These DIY Painted Stairs Projects Are Amazing…and Affordable!
Stair Makeovers can be a very difficult and expensive proposition. Perhaps that’s why over the years, our DIY painted stairs tutorial has always been one of our most popular.
Painting stairs is a much simpler, and more inexpensive way to rehabilitate a staircase than any of the other alternatives I know of. And believe me, we’ve tried A LOT of different (and costly) staircase makeovers.
Not only that, but the end result can be stunning. If you’re looking for painted stairs ideas, you’ve come to the right place.
Today, you’ll see over 40 beautiful examples of DIY painted stairs projects, to help you decide if you want to tackle this project in your own home, and if so, what look for your stairs you’d like to achieve!
Once you’ve decided, you can head to the tutorial, as well as the painted stairs update post so you can check out how our painted stairs have held up over several years of use! No sense tackling a DIY project unless you know that it is durable will hold up over time, right?
Here’s a little video preview of some of these amazing staircase transformations!
40+ DIY Painted Stairs Projects That Are Totally Stare-worthy:
1. Stare-Worthy Painted Stairs | The Heathered Nest
If you’re looking for a definitive guide to how to paint stairs, we’ve got it for you. A painted stairs tutorial about the whole process for painting your own stairs, from beginning to a beautiful end.
And not only do we have the tutorial for you, but a post detailing how these painted stairs have held up over the years! So if you’re nervous about diving into this DIY project, head to those posts first before scrolling on through this stare-worthy eye candy!
And if painting stairs is a project that you know you want to tackle…
Click here or below. I’ll send your free printable stair painting project guide immediately⤵
2. Miami Vice (in New Orleans) | Logan Killen Interiors
Make your staircase a work of art…with paint! A color scheme with pastels can show off a feminine, tropical, or even 1980’s vibe. Any way you look at them, these stairs look terrific.
And notice that it’s not just the treads and risers that can get this fun pop of color…consider painting your balusters, newel post, and bannister, too! Consider the entire stairwell your canvas for creativity!
3. Fabric Stair Risers | Plaster & Disaster for Remodelaholic
This is such a creative idea for a staircase makeover. No, it’s not painted, but the favorite crafting supply they used to apply the fabric treatment is painted on…so this fits in an obtuse kind of way. This same look could also be achieved with blue paint and a stencil.
The point is that this is a low-cost, easy option for rehabbing your stairs, and because it’s fabric, the options for achieving the look you want are truly endless!
4. Sunshine on My Staircase | zilverblauw
You’ve heard of sunshine on my shoulders? Here’s sunshine on your staircase ☀️. This space is all about happy hues, and I for one am here for it!
5. Painted Stair Runner | Take The Side Street for Remodelaholic
This is a similar treatment to our own staircase makeover but in a really fun and bolder color.
6. Because one rainbow is never enough | At Home with Ashley
All the different colors take an otherwise nondescript hallway and up the wow factor exponentially. If rainbow stairs don’t put a smile on your face as a guest, or as a homeowner, I don’t know what will!
7. DIY Chevron Painted Stairs | Amber B Design
Want to up your paint game? Try adding a painted pattern to your risers! This DIY’ers mom added this treatment to her steps using a tutorial on the Home Depot blog.
8. Staircase Side B | Design Central Project
Got a staircase you can see from the flip side? Don’t be afraid to paint it, too! This is such a fun way to add a little more pizazz and personality to otherwise white stairs.
Before you break out your paintbrush and head to your stairs, make your life easier…
Get your free copy of the printable instructions and supply list for this project!⤵️
9. Navy Stripe Painted Stairs | The Other Side of Neutral
The great thing about a painted stairs makeover is that you can paint ANY color you want! The options are endless. This navy stripe is so pretty, right? Not a navy gal? Try black stairs instead…they are classic, and a bit dramatic to boot!
10. Pretty in Pink | According to Karen B
Dark, dingy stairwell? Brighten it up with some pretty pink paint!
11. Magnolia Green Painted Stairs | The Crazy Craft Lady
Paint the risers, only. Paint the treads only. Or paint them both! And why not green? Don’t you love the green chosen for these steps?
12. Easy Black & White Painted Stairs | Maison de Pax
Black and white never goes out of style, right? This is a great option for resale, too.
