You don’t have to settle for an outdated staircase! Updating your stairs with DIY projects is more straightforward than it seems, I’ve done it twice myself! You can transform your staircase by removing old carpet, adding stylish stair treads, or updating the stair railing. These easy updates can modernize your space and make a big difference.
In my previous homes, refreshing the staircase greatly improved the overall look of the house. Since the staircase is often a key focal point, making it stylish can boost the entire room’s feel. I’ve collected some fantastic DIY staircase makeover ideas to inspire you. Let these projects motivate you to create a staircase you’ll love.
How to DIY Staircase Updates?
1. Upgrade Your Wooden Stairs with a Fresh Coat of Paint
If you have a wooden staircase, painting is a simple and cheap way to update its look. White and black are popular choices, but navy or grey can also work. While painting is excellent for worn stairs, it can take time to restore the wood later. If you remove carpet from your stairs, painting them is an intelligent option. Carpet-grade stairs often have holes and rough patches, so paint helps cover imperfections. In my old home, we painted our carpet-grade stairs after sanding and filling holes. I used Rustoleum Home Floor Coating for a durable finish. To avoid wet paint, I painted every other stair, which made the process longer but manageable. In the end, the paint made a huge difference.
2. Stair Walls with Easy-to-Apply Wallpaper
Adding wallpaper to your stair walls is easy if you stick to the lower section. But, if you go for the full height, it gets tricky. You’ll need stair ladders and some patience. I started by installing a dado rail using simple wood moulding from the store. This created a nice dividing line for the wallpaper. I picked paste-the-wall wallpaper because it’s easier than the paste-the-paper kind. Paste-the-paper can get soggy and tear easily. I chose a neutral colour with a modern brushstroke pattern from Decorating Centre Online. The whole process was simple, and it gave the space a fresh look.
3. Upgrade Your Stairs with a Stylish Runner
I added a runner to the staircase for a fresh, updated look. Since this area had lots of foot traffic, I worried the white paint would get dirty or chipped. The runner not only modernized the stairs but also made them more practical for my family. I have a full tutorial on adding a runner, but here’s a quick summary. Measure the treads and risers, then order a runner with extra length. Use a staple gun to secure it. The trickiest part is keeping the runner centred, with equal space on both sides. This simple DIY project makes a big difference!
4. Transform Your Staircase with a DIY Handrail Update
A few months after adding the runner, I decided to tackle a DIY stair handrail. I created a step-by-step tutorial with pictures and product links if you want to try it yourself. Updating the handrail is an intelligent way to make your staircase look new while staying on budget. You can turn a simple safety feature into a design statement by choosing a sleek style and painting it black. I had seen many expensive modern stair handrails, but I knew I could make one for less. I was right! The total cost was around £35, and it turned out beautifully.
5. Extend Your Stair Runner onto the Landing
Continuing the stair runner onto the landing can create a seamless and polished look. I decided to do this in my home, and it made a huge difference. The runner not only tied the stairs and landing together but also gave the space a cozy and stylish feel. It helps the whole area flow better, making it look more complete. Plus, it added extra comfort underfoot, which my family loves.
When extending the runner onto the landing, I carefully measured everything to ensure it fit perfectly. I also made sure to match the pattern for a clean look. It’s a simple project, but it adds a lot of warmth and character to the space.
6. Bring Your Staircase to Life with Greenery
Adorning your stairs with plants gives life to your house and is perfect for styling your stairs. I thought to myself that I would like to add some greenery to my staircase; what a massive difference it made! First, I selected a few small decorative and low-maintenance plants that will fit on the stair tread. After that, I put them in cute pots and put them on the sides of the steps near the garden.
This small change made the stairs seem much more visually exciting and like we wanted to climb them. They not only brightened the environment but also gave a warm feeling. Also, they are one of the best ways to make the space look lovely without demanding much attention from you. In case you want to enhance the look of your stairs, then plants are among the best solutions.
7. Enhance Your Stairs with Tile on the Risers
Applying wallpaper or tiles on the riser part of the staircase also allows for new looks for the stairs. I decided to try this at home, and it actually made the stairs more prominent. First, I applied a fun wallpaper with the pattern of my choice, but you can also apply stylish tiles if that’s what you fancy.
First of all, the dimensions of each riser were taken so that the wallpaper or tiles were cut to fit. Next, I pasted the wallpaper or set the tiles with adhesives properly, as well as applied suitable techniques. This project was easy and made my stairs look so much better without having to break the bank. It further gave character to the architectural work and made the look of the staircase much more captivating. For example, if you want to renovate stairs, the best you can do is to apply wallpapers or tiles on the stairs.
