Painting a staircase can make a huge visual impact in your home. If you have a gloomy staircase that makes your entryway feel small and dark, adding bright, uplifting colors is an easy and affordable way to completely transform the space.
Whether you’re starting with unfinished wood, dated oak railings, or just a blah beige stairwell, injecting vivid hues will liven things up in an instant. When selecting your new staircase colors, it’s important to consider the existing decor in your home as well as the mood you’re trying to create. But don’t be afraid to have some fun and embrace bold shades that make you smile!
Before choosing your staircase colors, it’s important to select the right type of paint. Typical wall paints don’t stand up well to the traffic and wear-and-tear of a high use area like stairs. Opt for interior floor and porch paints that are specifically formulated to be extra durable. Latex porch and floor paints provide great coverage and are easy to apply. Enamel paints are also extremely tough and scrubbable for stairs.
For the cleanest finish, make sure to properly prep your staircase before painting by sanding, patching, and priming any existing wood or drywall. This will help the new paint adhere properly and look its best.
Now comes the really huetiful part – picking the perfect colors! Here are 6 lively hues that will brighten up any gloomy staircase:
What better way to make an entrance feel cheery than with a vibrant, sunshine yellow? A crisp, bright yellow like Glidden’s Sunflower will make your staircase feel bathed in light. Yellow pairs beautifully with white trim for a fresh, summery vibe. Yellow also looks fantastic with gray floors and accessories.
For coastal lovers, a rich ocean blue instantly conjures up relaxing days spent seaside. Sherwin Williams’ Rainwashed is a bright but soft blue that feels both breezy and elegant. Blue makes a soothing contrast against white railings and risers. For a beachy look, combine it with tan floors, natural accessories, and white trimwork.
Few colors are as uplifting as a pop of pretty pink! Opt for a warm, energizing coral like Behr’s Caribbean Coral to liven up a tired staircase. Coral looks gorgeous against white spindles and risers. For a harmonious look, pair it with peach, tan or cream floors and accents. Pink imparts a decidedly feminine yet fun vibe.
If your home leans more toward the traditional side, you can still liven up your entry with an unexpected pop of minty green. Valspar’s Peppermint Twist is a refreshing light green that feels crisp and inviting. Green makes an unexpected neutral and works with almost any color scheme. Try it with darker wood railings and antique brass accents for a classic look.
Make a bold color statement by lacquering your staircase in a rich, juicy red. A color like Benjamin Moore’s Sweet Cherry will instantly amp up the drama in your entry. Red makes quite an impact against crisp white risers. For balance, pair it with chocolate brown railings and oiled bronze hardware. Red is ideal for traditional homes or spaces with a Tuscan feel.
Lastly, consider embracing the power and mystique of purple! A jewel-toned purple like Sherwin Williams’ Downing Violet looks absolutely regal on staircase spindles and risers. Deep purple has an elegant, exotic vibe that feels modern and luxe. It’s eye-catching against white trim, railings and floors. Metallic accents in brass or silver play nicely off rich purples.
So my dears, it’s time to say bye-bye to that sad, somber staircase! With a fresh coat of paint in any of these 6 huetiful hues, you’ll brighten up the space and bring so much more joy into your home. Don’t be afraid to get creative with captivating colors – your staircase will thank you! Which vibrant hue are you going to paint your ordinaire staircase to create a huetiful one-of-a-kind stairway statement? The poshuetilities are endless!
Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.
