There are so many wonderful and creative ways to add a little something different to our home, a pop of color here, and a little something special there. Here’s a quick and inexpensive idea. Paint your stairs. Any stairs will do, they could be the stairs to the basement, the front stairs, or the back stairs no one sees, the decision is yours.
The Guinness Book of Records has listed the longest stairway as the service stairway for the Niesenbahn funicular railway near Spiez, Switzerland, with 11,674 steps and a height of 1,669 m (5,476 ft).The stairs are for employee-only and I’m sure the employees that work there are just dying to paint these steps!
But first let’s get the basics down:
According to Wikipedia: The step is composed of the tread and the riser.
The Tread is the part of the stairway that is stepped on. It is constructed to the same specifications (thickness) as any other flooring. The tread “depth” is measured from the outer edge of the step to the vertical “riser” between steps. The “width” is measured from one side to the other.
The Riser is the vertical portion between each tread on the stair. This may be missing for an “open” stair effect.
So now that we know the components, the next step is to choose the stairs you’d like to paint. Depending our how creative you’re feeling, this can either feel incredibly daunting or liberating! If you are choosing the main stairs in your house, this is a great way to make a really nice, classy statement.
Depending on the traffic these stairs get will depend on what type of paint you use. It is best to choose a semi-gloss for higher traffic areas, it is easier to scrub. You also have the choice to paint either the riser or the tread, or both! That really depends on what look or colors you want to showcase.
If you are looking to add a bit more color and drama paint your stairs in a rainbow pattern.
Or choose a bright color with patterns such as these yellow stairs. They add just the right amount of attention against the gray walls.
Or add the gray right in (below). Another option besdies paint is wall paper or stick on decals. These are great alternatives to paint and come in numerous designs and patterns. The options are endless. Below is a good example
If you are handy with stencils, have a steady hand and are willing to take a bit more time on this project then why not include numbers or words on your stairs.
I love these examples of numbered stairs. These add just another dimension to your stairs and if you have children what a great way to learn counting! These examples are sure to be talked about by friends and family.
So welcome your guests to any level of your house by adding a bit of paint to your steps! Just be sure before you paint on a wood thread that you are committed to the project and the look. Browse through magazines, Pinterest and other home design websites before you begin because once you paint the thread it is more difficult to go back. Take your time and paint one stair, then observe it for a few days in natural and artificial light, make sure it is the right choice for you.
If you choose to paint the riser then you have more options later, you can always paint them white, gray or any neutral color if you decide the project wasn’t for you.
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
Until next time, Happy Designing!
