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Choosing the Perfect Wallpaper for Your Staircase: A Stylish Step Forward

Choosing the Perfect Wallpaper for Your Staircase: A Stylish Step Forward

Wallpapering your staircase is a brilliant way to inject personality, colour, and texture into a space that’s often overlooked. Whether you're aiming for bold drama or subtle elegance, the right wallpaper can transform your stairwell into a stunning design feature.

Why Wallpaper Your Stairs?

Staircases are transitional spaces—used frequently but rarely decorated with intention. Wallpaper offers a creative solution to elevate this area without major renovations. It can:

  • Add visual interest to an otherwise plain passageway

  • Showcase bold patterns that might overwhelm other rooms

  • Hide imperfections or scuffs on stairwell walls

  • Create a cohesive flow between floors


How to Choose the Right Wallpaper

Here are key factors to consider when selecting wallpaper for your stairs:

1. Style and Mood

  • Match the wallpaper to your home’s overall aesthetic.

    • Modern homes: geometric prints, metallics, or minimalist textures

    • Traditional homes: florals, damasks, or heritage patterns

    • Eclectic spaces: bold colours, murals, or abstract designs

2. Pattern Scale

  • Stairwells can handle larger patterns because they’re viewed from a distance and used briefly.

  • Avoid overly busy designs if the space is narrow or dimly lit.

3. Color Palette

  • Light coloirs can brighten a dark stairwell.

  • Dark or moody tones add drama and depth.

  • Consider how the wallpaper connects with adjacent rooms.

4. Durability and Finish

  • Choose washable or scrubbable wallpaper to withstand scuffs and fingerprints.

  • Textured finishes like grasscloth or embossed vinyl add dimension but may be harder to clean.

5. Application Type

  • Peel-and-stick wallpaper is ideal for DIYers and renters.

  • Traditional paste wallpaper offers more durability but requires careful installation.


Installation Tips

  • Prep the surface: Clean and smooth walls are essential.

  • Measure carefully: Stair risers and angled walls vary in size.

  • Start from the bottom and work upward for consistency.

  • Use a level to keep patterns aligned, especially on angled walls.

  • Protect the finish with a clear sealant if needed.


Creative Ideas

  • Wallpaper the risers only for a playful, unexpected touch.

  • Create a mural effect that spans the entire stairwell wall.

  • Mix and match patterns for a gallery-like vibe.

  • Frame wallpaper panels with molding for a classic look.


Wallpapering your staircase is more than a design upgrade—it’s a chance to express your style in a space that connects your home. Whether you go bold or understated, the right wallpaper can turn every step into a statement.

Select from our collection of wallpaper here

Wallpaper – bowerbirds.co.uk

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