Step It Up: 5 Staircase Upgrades To Consider This Year

A common home renovation misstep is forgetting all about the staircase. Like all parts of a home, staircases can experience wear and tear over time, which can impact their safety, noisiness and appearance. Investing in a few stair upgrades could wow guests and add value to your home, while also reducing disturbances and accidents. Below are just a few examples of ways in which you can level up your home’s stairs. 

Fix any squeaks and creaks

Creaky stairs aren’t just annoying, but potentially a sign of structural issues like loose screws or poorly fitted stringers. Finding the cause of these creaks and squeaks is recommended, as the noise may get worse over time and the stability of the staircase could be at risk. This post offers a few more tips on fixing squeaky stairs. 

Install carpet or a stair runner

While wooden or laminated stairs can be easier to clean, carpeted stairs can have many benefits – they’re generally safer if you fall on them, they’re more comfortable underfoot and they can help dampen the pitter-patter of feet. Adding carpet could also be a way to add colour or texture to your stairs. An alternative option is to add a stair runner, which is a long strip of carpet covering the middle third of the stairs. Stair runners are generally cheaper to install and may be more appropriate for rental properties.

Paint the treads and risers

For those who like uncarpeted stairs, painting the steps a new colour could be another way to enhance them. White is a popular colour that can help to brighten up your stairs, while black can give stairs a sophisticated edge. Grey meanwhile is a clean and safe neutral colour that can work well when contrasted with white walls. Of course, you can choose from any other colour to add vibrancy to your staircase. You could even consider painting the treads and risers different colours.

Add new handrails or spindles

Staircase bannisters are an important safety feature that can also greatly elevate the look of your home. If your current bannister is damaged or not to your style, consider replacing it. Carpentry contractors could help you to build custom handrails and spindles for those who like the natural and traditional look of timber. Alternatively, you could opt for metal features such as steel handrails or decorative wrought iron railings. It’s even possible to add glass  or transparent acrylic panels for a more modern look. Partnering with a dedicated handrail contractor near me is a fantastic way to bring these design ideas to life, ensuring a beautiful, secure, and professionally finished installation that matches your exact vision.

If you’re looking for an entirely new staircase and want a very high-end statement piece, there are various popular styles, such as central spine stairs, as well as floating staircases from First Step Designs.

Illuminate your staircase

Adding extra lighting to your staircase can make it safer to use at night. Instead of relying on overhead lighting, you could consider an uplight at the base of the stairs, recessed lights on the wall or LED strips under each stair tread. It’s also possible to add LED strips to handrails or use string lighting around spindles or railings. Decide which type of lighting you think would complement the style of your staircase the best. Make sure to hire an electrician if you’re wiring in new light fittings. 

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.