Basement Stairs Project

Stair Paint and Materials

• Give your stairs a fresh new look by giving them a fresh coat of paint, stain or by adding new tiles. If your existing wood is high quality, such as the wood found in heritage homes, simply refurbish the wood. However, if your basement stairs have cheaper tiles that are badly damaged, add new tiles. Paint concrete stairs a new funky color, or add a well-installed carpet runner for additional style and warmth.

Rail and Hardware

• The railing and hardware of your basement stairs is often another area that could use improvement. Order a new rail, in your choice of metal or wood, custom-made. If you're short on funds, you can simply freshen the stain on an existing rail. Update the hardware (the knob on your basement door and any hardware on your stairs) while fixing up the rail.

Paint and Wallpaper

• Give the walls adjacent to your basement stairs a bold new look with a fresh coat of paint or wallpaper. If your basement has limited lighting, keep the colors within the light to medium range. If your basement stairs are well lit, feel free to incorporate darker tones and colors. A funky or retro pattern, such as a damask wallpaper in black and white, also works well for the stairwell wall.

Decor

• Freshen up your basement stairs with a splash of decor, including artwork, photography or mounted memories. Move a few select pieces of artwork from your home to the wall of your basement stairs, or frame a few favorite family photos to place on the wall. Another decor idea is placing shadowboxes of treasured family items, such as sporting medals or baby boots, on the mall leading into your basement. As guests and family members walk down your stairs to the recreation room or guest room, they can catch a glimpse of definite conversation starters.