Home Improvement Ideas Home Remodeling Architectural Details 39 Staircase Ideas for Every Style of Home Use these staircase ideas to combine your style with the architecture of your home. By Abby Wolner Abby Wolner Abby Wolner is a freelance writer trained in journalism through Drake University. She is a former food writer and contributor to Better Homes & Gardens. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on February 5, 2024 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Helen Norman Staircases do more than connect levels in your home; their visual presence acts as an architectural statement as well. Staircase design reinforces the look, feel, and style of the rest of your home. The stairs can also set the mood for how you want to feel as you travel to different parts of your home, so it’s important that your staircase design not be an afterthought. From spiral stairs to sleek wood designs, there are staircase designs for every decorating style. Whether you’re remodeling an existing staircase or building a new one, take inspiration from these beautiful staircase designs below. 10 Types of Stairs to Know for Your Remodel 01 of 39 Sophisticated Farmhouse Staircase John Granen This staircase mixes modern steelwork with wooden newel posts and x-shaped support beams. The combination makes for a sophisticated twist on farmhouse style, which repeats in the subtle planked walls and lantern-style lighting. 02 of 39 Custom Balusters Robert Peterson Balusters with cutouts are often seen on porches, and a similar style is also used on fences. Given that this look is often seen outdoors, it adds a homespun and almost rustic feel to this otherwise formal space. The Best Dark Paint Colors of 2023, According to Color Experts 03 of 39 Mixed Architectural Styles Helen Norman The decorative woodwork on the outer stringer and the walls surrounding this staircase tell us this is an older home, but the railing is a thin, steel, modernist design. If your home is missing balusters or you have a historic railing that’s too expensive to repair, mixing styles like this is a way to make your desired look work. How to Combine Decorating Styles for a Cohesive Look 04 of 39 Contemporary Staircase David A Land This contemporary style staircase disappears into its surroundings, which is one option when you have a staircase in the middle of the room. Using neutrals on the staircase and thin steel wire instead of balusters makes the staircase disappear into the room, rather than becoming a focal point. 25 Contemporary Living Room Ideas for a Relaxing Gathering Space 05 of 39 Staircase with Ironwork Jay Wilde Opt for a decorative iron railing to conjure the feeling of Spanish-style homes. Light colors on the rest of the stairs creates contrast the railing and balusters, allowing them to stand out. 32 Stair Railing Ideas to Elevate Your Home’s Style 06 of 39 Wallpapered Risers Edmund Barr Makeover your staircase and transform the feel of your space by wallpapering the stair risers. This design alternates an organic print with a geometric stripe to repeat the mix of modern and traditional seen elsewhere in the hallway. The 8 Best Wallpapers of 2024 to Add Visual Flair to Any Room, According to Our Testing 07 of 39 Natural Wood Staircase Adam Albright You can make simple changes to warm up a modern staircase like this one. Using natural, unstained wood and painting the tops of the newel posts different colors adds personality, warmth and charm. Natural Wood Tones Are Trending: Here's How to Incorporate the Material 08 of 39 Modern Farmhouse Staircase Jared Kuzia Rustic elements in a toned down finish signify modern farmhouse design. The plank stair treads feature simple square edges, but the light wash makes them feel contemporary. From the woven rug in almost all black to the shiplap paired with vertical guardrails, every rustic element of this staircase has a modern counterpart. 21 Modern Farmhouse Fireplace Ideas That Create Instant Charm 09 of 39 Spiral Staircase Design Kip Dawkins Spiral staircases are not only gorgeous, but they’re a clever solution if you’re remodeling a narrow space like this one. The small footprint allows you to get more use out of your floor space. 10 Types of Stairs to Know for Your Remodel 10 of 39 Grand Entrance John Bessler This shapely staircase gently widens as it meets the grand foyer, creating a smooth transition between levels. Decorative molding applied to the walls throughout the foyer blends well with the dramatic look of the staircase. 11 of 39 Period Details Werner Straube Would you believe this intricate staircase is part of a new build? A high level of craftsmanship and a commitment to architectural details transform a new-construction home into one that feels timeless. The staircase features iron balusters with decorative medallions and picture molding for a glamorous, time-traveling effect. 12 of 39 Cozy Farmhouse Staircase John Bessler This staircase features a chunky stringer and railing and widely spaced balusters for a humble look that’s super charming. Install shiplap to create further depth on white-painted walls. 13 of 39 Modern Staircase Runner Jonathan Mark Denby Adding dark gray to a light-wood staircase is an easy way to get a dramatic, modern look. We love the mix of the decorative balusters and carved wood stringer paired with the serious gray paint and herringbone runner. 25 Stair Runner Ideas That Deliver Function and Flair 14 of 39 Unexpected Patterns Carson Downing Any pattern you love could be the perfect update to your staircase. Here, an indigo-dyed ikat print is applied to the risers. The vertical alignment of the pattern works with the direction of the stairs, and the indigo color complements the natural wood tones. 23 Pattern Trends We Love in Home Decor 15 of 39 Modern Staircase Design Kim Cornelison A simple black steel staircase will look cool and timeless no matter the era. For a lower contrast look, opt for a white or metallic finish, which will blend into a white background. 16 of 39 Mixing Old and New Kritsada Panichgul A modern staircase contrasts the rustic beam construction of this great room, and the staircase’s minimal visual footprint allows the beams to shine. Using the same white and natural wood finishes everywhere helps styles from two different eras to live in harmony. How to Make DIY Wood Beams to Add Farmhouse Style to a Basic Ceiling 17 of 39 Stairs Painted Black Brie Williams A dark paint color on the risers and stringer of this staircase matches the rest of the trim in the foyer. The dark base helps both the wood on the staircase and the art above to stand out against the white-painted walls. 