Decorating the staircase

The stairway is often the last space to get any attention in a home. Most homeowners often focus more on decorating the living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. Your stairway need not be just a mere transitional space; it is vital for the overall impression the house makes on visitors and occupants.

This pathway can be spruced up for family members to enjoy the ascent or descent. Your decoration must be practical as this is a high usage area subject to considerable wear and tear. Allow for smooth flow of movement from upstairs to downstairs. Avoid clutter, slippery surfaces or constricted spaces and permit ample lighting to avoid accidents. Here are a few more tips:

Runners

Carpet runners are a common staircase solution, especially for people who live in colder climatic regions. Runners can be laid on the staircase using carpet rods or various forms of under-carpet grippers.

Choose a carpet that is durable, easy to clean and which has a fibre or pattern that will not wear out quickly or show dirt. If you have free-floating staircases, simply wrap each stair with a stripped rug and attach velco to it to make them easily removable for washing.

Landing

The level floor between flights of stairs or at the head or foot of a flight of stairs need not be left bare. Depending on the area size, landings can accommodate various items such as large vases, bookshelves, shoe racks, a small desk or indoor plants.

The stairway walls can be used for collection of paintings or photography or souvenirs such as hats or market bags to remind you of your travels and tours. Avoid items that will protrude and constrict the path as it may prove rather annoying.

Colour and pattern

Avoid abrupt changes in your staircase and keep the theme in accordance with the aesthetics of the rest of your home. Staircase windows are a fantastic opportunity to increase lighting and provide an outside view for your enjoyment.

An inspiring quote, a mosaic pattern or a different colour paint on staircase raisers can be used for an unexpected visual appearance.

Depending on the passions of the family, make black and white piano stripes for a musical family or paint pictorials of sporting gear for a sporty family. Staircase raisers can be a great opportunity for companies to display the vision and values of the organisation.