14 Awesome DIY Projects for Your Stairs
If your stairs only exist to get you from point A to point B, you’re missing out on some serious fun. Stairs present a unique opportunity to add character and charm to your home. Plus, staircases are often front-and-center in architecture, making them a fantastic candidate for an interior design focal point.
You are looking for some ideas on how to give your stairs a little more oomph? Look no further! Here are 14 DIY stairs projects to give your stairway a new life.
Dress Them Up
Stair treads and risers are the perfect canvas for your next creative endeavor. Remember, patterns on the stair tread make it hard to distinguish one tread from another, leading to falls visually. Save your designs for the risers instead.
Here are just a few to get you started:
Ombre
The gradual fade of an ombre is incredibly pleasing to the eye, and if you’re looking to make a bold statement, here it is. Check out the tutorial from Addison’s Wonderland for more info.
Painted Runner
It takes some careful taping and serious dedication, but the result is well worth the work. Follow the tutorial at the Heathered Nest to make your own painted runner.
Stamped
If you want to take the painted runner and kick it up a notch, adding stamped accents can be a barrel of fun. This tutorial from the DIY Network will show you how.
Stained
Paint not your style? If you’re looking for something a little more classic, try staining the treads. Check out this tutorial from In My Own Style to learn how to do it on a budget!
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a great way to add gorgeous patterns to your risers without having to break out the paintbrush. This tutorial from Brewster Home Fashions has some handy tips, as well as a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
Decals
One of the simplest ways to add a little whimsy to your stairs is by using vinyl decals. Not only are they easy to apply, but they’re also easy to remove when you’re ready for something new. Check out This Old House for some truly fantastic ideas.
Update the Railing
Are your railings boring? Please give them a much-needed makeover to go along with your fancy new treads and risers! Safety first — make sure to use the proper hardware and equipment when installing handrails to prevent falls.
Painted
You wouldn’t believe just how much of a change painting your banister can make. Drab to fab can be both simple and cheap — check out the tutorial at Make It & Love It.
Functional
Who said your railing couldn’t be more than just a safety feature? Follow along with Carol Lee over at Elephant Buffet to learn how to turn your railing into a bookshelf!
Simple
Sometimes simplicity is essential, and when it comes to handrails, there’s often safety in it. This tutorial from IHeart Organizing will show you how to build and install a handrail that is both simple and beautiful.
Molding
A bit of molding will give your stairwell an elegant look — but it doesn’t have to come at a sleek cost. Mysha has a fantastic tutorial on adding gorgeous molding to your stairwell for only $50. Check it out at Remington Avenue.
Under the Stairs Hideaway
All too often, precious space under the stairs is ignored or just walled up entirely. There are a lot of fabulous ways to make use of this remarkable area.
Here are some favorites:
Build a Playhouse
An indoor playhouse is the stuff childhood dreams are made of. No weather can keep them from it, and they’re always within your site. You can find this stunner playhouse tutorial at AnaWhite.com.
Pull Out Storage
It seems like there’s never enough storage to be had. If you need a bit of storage space, check out this tutorial from Instructables.
Reading Nook
Book lovers rejoice! You can turn that extra space under the stairs into a cozy little reading nook! This tutorial from a Purdy Little House will show you how!
Pet Area
Give a personal space to your dog or cat by creating an under-the-stairs kennel. See the tutorial at the Rodimels. Sprucing up your stairs doesn’t require a lot of money — just a little time and elbow grease. Happy DIYing!
