5 Painted Wooden Staircase Ideas

Thinking about switching up the look in your hallway? Though you could replace your existing staircase with a brand-new design, it takes a lot of time and money to do it properly. So, if it’s structurally sound and you’re happy with its direction and number of turns, why not re-decorate?

Not only is it super quick and easy, but you’d be surprised how much of a difference a fresh lick of paint can make to an otherwise tired wooden staircase!

This is a collaborative post.

Need a little inspiration? Allow us to share some of our favourite ideas for painted wooden staircases.

Go bold

In most homes, the staircase is the first thing you’ll spot when you step over the threshold, so it needs to make a good impression.

Painting your staircase in one bold colour – top to bottom – is bound to give it a classy look. Just be sure to choose a tone that complements your existing colour scheme and use the same shade as the surrounding woodwork to create a consistent finish.

Make it playful

You could argue that painting your staircase all the same colour is boring. But opt for a two-tone colour scheme… now that’s sure to breathe new life into your home and give your dated staircase a quirky look!

Depending on how daring you want to be, you could pick two bright colours and alternate them on the treads, risers and spindles. Or you could go for a more classic look and choose a crisp white for the risers while retaining the natural wood for the treads.

Top tip: add a coat of varnish to freshen up wooden treads – not too much, though, as it’ll make your staircase extremely slippery! Alternatively, for a safer and durable option, consider using Osmo Polyx Oil in Clear, a renowned wood finish that not only revitalizes but also provides a protective and slip-resistant layer to your staircase.

Add interest with patterns

When most people think of painted wooden staircases, they picture a flight of stairs in full-block colour or two-tone. But what’s to say you can’t paint your own decorative pattern?!

Spots, stripes, flowers, animal prints and geometric patterns, are just a few of our all-time favourite ideas – guaranteed to spark visual interest and create a striking talking point.

To ensure a precise finish, we recommend hand-drawing your design onto your wooden stair parts in pencil first, just in case you make a mistake.

Create the illusion of a stair runner

A carpet stair runner will make your stairs look even more snug, but they’re pretty pricey. Not only do they show up dirt and grime over time, meaning you’ll need to hoover them constantly, but they also need replacing over time due to wear and tear.

Using paint to create the illusion of a stair runner is an excellent alternative that will allow you to create a truly unique look in your hallway. Choose a contrasting colour that will stand out and save you a fortune on carpet!

Freshen up your bannisters and stair rails

If your handrails are starting to look a little grubby, consider repainting them in the same colour or a completely different shade.

Painting the bannister alone is bound to improve the look of your stairs, but why not add a splash of colour to your wooden spindles, too?

You could paint these in the same colour as your handrail so they match (and you’ll get to use up that leftover paint) or you could choose a contrasting colour for a stylish finish.

Feeling inspired?

Painting a wooden staircase couldn’t be simpler.

All you need to do is visit your local DIY store and buy some satin or semi-gloss paint in a colour of your choice. If you’re undecided about what colour to paint your stairs, pick up a few sample pots to test them before you decide.

You’ll need a variety of paintbrushes – including a large paintbrush and finer ones for smaller stair parts and more intricate patterns.

If you’d like to know more about painted wooden staircases, contact specialists at Abbott-Wade. They will gladly share tips and advice on rejuvenating your wooden stairs.