Adding wallpaper to stair risers is an easy and affordable way to give your home a bold, stylish update. It’s a unique way to infuse personality into an often-overlooked area, allowing you to experiment with patterns, colors, and textures. Whether you prefer a vibrant, patterned look or a more subtle design, wallpapered stair risers can transform your staircase into a stunning focal point.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create your own DIY wallpapered stair risers.
Materials:
- Wallpaper (self-adhesive or traditional)
- Measuring tape
- Scissors or utility knife
- Wallpaper adhesive (if using traditional wallpaper)
- Wallpaper smoother or a soft cloth
- Sponge or damp cloth for cleaning
- Ruler or straight edge
- Paint (optional, to touch up the edges or sides of the stairs)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Choose Your Wallpaper
- Select a design: The fun part of this project is picking out the wallpaper that fits your style. You can opt for bold patterns, geometric designs, florals, or even a textured wallpaper. For a cohesive look, choose one pattern for all the risers, or mix and match complementary designs for a more eclectic vibe.
- Self-adhesive or traditional: Self-adhesive (peel-and-stick) wallpaper is the easiest to work with and requires no additional glue. If you’re using traditional wallpaper, make sure to purchase wallpaper adhesive and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying it.
2. Measure the Stair Risers
- Measure each riser: Use a measuring tape to measure the height and width of each stair riser. Stair risers can vary slightly in size, so it’s important to measure each one individually to ensure the wallpaper fits perfectly.
- Cut the wallpaper: Once you have your measurements, cut the wallpaper into strips that fit the size of each riser. Add a small amount of extra length to allow for slight adjustments.
3. Prepare the Stairs
- Clean the risers: Before applying the wallpaper, clean the stair risers with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dust, dirt, or grease. Let them dry completely before continuing.
- Paint the edges (optional): If the edges of your stairs need a refresh, now is a good time to touch up the sides or top of the risers with paint that complements your wallpaper design.
4. Apply the Wallpaper
- Peel and stick (for self-adhesive wallpaper): If you’re using peel-and-stick wallpaper, start by peeling off a small section of the backing paper. Line up the top of the wallpaper strip with the top edge of the riser, and gradually press the wallpaper into place while peeling off the backing as you go. Use a wallpaper smoother or soft cloth to press out any air bubbles and ensure a smooth, even application.
- Traditional wallpaper: If you’re using traditional wallpaper, apply a thin, even layer of wallpaper adhesive to the back of the wallpaper strip or directly onto the stair riser. Press the wallpaper onto the riser and smooth it out with a wallpaper smoother, working from the top down. Wipe away any excess adhesive with a damp cloth.
5. Trim the Excess
- Cut any overhang: Once the wallpaper is applied, use a utility knife or scissors to carefully trim away any excess wallpaper that extends beyond the edges of the riser. Use a straight edge or ruler to guide your cuts for a clean, professional finish.
6. Repeat for Each Riser
- Continue the process: Repeat the process for each stair riser, taking care to align patterns if you’re using patterned wallpaper. If you’re mixing and matching different designs, decide on the order beforehand to create a balanced and harmonious look.
Styling Tips:
- Cohesive color scheme: To create a cohesive look, choose wallpaper in colors that complement the existing color palette of your home. Soft neutrals, pastels, or bold patterns can all work, depending on your style.
- Mix and match patterns: If you love an eclectic look, consider using different wallpaper patterns on each riser. Choose designs that share a similar color palette to ensure that the different patterns still work together harmoniously.
- Ombre effect: For a modern twist, try creating an ombre effect by using different shades of the same color on each riser, with the lightest color at the top of the stairs and the darkest at the bottom.
Finishing Touches:
- Seal the wallpaper (optional): If your stairs get a lot of foot traffic or you’re concerned about wear and tear, you can apply a clear, water-based sealant over the wallpaper to protect it. This is particularly helpful if the wallpaper is located in a high-traffic area or if you have kids or pets.
- Coordinate with decor: To tie the staircase into the rest of your decor, consider adding complementary elements, such as a new stair runner, decorative lighting, or framed artwork in the hallway or landing area.
Where to Use Wallpapered Stair Risers:
- Main staircase: Wallpapered stair risers are an excellent way to make the staircase in your entryway or main living area a focal point.
- Basement or attic stairs: If you want to add personality to your basement or attic, applying wallpaper to the risers is a simple way to bring life and style to otherwise plain stairs.
- Children’s playroom: For a playful touch, use fun, colorful wallpaper designs on the stairs leading to a children’s playroom or bedroom.
Final Thoughts:
DIY wallpapered stair risers are an easy and creative way to personalize your home and add a unique design element to your staircase. Whether you choose a bold pattern, a soft texture, or a mix of designs, this project can transform your stairs from ordinary to extraordinary. With a bit of time and creativity, you’ll have a stunning staircase that reflects your style and adds a touch of personality to your home.