Staircase Ideas - 3 Ways to Decorate Your Stairs on the Cheap

A staircase quite often is the first thing you see when you enter a 2 story house.  No matter how cute you make the entrance those worn out stairs can take away from your hard work.

Just how to decorate your stairs on the Cheap?

Check out these 3 ideas, and hopefully you become inspired.

1.  Stair Decals

These are basically removable stair stickers that you place on the riser.  If you have painted risers and they don't look their best, you can repaint them or simply add some decals.  You can get either inspirational or cute or funny!


If the stair risers are ugly and not in the best of shape, instead of sanding and repainting, add full decals such as the above. If you like inspirational quotes, and your stairs are basic white and you just want to add some pizzaz, these are a whimsical idea and a fun way to remind you and motivate you each time you climb the staircase. If you really want to add a statement, check out this mural idea!

Any of the above will take your eye away from ugly scuffed risers and add some life to your staircase.  They are also removable so if you are renting this is a good idea.

2.  Non Slip Removable Carpet Stair Treads

These will not only keep hardwood or painted steps safe for everyone, it will cover up worn and scratched areas.


This will instantly upgrade and just make your staircase look instantly better with out replacement. Usually the worn ugly areas are the center of the step, so by cleaning and covering them with these non slip treads it will look awesome. There is no glue residue left behind if you need to remove them. So, if you add the new treads and some riser decals, you already have a new staircase on the cheap!

3.  Paint

If you don't mind DIY, you can paint your entire staircase and then add some of the above, or simply paint your railing.

If you railing or banister is glossy or oil based paint or you are not sure, you don't have to sand.

Simply clean with a degreaser and use a high adhesion primer first such as ZINSSER.  I use this on any surface I am not sure of.  I have painted furniture without removing old surface and to this day it sticks.


Try just painting the railing if it is wood. This may brighten up everything right away. Use the Zinsser primer and then any color of latex paint you want. The gloss looks nicer on a railing.

Each Idea Under 50 Bucks!

 The above 3 staircase ideas should get you inspired to take a closer look at your stairs.

Whether you are selling your home or just moving in and don't want the expense of hardwood renewal or sanding, these products make a staircase DIY affordable.

 The stairs cannot be out of commission for long, so if you can do something quickly, then the above ideas will work. Renovations can be expensive, so why not try these ideas?

 Even if you just paint the scuffed up risers and/or add some decals they will look 100% better.

In our house we removed worn carpet from the stairs.  It took some work but was well worth it.  We then painted and used stair treads instead.  Looks 100% better!