13. Numbered Farmhouse Stairs | Liz Marie Blog
Liz Marie has painted floors throughout her entire home, and the treatment didn’t stop on the stairs.
Don’t you love this fun little numbered effect she added here to her painted stairs finished in a lovely warm white?
14. Painted Spindles | Design Central Project
Love that numbered look, but you want something slightly more subtle? Check out this numbered stairs stringer!
15. Black Painted Stairs | Style to Move
Dial up the drama. Paint your risers black instead of the more standard white. And I love that the banisters/handrails were painted to match the risers, as well.
16. Roll Out The Red Carpet | Oxfordone
Be the star in your own home as you stroll down (and up) your very own red carpet painted stairs treatment every day.
17. DIY Stained Wood Staircase | Thrifty Decor Chick
Staining is a budget-friendly option for finishing your stairs, too. But be aware that not all wood stains equally. Only certain wood types work well with stain.
Oak treads are fairly common in the world of staircases, and they take stain well. But if your stairs are a less expensive type of wood, like pine? This may not be the best option for you.
Definitely spot test a tread first before diving headlong into a stain project. Many kinds of wood will take the stain unevenly, and you’ll be left with a splotchy mess on your stairs.
18. DIY Painted & Stained Staircase | Little House on the Corner
Isn’t this a pretty dramatic before and after shot? And the best part is that this is accomplished with PAINT!
Paint is like a magic wand. You only pay about $30 a gallon, and the results it can leave you with are priceless.
19. Wild & Wonderful | Quirk and Rescue
No holding back. These painted stairs went ALL the way. If there was such a thing as gutsy stairs, these would be it.
20. Painted Wooden Crate Stairs | Funky Junk Interiors
Donna from Funky Junk went all out on her stair makeover. These steps are uniquely her. Would you be bold enough to give your stairs a personalized look? Well, I’d encourage you to really think on it! Why WOULDN’T you? Renting? OK, this probably isn’t a wise choice.
But if you’re living in your forever home…or a home you’ll be in for a long while, then take the opportunity to make it YOUR OWN! Your home should be a reflection of your personality and story, and that’s why these stairs are amazing, I think!
21. Bright White Painted Stairway | A Beautiful Mess
Scared to paint something that will be underfoot white? Don’t be that unnerved.
They make paints, especially for floors. Their whole job is to hold up to foot traffic…white, black, or any color in between.
22. Grain-Sack Inspired Painted Stairs | Country Living
A different take on a painted runner. Try a painted grain sack effect, like seen in this example at Country Living (linked photo from Leslee Mitchell). It’s basically a light, solid-color with three center blue lines painted to give the look of a vintage grain sack, similar to these real examples:
23. Chalk Painted Wood Stairs | BBFrosch
Looks harder than it is!! Aren’t these painted stairs enviable?! Check out how these stair risers were finished with chalk paint and stencils. You may want to give this a whirl, too!
24. Painted Concrete Stairs | Proverbs 31 Girl
Painted stairs don’t HAVE to be on wood! Check out these DIY painted stairs on concrete steps! YES! There’s paint for concrete, too!
Don’t leave here empty-handed! Get your instant,
25. Victorian Stairs Update | Andrea Curtis Designs
26. Teal Ombre Painted Stairs | A Kailo Chic Life
Everything Kara tackles on her blog is colorful, which is one reason I adore her style. She painted these ombre stairs years ago…and I know she did something with the railings afterward as well, but I can’t find a pic for the life of me.
27. Colorful Hand Painted Stairs | Allen Design Studio
Be original, be YOU…even on your stairs! You’re the one who goes up and down those suckers every. single. day! Why not inspire yourself, and others as you climb them?
Love this inspirational quote and mural-type paint job on this totally unique painted stairs project.
28. Re-finished & Modernized Painted Oak Stairs | Seaside Sundays
This DIY’er got quotes for having her stairs refinished, and when she heard the price point (if you haven’t had this experience, keep a friend trained in CPR nearby) she decided to take on her stairs makeover as a personal project.
She painted all the spindles as well as the exterior of the staircase a crisp white, which brought the look much more up to date.
Be prepared though, painting spindles is NOT for the faint-hearted or those without time to kill. It takes a loooooong time. MUCH longer than it takes to complete the treads and risers.
