Stairway wall ideas

These smart staircase wall ideas will help you create a space to pass by with interest, rather than letting the decor go unnoticed. 'The wall at the top of the stairs can lend itself to many different types of art or mirror installations,' says Jenny Allan, founder of Jenny Allan Design, on Instagram at @jennyallandesign (opens in new tab).

'It is important to measure out all the proportions given the double height in a stairwell, so a standard size piece of art may well not be suitable.

Gallery walls of art can work very well and are often popular in staircases, as well as sculptural pieces or a large statement canvas.' But by adding suitable items to these areas it helps the overall scheme of a house feel cohesive and well thought through.' Make even more of style statement with this idea by adding colour to the panelling or pattern to the wall above, with a characterful wallpaper.

In an already narrow stairwell you can't be worried about making the space feel enclosed. Use the direction of the stairs to dictate the layout of your chosen wall art running alongside the staircase. Run a slither of contrasting colour paint below to go one step further for framing both the stairs and your chosen wall display. Add a fun element to a blank space with the introduction of a playful wall mural. For a less formal feel mix and match frames and prints to create a less structured gallery wall idea that shows some personality. Simple and affordable stairway wall ideas, such as this one, allow you to add flashes of bold accent colours to contrast the decor surrounding the prints.

In this primarily monochrome scheme pops of pink and red go a long way to gain attention in the decorative space. To keep things simple in a small hallway stick to minimal decoration on the walls.

Add purely functional and paired back accessories to the walls so as not to distract from the tranquil, clutter-free vibes.

This white hallway space consists of an on-trend round mirror and a slim shelf for keys, a few knick knacks and a potted plant.

Enhance a stairway's decor in an instant by adding a show-stopping wallpaper idea on the most dominant wall. Wallpapering a hallway or landing space requires great care and long ladders to reach the top.

Use the walls within that space to mount motivational artwork and storage cubes to make it feel more like an office. It also houses a clever hallway shoe storage idea in the form of open shelving with cupboards above. The space would otherwise be unused, making it a valuable zone to utilise for such a functional purpose.

In this light-deprived stairwell a narrow window has been added to welcome a slither of light to the setting.

'When adding a window to a stairwell you need to appoint a qualified builder who will be able to check the building regulations for your property,' explains Ryan Schofield, Director, Thames Valley Window Company (opens in new tab). 'It’s important to note that you will require planning approval for any windows above the ground floor, whether your property is listed or not.'

'Your builder will need to remove existing brickwork and install a Calculated lintel for structural support. 'The cost of installing a stairwell window will vary depending on the size, material and glazing option. Enliven the area at the top of the stairs with a feature hallway wallpaper idea. Try turning that theory on its head by using the space more efficiently with wall-mounted storage units. Take an alternative approach to painting a staircase by highlighting the stairs in a bold accent colour, such as this jolly yellow example. It is contrasted beautifully by a serene grey shade on the top half of the wall.

Visit charity shops and boot sales to pick up a selection of traditional mirror treasures. Creating a feature wall of frames in a small staircase invites a mix of materials matching those that surround the space.

Rather than it all being matchy mathcy and too overpowering the wooden touches are balanced with white, grey and gilded accents.

Use the walls at the top of your stairway to provide surprising storage, as overspill from the rooms beyond. Although the look is busy it adds a depth to the layout because the right paper can be convincing enough to think there's an added layer of storage. If space allows, an occasional chair or even a stylish chaise can give the area a cosy and put together feel.

Landings can sometimes be dark spaces so having a table lamp or mirrors on the walls can make the area feel brighter and more welcoming.'