Overlooked Design Opportunity: Stair Risers
Eye-catching staircase embellishments surprise and delight. What's on your risers?
If you're feeling like your staircase is ho-hum and you're not sure what to do, you may want to end that endless search for a carpeted runner. From Spanish Revival tiles to numbers; from repurposed layers of linoleum floor to some really cute vermin, these staircase details make a statement.
Elaborately tiled risers are a trademark of Spanish Revival style. The potential pattern combinations are endless.
More information on cement tiles
More information on cement tiles
If you're handy with stencils, numerals paired with a rope handrail add a nautical touch.
Not so handy with stencils? Add your favorite style of house numbers, available online at the hardware store.
This staircase lacks risers, so they embellished the treads with a Sharpie instead. For a party, the owners/architects copied a quote from the bride's grandmother onto the steps, planning to finish the staircase later. However, they fell in love with the poetic words underfoot so much they decided to keep the stairs unfinished.
If you're not ready to commit to your wackier riser-decor ideas, try adding wall decals that you can easily peel off in case you change your mind.
This clever muralist has created a painted runner on the stairs and risers.
When this homeowner discovered 100 years worth of linoleum and sailcloth under the kitchen floor, he salvaged enough to cover one stair with each layer.
Here's a peek at what he was working with before he covered the stairs.
Decorative tiles on these risers play off the tiles that flank the entry.
More: How to Get Your Stair Runners Right
9 Architectural Elements of Spanish Revival Style
10 High Designs for the Handrail
More: How to Get Your Stair Runners Right
9 Architectural Elements of Spanish Revival Style
10 High Designs for the Handrail
See more of this Newfoundland cottage