Have you tested for lead paint?

I have tested for lead and it is present in most trim work but the stair treads were practically bare. The small amt of paint on them I used citristrip on and carefully disposed of. My first thought was a white riser but black was suggested by one of my Easter guests and I gave it some thought. A few more photos... the door that is not painted is always open and more integral in the decor of the dining room so it is not black.

I would add a bit of stain to the treads to minimize some of the distress and paint the risers whatever color you want. I put a couple of coats of Varathane Early American gel stain on mine. I used the gel stain like a stain applying it to raw wood and applied pre-stain first because pine likes to stain splotchy. That is another reason i used gel stain. It can help reduce the splotchiness, but it takes a long time to dry (24 hours). I finished with several coats of water based poly. The darker color reduced the distressed look to a more acceptable color to me, though if you look close there are still many imperfections. My stair tread rugs cover some of the damage too.

I would not worry about matching the railings as long as they harmonize. My railing is darker, about the only thing left that is the original 70's trim color. I think part of the charm of older homes is that due to repairs and remodels, sun fading and finishes aging, there are usually some variations in wood tones, but they work together. My stairs are slightly darker than the hardwood floor in the living room just to the left - not in the pic - and the same color as the front door, but a little darker than the closet door which matches the main level hardwood. It just manages to blend.

Close up:

Farther away:

My pics -work in progress: · More Info

I see what you mean about the color variation. The subtle difference does not bother me. And I was considering some sort of carpet tread mostly because I'm afraid of it being slippery!

no on black risers, it would make the stairs less safe to use. the white reflects light.

I think with your other trim being green, you may want to do green risers. It will flow best with the skirting and still give some contrast. It is great for a farmhouse and the doors still get their fabulous attention.

And no to hi gloss varathane/poly on the treads. Go with a natural finish that will condition and protect not add a plastic looking coating over top - like Waterlox. It is smelly to apply and you need ventilation but this is vastly superior to crappy consumer grade Minwax/varathane products.

https://www.waterlox.com

thought about green risers too and i think I've decided to try both and see which I like best. As far as the finish... my plan was waterbased poly in satin. Mostly for the lack of odor and the convenience of quick drying. Kids up and down constantly!