18 Basement Stairs Ideas That Add Style and Function 18 of 39 Cottage Staircase Dana Gallagher Add height to a petite staircase with a grand striped runner. This white and taupe color scheme matches the coastal cottage feel of the rest of the space. 22 Cottage Decorating Ideas to Add Cozy Character to Any Room 19 of 39 Modern Wood Stairway Greg Schiedemann Wooden slabs used as stair treads often convey a country feel. But these clean-lined risers give off an undeniable contemporary look. The large cuts of wood were attached to a painted metal staircase, which creates a big-city look that leaves the prairie far behind. 20 of 39 Patterned Statement Runner Amy Mazzenga Install a bold runner to dress up a simple staircase like this one. Classic plaid speaks to the traditional style of the staircase design while adding a fun dose of personality. 21 of 39 Sculptural Staircase Werner Straube The most magnificent stairways often look more like works of art, such as this serpentine piece that coils as it rises. Building these stairs combined the skills of various artisans who work with wood, metal, and drywall. 22 of 39 Staircase Design Idea That Conceals Michael Partenio This simple staircase includes white-painted beaded-board paneling. The wall covering extends onto a doorway, disguising the basement entrance. 23 of 39 Step Aside Edward Gohlich Placing the front stairway to the side of the entry enables guests standing at the front door of this home to see through to the rest of the first level. The staircase railings and treads feature the same dark walnut used as the flooring throughout the home's gathering spaces. 24 of 39 Wood-and-White Stairway Courtney Apple The enduring decorating concept of lights and darks strikes an elegant balance with this staircase design idea. The crisp white-painted base pairs expertly with the deep brown wood treads and hand railing. If this combo suits your taste, choose a paint that promises a hard, scuff-free surface and use a durable clear finish over the wood stain. 25 of 39 Stair Runner William Geddes A geometric-pattern stair runner boosts both the comfort and style of this staircase. In addition to providing softness and warmth underfoot, the runner also prevents walkers from slipping on the potentially slick wooden treads. 26 of 39 Winding Staircase Colleen Duffley This wide front hall has plenty of room for a winding staircase. The stair runner softens the look of the wooden risers, while a dark wood railing draws the eye up and around the shapely curve of the stairs. 27 of 39 Nautical Staircase Design David A Land A staircase that leads to a den or playroom is the perfect opportunity to take some design risks. This nautical staircase leads the way into a cozy, colorful TV room. The blue risers look fresh against the white treads and the variation in color is fun and playful. Add to that a rope railing, and this staircase sets the tone for the fun to be had below. 28 of 39 Wraparound Staircase Greg Scheidemann This statement-making staircase wraps around one end of this light-filled home. The staircase's open construction emphasizes the home's open floor plan. Its simple design doesn't draw attention away from the soaring ceilings and plentiful windows. The dark wood risers and railings lend a hint of contrast. 29 of 39 Flowing Staircase Werner Straube Flowing down like the train of an elegant gown, this staircase creates a dramatic style statement. The dark wood treads and metal balustrade lend contrast to the otherwise all-white foyer. 30 of 39 Natural Staircase James Yochum A whimsical woodland railing is a unique staircase design idea. The handrail and balusters look as if they were fresh-cut from the trees outside. The foyer's casual, collected aura is reinforced by eclectic decor throughout the rest of the home. 31 of 39 Staircase with Storage Jim Franco Some staircases, such as this one, have space for storage underneath. A row of drawers provides convenient stowaway spots for every family member. In addition, a recessed niche next to the drawers offers open storage space for larger items like bags and baskets. 32 of 39 Stairway Landing Eric Roth A shapely staircase gives this entryway a dramatic look. The white-painted risers and balusters expertly contrast the dark wood treads and hand railing. A bench and a small side table make the landing look more welcoming. 33 of 39 Open Staircase Jean Allsopp Thanks to the open and spacious construction of the staircase, the free flow of this space is evident from the moment guests step inside the front door. Like the rest of the home, crisp white covers nearly every surface, which helps the space feel open and airy. 34 of 39 Warm Welcome Emily Followill Charcoal gray walls add depth and drama to this entryway. The iron balusters blend expertly with the dark wood handrail and stair treads, while the white-painted risers help lighten up the entrance. 35 of 39 Step Right Up Werner Straube Patterned ceramic tile on the stair risers hints at this home's sophisticated old-world style. The ornate metal railing adds another layer of pattern and architectural interest to the staircase. 36 of 39 Clever Project Kim Cornelison Consider this simple do-it-yourself staircase design idea to save money on a costly stair runner. Painting a faux runner down the center of your stairs will create the same look as a store-bought rug but will cost just a fraction of the price. 37 of 39 Pattern Play Stacey Branford A patterned stair runner lends a splash of contemporary appeal to this otherwise traditional-style entryway. Rich wood elements, such as the support column and handrails, help warm up the primarily white-painted space. 38 of 39 Painted Staircase Adam Albright Adding a rainbow of color to your risers makes a staircase feel playful and cheerful. Here, a pastel palette with subtle variations in color complements the honey-toned stair treads. White walls make the whole space light and airy. 14 Charming Ways to Decorate with Pastel Colors 39 of 39 Simple but Classic Lincoln Barbour If remodeling or designing a staircase feels overwhelming, look to this timeless design, which features mid-tone wood treads and railings and white paint everywhere else. The simple profile of the balusters doesn’t attract too much attention and allows your eyes to travel to the gorgeous gallery wall leading up the stairs. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit