Painted risers is fine, and very traditional. However, if people use the steps frequently wearing shoes, the paint will need to be refreshed more often as it will get marked.

As in all cases… a picture would facilitate more pertinent answers…

But from another point of view worn steps would seem right also ….. a 100 year old house

We tore off the carpet and finished the wooden stairs in our 1910 house with Sikkins . We painted the risers to match an accent wall in the foyer. It has been 2 years of heavy use and no scuffs. We used the BM wall paint.

No photo yet, as I’m trying to decide on finish. Just have the sub-structure in. It seems to me like fully stained is more authentic. But white is less expensive because poplar vs. oak cost.

I think either works many older homes have white risers I think what ever work best with the rest of the decor. I am curious about stairs to an attic I assume you have all the permits in place to make the attic actually living space since many were not made for living space .

@Patricia Colwell Consulting our town does not require permits for this work. But I consulted span tables to make sure the attic structure could support 40psf live load, so we're good.