I wouldn't suggest a mirror there as it will reflect the banister rail on the stairs you could hang a large canvas painting.

HI -- You will constantly be adjusting the pictures and also cleaning mirror . Find a good quality coated wallpaper with a texture look or pattern and that should hide any hand marks and dirt . Also maybe add another hand rail on the other side too.

Try a code required handrail. No fingerprints and much safer.

Stone veneer the wall;)

NeMo (New Modern) · More Info

R311.7.8

Handrails shall be provided on at least ONE side of each continuous run of treads or flight with four or more risers.

R312.1 Guards

R312.1.2 Height

Exceptions

2. Where the top of the guard serves as a handrail on the open sides of stairs,...

You don't need an extra handrail against the wall.

Since Bimbo Maduka's guardrail does not comport with code requirements for the passage of spheres between balusters, an inspector may disregard it as a handrail as well.

No. A handrail is not contingent on a guardrail. Nor is the guardrail required to be changed, as it met codes at the time it was installed.

No mirrored wall! You think you have fingerprint issues now... Do you know what paint finish is on the wall? A satin finish would be best for this type of situation and can be scrubbed. Unfortunately, you should not do a textured/scrubbable wallpaper here as someone suggested. There is no good place for the wallpaper to end along the edge of the stairs or at the corner of the wall. The paper will start to rip along the edges.

Thanks everyone, so the mirror is definitely out! I think i will go with painting the wall. Hmm but i want to be a bit more adventurous, what about painting different coloured squares on the wall to give it character.

HI -- Look at some of the great photo mural wallpapers they have now . That could be fun . Maybe a huge old masters painting or 3D graphic or a texture of wood or concrete ... anything ???

I think a large graphic would work nicely. You could install a large abstract piece of art like a metal or wood grid. Great feel.

Thanks that sounds really interesting!