Worth it though? Well…get a quote for having it done for you first, then YOU be the judge!
29. DIY Numbered Staircase Makeover | Kaleidoscope Living
Tasha replaced her treads using a product made to do just that, easily resurface treads. Then she painted and stenciled the numbers on her staircase for a chic, updated look.
30. DIY Painted Stairs & Stair Runner | Just Call Me Homegirl
This DIY is kind of a blend of two great worlds. People are often nervous about painting stairs because of the slippery-factor. Now, to be honest, in our experience, painted treads are no more slippery than stained treads. But people choose to add stair runners all the time, and it’s a great idea either way.
Giving the treads and risers a quick paint job, then adding a carpet runner is much quicker than painting one on, and achieves the same look, PLUS gives you that extra slip-protection, if that’s something bothering you about heading down the DIY painted stairs path.
31. ‘Welcome’ Painted Garage Stairs | Shine Your Light
Add a message to your painted stairs project! What a fun way to welcome friends and family into your home!
32. Bright Green Painted Garage Stairs | Shine Your Light
Feeling green with envy? Don’t be! Try this yourself! Garage steps are a great place to try your hand at painted stairs. Garage stairs are most often made from very inexpensive kinds of wood, so they won’t take well to stain.
Rather than leaving them naked, try some paint! And don’t be shy! There are so many colors out there, so pick your favorite, grab your paintbrush, and GO FOR IT!
33. Floral Wallpaper Flair | Tanners Home
A sweet floral wallpaper added to treads…isn’t this a great look for a romantic country home?
34. Painted Stairs with Vinyl Lettering | Bella Tucker
Here’s the literal staircase to heaven, done with paint and vinyl lettering.
35. Modern Painted Entrance Staircase Makeover | Grillo Designs
My friend Medina rents her flat, so this was her renter-friendly staircase makeover solution, done with paint.
36. It’s Easy Being Green | Sour Jones
Well, I’m not sure who said it’s not easy being green, because these green stairs are sure easy on the eyes, aren’t they?
37. Pantone Painted Stairs | Marly Gommans
Don’t you adore the Pantone color chart added to these ombre steps?
38. Teal Ombre Stairs | Mommy Shorts
A none-to-serious stair treatment is perfect for basement steps.
39. Beadboard Risers | Beneath My Heart
Adding simple, clean beadboard to your risers, then painting them a crisp white is a beautiful idea as seen here.
40. Pink Ombre is Everything | Arsenic Lace
Coupled with the bold wallpaper? These pink stairs are so perfect.
41. Chalk it up to AWESOME | Banyan Bridges
Racheal Jackson’s before and after of her staircase is unbelievable! Make sure you check out the BEFORE. And she painted them with chalk paint!
42. Rainbow Punchy Painted Stairs | Meg Duerksen
Yes, this is one of several rainbow-treated staircases here on display, but what’s not to love?! The perfect staircase to end this post on. Proof that stairs can be painted in ANY or EVERY color, and end up looking great!
So remember, the sky’s the limit when it comes to your DIY painted stairs makeover projects. Well, maybe not the sky, but at very least, the second floor. Now go grab a paintbrush and head to the tutorial to find out ALL you need to know about trying one of these painted stair projects STAT.
On the hunt for some more DIY ideas and budget-friendly home decorating inspiration? Be sure to check out these articles, too!
Pin this post for later! And if you make one, leave a comment (or better yet, a photo) on the pin! That helps others know whether they want to try this project, too!
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CLAUDE BLASCOS says
Très belles réalisations, originales et innovantes. Bravo
Juste une question ces peintures peuvent elles s’appliquer sur un escalier en
carrelage. Merci
Connie says
Love all of these stairs. Mine have been painted in various ways since the mid 1980s. Just recently they were repainted with a soft beige and a number stenciled in the middle of the tread and a line of small stars on each end. I’ve always wanted to paint our very rustic stairs at our cabin similar to Funky Junk’s crate stairs. Hoping to get it done soon!
Jody says
Bought an 1850 farmhouse. I really do not want to paint but the flowered material is right up my future staircase.
Ethan Mills says
Wow some of these stairs are really cool, and some of them are really ‘out there’ but I like it! I have been looking for a way to bring something new into my home that I don’t see very often and this would be awesome.