8. Create a Stylish Distraction on Your Stairs
It’s a good idea to come up with a distraction on your stairs since this can be a great way to add some style. In my home, I decided to do this, and I noticed a significant change. For the stair runner, I chose a very bright color pattern which I further enhanced with great artwork on the wall.
First, I picked a runner with vibrant colours and patterns to catch the eye. Next, I hung some interesting pieces of art along the staircase wall. By doing this, I created a focal point that draws attention away from any imperfections in the stairs.
This approach not only added personality to my space but also made the stairs more inviting. If you want to make your staircase stand out, causing a distraction with bold choices is a fun and effective way to do it.
9. Illuminate Your Stairs with DIY Stair Lights
Adding DIY stair lights can really brighten up your staircase and make it look modern. I decided to add some lights to my stairs, and it made a huge difference. First, I bought LED strip lights that are easy to install.
I started by measuring the length of the stairs and cutting the lights to fit. Then, I carefully stuck them under the stair treads. This step was quick and simple. After that, I connected the lights to a power source and tested them out.
The result was fantastic. The soft glow not only made the stairs safer but also added a stylish touch. If you want to upgrade your staircase, DIY stair lights are an easy and practical choice.
10. Transform Your Stairs with a Gallery Wall
Creating a staircase gallery wall can transform your stairs into a stunning feature. I decided to give it a try in my home, and it turned out beautifully. First, I collected a mix of framed photos and art pieces.
I arranged them on the wall, making sure to place the larger frames at eye level. Then, I used a measuring tape to space the frames evenly. After that, I hung them up with picture hooks.
This project added a personal touch and made the staircase feel more like a gallery. It was a simple way to showcase my favourite memories and art. If you want to enhance your stairs, a gallery wall is a creative and effective solution.
11. Refresh Your Floating Stairs for a Modern Look
Updating floating stairs can make a dramatic change in your home. I decided to refresh my floating stairs, and it really transformed the space. First, I chose a sleek, modern design that matched the rest of my décor.
I began by carefully sanding the existing steps to create a smooth surface. Next, I applied a fresh coat of paint or stain to give them a new look. To finish, I added some stylish railings that complemented the updated steps. The result was stunning. The stairs now look clean and contemporary.
12. Enhance Your Staircase with Dark Stain for Elegance
Staining the handrail, balusters, or newel post a darker colour can give your staircase a fresh, elegant look. I chose to do this in my home, and the result was terrific. First, I picked a dark stain that would add rich, deep colour to the wood.
The first step in preparing the wood for staining was to strip it of the previous finish, besides making the surface as even as possible. Then, I made sure to brush the stain on the wood grain to make sure it developed adequately. After that, I left it for a few minutes to dry it up a little, and then, using a soft paper, I wiped off the excess.
I felt the black colour really set off the patterns of the handrails, balusters and the newel post. It was such a simple change, but it added such an elegant touch to my staircase and tied the space together seamlessly. The only process that can be performed on these elements in a relatively short time and at the same time produces a radical change in appearance is staining these elements in a darker colour.
FAQs
What is the Cheapest Way to Do a Staircase Makeover?
Some of the cheapest transformations for a staircase can be implemented by painting the risers and treads, applying peel-and-stick wallpaper, or adding a stair runner. The following are simple changes that can be made on the staircase, which do not require a genius to accomplish or a lot of money to be spent.
What is the Cheapest Way to Cover a Staircase?
Another cheap option when it comes to the staircase covering involves the use of contact paper or a do-it-yourself stair runner. Both choices are inexpensive and give a fast and easy method of altering the appearance of stairs.
How to Modernize the Staircase Cheaply?
If you want to bring your staircase design into the twenty-first century without spending a great deal of money, modify the railing and spindles, install LED lights or use paint or stain. Such changes as these are small but adequate and can make a lot of difference and transform your stairs into the modern Ohio state look at a cheaper price.
Conclusion
Changing the appearance of your staircase does not necessarily have to be very costly or take a lot of time and effort. As such, with these budget-friendly DIY staircase ideas, you can revamp your stairs and give your home’s interior a new lease. Be it involving painting or adding decals, changing handrails, or installing new lights; you can continually transform your staircase without overspending too much. Without further ado, gather your tools and begin your next DIY staircase renovation today.
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