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16 Trendy Stair Risers

Stair riser ideas

Have you noticed the trend of decorating stairs with tiles, paint, wallpaper, and more? Before we reveal creative photos of staircases, let’s get an introductory lesson in stair terminology.

A staircase is a set of steps. Steps are composed of a tread and a rise. The tread is the part that you step on. The riser is the vertical board between the treads. Sometimes there is no riser, leaving the back of the steps open.

We’re going to focus on decorating the riser. When looking at a staircase, a fancy set of risers is certain to catch you eye!

If you do decide to decorate your risers, the rise height is a key measurement to know:

Stairway Measurements.svg

Now that we have the technical lingo out of the way, let’s discover how you can get creative with your stair decor!

Decorative Tiles

Tiles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. With so many options, you can surely choose one that best suits your tastes and matches your home’s style.

Tile works best on shorter flights of stairs. Certainly a long stair case would look more dramatic, but just from a project standpoint – tiling stairs could take a bit of time.

tile stairs

Mix patterns and colors for a unique look.

Use mirrored tiles for an elegant yet modern flare.

Use mirrored tiles for an elegant yet modern flare.

Play with Paint

If tile is out of your budget, why not consider paint?

You can use one color on the whole staircase, or a separate color on each riser, or an artistic mural. The options are endless, but you are sure to find a solid color, a set of colors, or a picture to match your home.

Just make sure to you a good quality paint with several coats. Consider a top-coat as well since these things are going to be kicked time and time again. It’s a paint job where it’ll be worth it to keep it looking good.

Take your color pallet and stretch it wide across your stair risers!

Take your color pallet and stretch it wide across your stair risers!

Why not bring out your inner Lisa Frank with a full rainbow to light up your home.

Why not bring out your inner Lisa Frank with a full rainbow to light up your home.

Even a solid paint color can add extra appeal to plain stairs.

Even a solid paint color can add extra appeal to plain stairs.

Add color and inspiration to your home with fun, painted stair treads.

Add color and inspiration to your home with fun, painted, detailed stair treads.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper may feel like a blast from the past, but it’s much easier to wallpaper the surface of your risers than attempting to paint the design yourself.

This could truly be one area in your house where it just might be ‘okay’ to use wallpaper. At least until it makes a return. And trust me, it will one day!

Check out a full tutorial on how to wallpaper your stairs here.

I think this is my favorite design with classic white risers with a pop of texture.

I think this is my favorite design with classic white risers with a pop of texture.

The sky is the limit with wallpapered risers!

The sky is the limit with wallpapered risers!

Natural Elements

Most homes have some sort of brick, glass, and stone involved in the normal construction. Why not repeat those elements on the stairs to tie in your theme.

France Vitrail International has created a wonderful stained-glass decorated staircase. Another great example of amazing designers using their craft to produce beautiful and unique art that is integrated so breathtakingly in our homes and public buildings.

You can learn more about France Vitrail International by visiting: https://www.france-vitrail.com/ and https://www.ericbonte-maitreverrier.com/EN/

Stained glass adds warmth and neutral colors.

Stained glass adds warmth and neutral colors. (Image via France Vitrail International)

 

Stone blends so well with wood, adding an earthy element to your designs.

Stone blends so well with wood, adding an earthy element to your designs.

Unique Embellishments

These are not for the faint of heart! Step outside of the box with these funky, nontraditional, memorable stairs! I think you may be amazed how well the pop may blend in to your design and capture your heart!

You can find plenty of quote, sign and letter wall decals to complete your staircase of prose. You can start with a paint color, then add your decals one by one.

These phrases are sure to make everyone smile as they climb your steps!

These phrases are sure to make everyone smile as they climb your steps!

Caution all book lovers - you may or may not transform your staircase into a bookshelf of your favorite titles!

Caution all book lovers – you may or may not transform your staircase into a bookshelf of your favorite titles!

I love the old-fashioned type writer font with a splash of color.

Multi-colored rulers and yard sticks add a rustic feel to any set of stairs.

Multi-colored rulers and yard sticks add a rustic and youthful feel to any set of stairs.

Every car lover is sure to appreciate these license plate steps.

Every car lover is sure to appreciate these license plate steps.

 

So, are you ready to take a step leap and embellish your stairs to the next level? Find the style that suits your personality and matches your home.

There is surely one out there with tiles, stone, glass, paint, wallpaper, or a nontraditional item that you craft for your purposes. Best of luck!

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Top Posts for November 2016

Monday 19th of December 2016

[…] #4 Trendy Stair Risers […]

Christie

Tuesday 4th of October 2016

Not so sure that the 2nd wallpaper example looks so good, it looks like a variety of wallpaper samples stuck up on the risers. Would like to see some more aesthetically pleasing versions. I'm also hoping the license plates are for a man cave.


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