HOW TO MAKE OLD STAIRS LOOK TRENDY AND NEW

The wooden staircase trends for 2022

Is it possible to make old creaky stairs look trendy and new? Or is it a lost cause?

Moving into my new home, I was faced with an old terraced house and it’s narrow staircase – I was scared, to say the least. How could I transform this over-painted, slightly-too-narrow, grey-carpeted monster into a beautiful angel?

Then it came to me: I wanted to cut the banister rail off.

Then it came to me: I wanted to cut the banister rail off. Now, you may think I’m mad and, yes, it’s not the most practical thing in the world, however, I’m still glad I did it.

_{photo: @lindsey_isla via Instagram – before & after removing the banister}

Firstly, it saved me a lot of time paint stripping and secondly, it totally opened up the whole space. Now we have an ultra-modern ‘design feature’ as oppose to a dated old set of steps.

DISCOVER THE STAIRS TRENDS FIRST

Researching the latest staircase trends can help you figure out how what you like and (most importantly) what you can achieve in your own home. For example, floating glass staircases are very popular right now, but it doesn’t mean we can all fit one in our house.

It’s bang-on-trend to have a painted staircase: be that a rainbow coloured tread or a chic black riser and this is something most of us can achieve. Painting your stairs is a quick and relatively budget friendly way of getting instant ‘wow factor’.

A lick of paint can do a lot, however, no two staircases are the same; old houses have gone through some dire fashions (yeah, 80s, I’m looking at you) and they’re rarely left unscathed – do your stairs need more than a bit of emulsion?

It is possible to cover the risers and treads with MDF, which you can have pre-cut at a wood yard or trim it to size yourself. The sharp lines will instantly look more trendy and give a modern look.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR STAIRS STAND OUT AND LOOK INTERESTING

Stair runners are having a huge moment right now, while fully carpeted isn’t as popular; you can keep it traditional with a runner or go for something more fun – there are some really trendy options available and finishing with stair rods can add a luxe-factor.

Aside from the steps themselves, the spindles are a good opportunity to add character; try painting them a contrasting colour – it can look really smart. If they are in bad condition, you can replace them all together.

Don’t forget about the walls surrounding the staircase, gallery walls are a great way to add *insert jazz hands here* personality and panelling can look extra chic. This way, if your stairs aren’t in perfect nick, there is something else to draw the eye.

HOW TO MAKE OLD STAIRS LOOK BETTER

Making old stairs look trendy and new is about assessing what you’re working with and being realistic about what you can achieve.

Ask yourself a few questions: is the paintwork salvageable or will it always chip and crack? Do the stairs need extra support from underneath? Would a runner suit the staircase? And finally, what can I do to the walls and spindles surrounding the stairs?