15 Basement Stair Ideas That Will Transform Your Space for Good

Paint Steps Black

For a quick, but impactful makeover, paint the basement stairs black to give a simple space some character. The noir shade is classic and will fit with most design motifs.

Bethany Adams, the founder and interior designer at Bethany Adams Interiors, took the aesthetic a step further by using bent steel over a wood frame. 

"The stairs are naturally black in color and will patina beautifully as time goes on," Adams says. "Since they are steel, they are basically indestructible, which is perfect for any utility space, like a basement. 

The industrial approach works beautifully with exposed brick walls, allowing to coalesce historical elements with contemporary design. It's a finish that certainly makes a statement, she adds.

Place a Bar Underneath

One of the easiest ways to enhance the basement stairs is to optimize the space below. Once you carve out a space below the basement stairs, make it into a little study, a library, or a reading nook.

Add Some Texture With Carpet

Create a tailored design by replacing basic carpeting with a styled runner, interior designer Kirsten Conner recommends. If possible, have the wood stairs line the sides, for a character-filled look.

Put Up Vinyl Wallpaper

Just like a hallway, basement stairs can pack a punch with fun wallpaper.

“It can be a great addition to a stairway, even in a high-traffic area,” says Lindsey Putzier, an interior designer in Hudson, Ohio.

“Vinyl wallpaper is super durable and comes in lots of different patterns and colors. My favorites are Phillip Jeffries and Thibaut," she says. No wonder fancy hotels rely on vinyl wallpaper over paint.

Set It Up With Memorabilia

The stairway is a perfect place to display memorabilia like old yearbooks or awards. A classic bookcase can showcase your family’s sports victories by displaying medals or certificates.

If you want to go a more decorative route, stack your favorite art books to create a beautiful statement. You can arrange books in matching colors to curate a cohesive theme.

Bring in a Bold Color

Take a bold color and just go with it. Paint the basement stairs, walls, and ceiling for ultimate impact or opt for contrasting hues for a pop art interpretation.

Float the Stairs

For a futuristic design, opt for floating stairs that lead into your secret lair. The wood steps look modern and contrast beautifully against the white wall. Add lights to ensure you won't slip in the dark.

Make a Playhouse Below

Live out your own childhood fantasies by creating spaces that spark the imagination. The best part of owning a home is that you can cut through walls to make the place your own, says Laura B., DIY enthusiast @lumberjanelane who created a play space below the basement stairs. You can use all the scraps and materials from leftover projects.

Add Wood Trim

For a custom look, add wainscoting or bead board to elevate the humble basement stairs. You can even use picture frame molding to make it more formal, Putzier says. If you decide to do some paneling, paint it the color of the wall for extra dimension.

Curate Travel Photos

A basement staircase is the perfect place to display all your family’s fun travel adventure photos. You can start a gallery wall with however many photos you have on hand and add to it every year as you explore the world. Putzier recommends hanging one line of photos diagonally down the length of the staircase, then adding more rows as the adventure grows.

Modernize With a Glass Railing

Instead of regular wood railings, put in glass panels for a very contemporary take on the basement space. Doing so will make the entire design lighter and brighter.

Bring in Art

As you come down the stairs, optimize the wall space. Place a statement art piece or make a niche, or two, along the wall. All you have to do is cut out some space between studs and line it with colorful wallpaper or use it as a shelf for a vase or tchotchkes.

Go for the Mesh Look

Bring in some texture to your stairs by opting for a mesh metal railing instead of your traditional kind. Go for a bright or pastel color to add a playful decorative touch.

Light Up the Stairs With LED Lights

There are functional stair lights, and then there are lights that will dress up any basement stairway. Most LED strips come with a remote which you can change colorways, so you can set the ambiance to what you like depending on the day.

Invest in Ornate Railings

For a basement that also doubles as a wine cellar, splurge on wrought iron railings to give your space a timeless detail.