Staircases are more than just functional parts of your home—they can be stunning features that elevate your interior design. Whether you’re looking to refresh outdated stairs or create a focal point for your home, there are many ways to upgrade a staircase. From simple DIY projects to major renovations, we’ll explore different design options that can transform your home’s interior.
Stairway Spruce-Up
Adding ornate molding is one of the quickest ways to upgrade your staircase. This detail can bring character into your space. Install decorative panels on the risers or add intricate balusters to create a more finished look.
For a modern design, mix traditional molding styles with contemporary finishes or colors to get a unique blend of old and new. Other options include painting the molding in bold colors or adding a stencil pattern. Don’t overlook the handrail—a quick update with fresh stain or paint can completely change the look of your staircase.
Try Decorative Stair Brackets: One often-overlooked upgrade is adding decorative wood stair brackets to the exposed side of your staircase. According to TOH Magazine, a bland stringer can become an elegant eye-catcher with simple-to-install wood brackets that go up with adhesive and nails. For a sleeker profile, have the stock 4-inch-thick brackets custom-milled to just 3/16 inch so they sit slightly recessed beneath the existing scotia molding that skirts the treads.
Match Molding to the Rest of Your Home: On a recent This Old House project, Tommy had a custom knife made to replicate molding profiles found elsewhere in the house, then milled the pieces on site. The result: base molding, base cap molding, and chair rail details on the staircase that seamlessly matched the home’s existing trim. As Tommy demonstrated, layering a base cap molding over the base, then capping with a one-inch-thick MDF top piece and finishing with chair rail underneath, creates a richly detailed look that feels original to the house.
Go Salvage Shopping
Incorporate salvaged elements into your staircase design to add a touch of history to your home. Antique light fixtures, like the late-19th-century pot-metal find shown in the image above, can serve functional and decorative purposes. When installing these fixtures, make sure you have proper wiring by running it from the basement through the newel post.
You can also use reclaimed wood for treats and risers or salvaged iron railings to bring more historical influence to your interior. Each salvaged piece you choose brings its own charm and story into your space, making it a customized, one-of-a-kind staircase.
Reclaimed Timber in Action: On a recent TOH project, installer Kevin Bittenbender spent three days fitting stair treads milled from reclaimed Douglas fir. The team finished the wood with tung oil to protect it while celebrating the rich grain pattern—a simple finish that lets the history of salvaged lumber speak for itself.
Library Landing
Transform the space at the top of your stairs by adding a library nook with built-in bookcases. This adds storage and creates a charming, convenient reading area for book lovers. Install low, surface-mount bookcases along the landing, leaving enough room to pass by it.
For functionality, place one bookcase on casters to allow for easy access to hidden storage areas, such as a crawl space. You can also add a small armchair or built-in bench with plush cushions for more comfort. Soft lighting and a small area rug can turn the average stair landing into a favorite spot in your home.
Tear Out Old Carpet on Your Stairs
Removing old carpet from your stairs can reveal beautiful wood treads underneath. Refinishing these stairs is a great DIY project that can change the look of your staircase. Here’s how to do it:
- Carefully remove the old carpet and padding without damaging the wood underneath.
- Sand the treads to remove any adhesive residue and smooth out imperfections.
- Fill any nail holes or cracks with wood putty.
- Stain the treads to your desired color and finish with clear polyurethane for protection.
- Paint the risers white for a classic look, or get creative with a patterned design.
Additionally, you can add a stair runner. It is a middle-ground option that provides comfort and shows the refinished wood. Stair runners come in many colors and patterns, allowing you to add a personal touch to your staircase.
Under-The-Stairs Storage
Maximize the often-wasted space beneath your stairs with built-in storage solutions. Lighted shelves can showcase books or items, and closed cabinets can hide less slightly belonging. This use of space is great in smaller homes where more storage is needed.
We suggest adding a mix of open and closed storage to balance design with functionality. You can also create a built-in workspace or mini-bar under the stairs. With the right layout, this tucked-away area can serve many practical purposes in your home.
DIY Approach: You don’t need a custom carpenter to make use of under-stair space. As TOH Magazine has shown, you can fill the wedge-shaped void with a combination of stock kitchen cabinets from the home center. Start with a tall pantry unit, then angle down the line with a combination of smaller rectangular wall cabinets and base drawer units. For an even easier and less expensive option, build cubbies from painted plywood — a series of rectangular boxes placed one on top of the other in descending order and screwed together.
Wine Storage Under the Stairs: One creative example featured in TOH Magazine: homeowner Lisa Hudson installed a custom-built pull-out wine rack in the void beneath her stair landing in Laguna Beach, California. The unit — 20 inches wide, 3 feet deep, and 2 feet high — holds up to 32 bottles, and the beadboard front panel was cut from the same piece removed for the opening, so the cabinet blends seamlessly into the wall. If you’re inspired to do the same, first make sure your stairs are self-supporting and that there’s no hidden wiring or ductwork in the way.
