Customize Your Staircase With These 13 Bold Ideas For A New Look In 2025

Want to kick off the new year with a gorgeous staircase makeover? As a prominent feature in the home, a stylish staircase can dramatically enhance the overall look and feel of your living space. Not only that, but upgrades like new railings and stair treads can also make the stairs more accessible for different ages in your household and significantly improve safety. Best of all, there are plenty of DIY projects you can do, like painting unique designs and installing statement wallpaper, to customize your staircase without breaking the bank.

Unlike with kitchen and bathroom renovations, you can completely transform a staircase over the course of a weekend. Interior design expert Judie Hart, owner of JJ Hart Interiors, explained to Jackson Woodturners that staircases are the perfect space to be adventurous and experiment with paint or wall coverings. "Although they are relatively small spaces, they can still take quite a lot of drama!" Hart shared. So, are you ready to personalize your staircase and make a strong first impression for your guests? From unique banister designs to eye-catching wall murals, here are 13 bold ideas to give your staircase a new look in 2025.

If you've ever tripped or stubbed your toe on the stairs due to dim lighting, stair lighting is the perfect addition. It's as attractive as it is functional, illuminating the architectural details of your staircase while (thankfully) improving visibility and safety when walking up and down. Choose sleek LED strips that hug the edges of your steps or charming recessed lights to keep it minimal. There are also motion-activated night lights, like the Innofox Stick-on Motion Sensor Lights from Amazon, that turn on as soon as you start descending — to light your path for those midnight snack runs.

A vibrant wallpaper is a quick and easy way to add some personality to your staircase. Who wants neutral-colored risers when you can have a burst of color with geometric shapes and whimsical floral patterns. Best of all, this is a DIY-friendly project that doesn't get messy or require prep work like painting. Simply measure your risers, choose your wallpaper, cut it to size, and smooth it onto the surface. You'll be amazed at how a little pattern can instantly change your staircase into a nice focal point of your home.

Ditch that basic wood railing for one with a unique design that adds that wow factor to your staircase. A stylish new stair railing can add a touch of personality to your home, not to mention helping with safety and movement. Consider sleek glass for a modern look or wrought iron with geometric designs for an elegant touch. What's great about a staircase railing is that it also supports other decorative elements. Hang festive garlands on it during the holidays, or wrap it with twinkling fairy lights for a nice ambiance.

Painting your stairs is a surprisingly easy and budget-friendly way to give them a major refresh. Not only does it add a pop of color to your space, but it also helps hide any imperfections in the existing flooring. Feel free to get creative and personalize the look as you see fit. Paint each step a different color to create a vibrant rainbow, or focus on two bold colors for a striking two-tone effect. You can use stencils to experiment with geometric shapes and fun optical illusions, and even paint inspiring quotes to read as you ascend.

Ever noticed how a captivating street mural can instantly elevate an old building or sidewalk? Transform your staircase wall into a work of art with a beautiful wall mural in your home. Not only is a mural a stunning focal point for your living space, but it also cleverly conceals any wall imperfections. You can paint an enchanting forest scene, a whimsical world atlas, or even a cool, three-dimensional illusion to "step" into another dimension (pun intended). Whether you hire a professional artist or channel your inner Picasso, a staircase mural will definitely leave your guests in awe.

Spice up bare stairs with beautiful and vibrant mosaic tiles. Installing these on your stair risers is an easy yet unique way to liven up the look. Mosaic tiles are incredibly versatile — their designs can create a wide range of looks, from modern and abstract to the classic Mediterranean style. You can choose shimmering glass tiles, earthy warm terracotta, or even a faux mosaic look by painting bold patterns of geometric designs. You can also use peel-and-stick mosaic backsplash tiles, like the In Home Tuscan Tile Peel & Stick from Amazon, to get the same look for less.

Who says stair runners are out of style? They're still a stylish way to transform your staircase — you just have to find one you love. Like carpet, a soft, luxurious runner adds cushioning to each step on a hard stair surface (just without the long-term commitment), as well as a touch of elegance. Choose from a variety of runner designs, like bold geometric prints or rich jewel tones, to level up the look. And the best part? Installing a stair runner can be a DIY-friendly project, perfect for a low-budget upgrade.

Sometimes, all it takes is a new flooring material to completely change the look and feel of your home, starting with your staircase. Tired of vacuuming and scrubbing stains out of that old carpet? Consider swapping it out with gleaming hardwood stairs. Or add a taste of luxury with sleek marble for your staircase. There are plenty of durable flooring options for stairs, like luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), which are perfect for high-traffic areas. Not only will a new flooring material enhance the look of your staircase, but it may also help increase the resale value of your home.

Another creative and budget-friendly idea is a stunning DIY accent wall. This is a simple yet impactful way to transform your staircase into a fun focal point. Ditch the dull paint colors and get creative with a nice gallery wall. You can hang cherished family photos, a collection of beautifully framed artwork, a collage of mirrors, and more. Add a bold wallpaper design or vibrant paint as the backdrop to instantly elevate the look and make the wall stand out. You can also add architectural interest like wainscoting or shiplap for a touch of texture.

Who wants flat, plain walls when you can have intricate molding designs instead. Wall moldings are a fancy way to add a touch of architectural elegance to your staircase. Embrace the lovely look of board and batten walls, the timeless beauty of wainscoting, or a simple yet classic trim. These decorative panel moldings not only look elegant along stairs but also help protect your walls from scuffs and bumps. Whether you prefer a simplistic, streamlined look or an ornate, Victorian-inspired style, molding designs can make your staircase a true showstopper.

If your staircase is wide enough, you can decorate each step with unique or seasonal accessories. Add a touch of greenery with vibrant plants or a collection of colorful vases and storage baskets. Too many books to fit on a shelf? Use the stairs to display a curated collection of your favorite reads. Place charming lanterns or tea lights along the stair treads for a warm and inviting glow. Don't forget personal touches, like family photos and cherished souvenirs. These decorative accents not only add visual interest but also reflect your unique style and personality.

There's probably one area of your stairs you haven't thought about upgrading: the space beneath it. This area is sometimes hidden in plain sight by a wall and often overlooked for renovations. With a little planning, you can transform that unused under-stair space into a functional and stylish storage solution. For example, you could install a built-in bookshelf to display your favorite books and decorative items, or maximize storage potential with a custom-built closet for seasonal decorations, sporting equipment, and other household storage items. If there's enough space, you may even be able to create a cozy reading nook or home office niche.

Imagine walking up your stairs and encountering a wall-to-wall masterpiece of books (every book lover's dream). A built-in bookcase along your staircase is not only a captivating visual statement but also a practical solution for any bibliophile. This unique design element transforms an otherwise plain wall into a captivating focal point while providing a home for your ever-growing library. Built-in bookcases also maximize storage for other household items, from potted plants and vases to framed memories and vintage collections. Showcasing your favorite reads and photographed adventures while climbing the stairs? Yes, please.