martin.Photo: Stovall StudioMartin knew that she wanted to create a unique and dramatic entrance to this Vail, Colorado, home. This staircase is made from a combination of stone and glass and features 32 handblown crystal globes hanging above it. The staircase enhances both levels of the home with texture, lighting, color, and shape, Martin says.Rainbow huesAn Airbnb designed by Bryan YatesPhoto: Michael WiltbankA rainbow-colored staircase shines in this Airbnb that Bryan Yates, the Dallasbased founder of Yates Desygn, imagined for a client who operates the Instagram account Dallas Love List. The designer wanted to create an ombr effect. Each element was selected to be cost-effective and long-lasting to withstand vast groups of people while still packing a punch, he says. The stairs may be a transitional space to most, but we wanted to utilize them in a way that inspired guests to stop for a Palm SpringsmeetsVegasmeetsrainbow moment selfie!Bronze handrailViki Chupiks Austin homePhoto: Casey DunnThis home is what Viki Chupik, the founder of Chupik Design, refers to as a reversed house. As the Austin-based designer explains, Guests enter on a lower level with a bedroom and a wine cellar, and you travel up the stairs to reach the main living level. It was therefore necessary to find a way to draw guests through the entry space and gently guide them up. Chupik worked with a local artisan to design a custom bronze handrail, which she says further echoes the soft curves throughout the home and [layers] another unique feature.Natural elementsDeana Concilio-Lenzs natural project.Photo: David MarlowAD PRO Directory member Deana Concilio-Lenz, the founder of Deana Lenz Interiors, refers to this staircase as a bit of a geometry puzzle. Made from cedar wood and black steel, it weaves its way through a three-story home perched on a mountaintop in Telluride, Colorado. The materials lend themselves to natures elements, while the design captures the expansive views, says the New Yorkbased designer.Nautical banisterA Lake Michigan home by James Thomas InteriorsPhoto: Werner StraubeTom Riker, who leads Chicagos James Thomas Interiors alongside James Dolenc, wanted to incorporate nautical elements into this Lake Michigan summer home. The paddles are a nod to the familys love of lake activities, he says, describing the banister. Storage was also a key component of the staircase. We loved how it created a whimsical look. The drawers are made from poplar and Sherwin Williams Alabaster, a color that Riker says matches the homes trim.Artful installationGlenna Stones staircase projectPhoto: John BesslerIn an art-filled home, the staircase, designed by Krieger Architects is a three-dimensional work of art in its own right, says Glenna Stone, the founder of Glenna Stone Interior Design in Philadelphia. Its unique design allows us to see the artwork at the top of the stairs, as well as the architectural and interior details beyond it, the designer says. It helps to unify the first and second floors as one visual space, while at the same time creating defined areas in an open-concept home.Historic elementsPhoto: Sarah WinchesterIn the Maine cabin, designer Kristin Rivoli whitewashed all of the cedar walls to brighten up the space. However, she says, We left the handrail and the balustrades as we found them, so you can feel the warmth of the wood and see the generations of hands that have touched it, says the founder of Kristin Rivoli Interior Design in Winchester, Massachusetts. A family tradition has been to hang their school banners, so we embraced that, creating a space where each person leaves their mark alongside those of their ancestors!What are the stairway trends for 2025?They might be passageways, but by no means are staircases seen as an afterthought in 2025. Stairways are becoming sculptural focal points in homestrue pieces of art that deserve to be treated as such, says Moore.That said, she adds, clean, minimalist designs are on the rise. Dai agrees.Minimalist staircases are having a big moment and here to stay for a while, she says. This can be in the form of floating staircases with hidden supports, or sculptural, curvy staircases with plaster sides, she says. Glass railings with metal frames also make an understated and elegant statement, allowing for a more open and spacious feel with more light flow.Furthermore, sustainability will be at the forefront of staircase design, Dai adds, noting that we can expect to see eco-friendly materials, including bamboo, reclaimed wood, and recycled metal in the mix.What are some stylish staircase wall ideas?There are many decorative routes to take when it comes to the wall alongside your stairs. Staircase walls are a prime canvas for creative expression, Moore says. She refers to gallery walls as a timeless choice but notes that by no means are they the only option: For a bold and modern look, consider one large-scale piece that spans the wall vertically, creating a dramatic focal point.Looking to go textural? Consider painting your staircase wall in a Venetian plaster or limewash, Moore offers.Additionally, consider putting the wall alongside your staircase to work by incorporating built-in shelvingdisplaying books and curated objects there makes for a collected look, Dai saysof course, you cant go wrong with a classic gallery wall, she adds, but why not amp it up a notch? Setting against a statement wallpaper adds a layer of whimsy, Dai says. If the wallpaper option doesnt wow you, she offers up another worthwhile idea: Textured wall treatments such as fluted plaster or slatted wood creates a grand and elongating effect.Mirrors are also an excellent choice, Moore adds, stating that she is partial to oversized or vintage pieces for a staircase wall.What are some top staircase paint tips?Consider applying the concept of color drenching to the stairs, notes Davis. Paint the treads, risers, spindles, rails, and newel posts all one color, but also think about doing a stencil on the risers for added interest, she says. Moore echoes the sentiment. For those seeking a dramatic statement, monochromatic staircaseswhere the steps, risers, and railing are all unified in a single hueare making a significant impact in modern interiors, she says.Of course, painting just the wall beside the staircase is also a viable option. For staircases with natural wood treads and textural runners, we recommend selecting a neutral wall palette, such as soft, matte finishes, to highlight the warmth of the materials, Moore says. Let the paint complement the spaces natural textures rather than overpower them.What is the cheapest way to decorate stairs?Professional interior designers have several suggestions for how to best give stairs a makeover without breaking the bank. Consider laying down a carpet runner or painting an element of the staircase, such as a riser or railing, Callahan suggests. Additionally, consider hanging a gallery wall of favorite art prints on the stairwell. If your stairs are bland or need something to dress it up, then creating a cool wall of art can instantly make stairs seem like a curated area, Hayslett adds.How much should it cost to build a staircase?Constructing a staircase from scratch can be an investment. Depending on what youre looking to do with your stairs they can be a lot of work to construct, in labor and cost, Hayslett explains. Even a simple set of stairs can cost a pretty penny. She recommends evaluating various staircase ideas and determining the stair design that appeals to you before meeting with a contractor, as structure will greatly affect cost.What materials are best to use for a staircase?Designers agree that the materials one selects for a staircase design will vary depending on a clients needs and preferences. Yates is personally a proponent of a wood tread with a custom runner. Chupik is partial to hardwood treads, stained wood or painted paneling, and wool carpet runners.How can I make a staircase look expensive?Theres a range of decorating ideas that will add a luxurious touch to your staircase. I recommend looking to your personal style to achieve a visually high-end and unique space, Martin says, citing stair runners and wall treatments as possible additions.The right finishes will also make all of the difference. For my projects, I gravitate towards plaster walls or wood paneling details, marble or stone treads and risers, wool woven stair runners in a sophisticated stripe or chic pattern, handcrafted bronze railing with unique details, and upholstered benches at the landing, Chupik says.Dont forget about the lighting above the staircase, either, Yates notes. Proper lighting, including a mixture of recessed and decorative fixtures, will always enhance your space and create a more luxurious environment, he says.How can I make my stairs beautiful?Designing a beautiful staircase is simpler than one might think, and there are many viable DIY approaches. If you dont have the means or funds to replace your staircase, a fresh coat of paint and a runner will work wonders, Johnston says. For even more of an impact, swap your current balusters for ones with an architectural design featuringdecorative accents of brass or gold. Hayslett agrees that its smart to start small. Painting the railings, adding a gallery wall, or changing the look of the risers to a fun tile can really make your stairs start to shine, she says.