Save Space With a Spiral Staircase
When floor space is limited, a spiral staircase can be a great option for accessing upper floors. These staircases fit neatly into small areas, typically requiring only a five-foot square space. Remember to pair the staircase with matching decoration for a cohesive look. Most importantly, choose designs with sturdy railing and non-slip treads for safety and functionality.
Code Check: Be aware that spiral stairs have specific building code requirements that differ from standard stairs. Minimum tread width is 26 inches, tread depth at the walkline (measured 12 inches from the inside of the turn) must be at least 7½ inches, maximum riser height is 9½ inches, and headroom above the nosing must be a minimum of 6 feet 6 inches. The minimum diameter of a spiral staircase is 3 feet, so confirm your well opening dimensions and floor-to-floor height before ordering.
Pro Tip: Sonny Mortensen of Intermountain Ornamental, a staircase manufacturer, explains the space-saving advantage: “With a spiral staircase you can go 15 feet high and not take up any more space than a straight staircase that climbs nine feet.”
Molding and Millwork
Custom millwork can elevate your staircase across intricate molding, detailed balusters, and crafted handrails. When investing in millwork, choose high-quality materials that will remain durable over time. Collaborate with artisans to achieve a design that matches your home’s style and adds a cultural or historical element to your interior.
Stairway Getaway
Add a window seat to transform awkward under-stairs nooks into cozy spaces. This addition utilizes otherwise unused space and creates a nice spot for reading and relaxation. Incorporate storage under the seat for extra blankets, books, or seasonal items.
For homes with limited square footage, this use of space can be a game-changer. Add soft cushions, throw pillows, and a small side table to make this nook even more inviting. Complement the area with themed decor, aligning with the seasons if desired.
Pro Tip: Build your bench seat about 15 inches high to allow most people to sit comfortably with feet on the ground. A 3-inch cushion will bring the seat’s height in line with that of most chairs. For a seat meant for one person, a minimum depth of 22 inches works, but if space allows, 30 to 36 inches is far more comfortable, with at least 36 inches side to side.
Salvaging Staircases
When renovating older homes or buildings, salvage original elements to preserve historical designs. Features like a wrought-iron railing, carved wooden newel posts, and marble wainscoting can be carefully removed and repurposed in new construction or restoration projects.
This approach saves these historical pieces and adds character to modernized spaces. Work with professionals experienced in salvaging and restoring delicate materials so they can be properly integrated into your design.
Oak Railings
Custom-designed oak railing can be a unique addition to your staircase. Quartersawn oak, known for its beautiful grain patterns, is a great choice for implementing a timeless railing. Oak’s warmth and durability make it ideal for staircases that will be used regularly and extensively.
Lighting Solutions for Staircases
Proper lighting enhances the safety of your staircase. You can install LED strip lights under each step, use wall sconces at intervals, or hang a statement chandelier in a two-story foyer.
Another option is to add motion sensor lighting for energy efficiency. With this installation, the lights will only turn on when someone is using the staircase, making it an eco-friendly option. These lighting solutions have dimmable options, allowing you to adjust the brightness according to your preferences.
From a TOH Project: On one renovation, lighting designer Susan opted for brass candelabra wall sconces instead of a chandelier to avoid blocking a beautiful stained glass window above the stairs. As she explained: “We had an option to hang a beautiful chandelier up here, but the homeowners didn’t want to block the beautiful stained glass window. So we opted for some beautiful brass candelabra wall sconces.” To ensure safety, the team also “added some indirect wedge lights up there, which provide a lot of light for the stairwell.” The layered approach — decorative sconces for ambiance plus indirect wedge lights for visibility — is a smart strategy for any staircase.
Eco-Friendly Staircase Materials
For environmentally aware homeowners, there are many sustainable options for creating a staircase. Bamboo, reclaimed wood, and recycled metals can all create a unique design that matches your home’s interior. Choosing eco-friendly materials contributes to a more sustainable environment while creating a beautiful, unique staircase design.
Pro Tip: When sourcing sustainable wood for stair parts, look for products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), an independent nonprofit made up of forestry professionals who evaluate and certify sustainably harvested wood products. You can also seek out flooring and trim milled from reclaimed lumber, or logs salvaged from the bottoms of lakes and rivers. Bamboo, palm, and eucalyptus are other strong sustainable choices, as all grow fast and are easy to replenish. And as TOH master carpenter Norm Abram advises: “Measure twice, cut once” — so you won’t waste any material.
