Stairs and hallways do so much work in a small home, but they’re often the last places we decorate. In my tiny apartments, these “pass-through” spots ended up being the easiest way to add style fast—without taking up precious floor space.
Wallpaper on One Hallway Wall
A patterned wallpaper (or removable version) on one hallway wall looks amazing when it continues into the stairwell sightline. I’ve done this just on the stair-adjacent wall, and it made the whole staircase feel like it belonged to the home’s style.
Possibly handy products:
- Peel and Stick Geometric Wallpaper: Refresh your hallway quickly with this removable option that mimics the elegant, patterned look of traditional wallpaper.
- Wallpaper Smoothing Tool Kit: Ensure a professional, bubble-free finish on your stairwell accent wall with these essential application tools.
- White Wainscoting Wall Panels: Create the classic paneled look shown on the staircase to perfectly frame your new wallpaper design.
Staircase Gallery Wall
My go-to for decorating stairs is a gallery wall that climbs with the steps, because it makes the stairwell feel intentional instead of empty. I keep frames in a tight color palette so the whole hallway-to-stairs transition looks pulled together.
Give these a look:
- Set of Wood Picture Frames: Create a cohesive look with matching wood frames that naturally complement your staircase’s existing architectural details.
- Gallery Wall Hanging Template Kit: Simplify installation on angled stairwells by using a template kit to plan your layout before hammering.
- Pre-Cut Picture Mat Boards: Elevate your prints instantly by adding crisp white mats, giving your artwork a professional, custom-framed appearance.
A Stair Runner With Contrast
A stair runner instantly softens the look (and sound) of stairs, and it makes the hallway feel more finished when you can see the stairs from the entry. In my place, a simple neutral runner with a darker border hid scuffs way better than plain carpet.
Possibly helpful picks:
- Sisal Stair Runner with Border: Add texture and style to your staircase with a durable runner that features a contrasting border.
- Double-Sided Carpet Tape: Secure your runner safely in place to prevent slips and ensure a smooth, professional-looking installation.
- Stair Runner Installation Kit: Make DIY installation easier with the right tools, including a bolster chisel and staple gun.
Two-Tone Paint or Panel Look
I love doing two-tone paint in the hallway and up the stair wall because it adds structure without adding furniture. I’ve used a deeper color on the bottom to survive shoe and bag bumps near the stairs.
Some ideas to consider:
- Beadboard Paneling or Wallpaper: Instantly add texture and traditional charm to your hallway walls with easy-to-install beadboard panels or wallpapers.
- Painter’s Tape for Clean Lines: Create sharp, professional-looking transitions between your two paint colors with high-quality, reliable masking tape.
- Terracotta or Deep Rust Paint: Refresh your stairway with a warm, durable bottom color that hides scuffs and adds rich character.
Slim Console at the Stair Base
If your hallway meets the stairs, a narrow console table gives you a landing spot for keys and mail without blocking traffic. I style mine with one tray and one tall item so it looks curated, not cluttered, every time I walk past the stairs.
Try these:
- Narrow Metal Console Table: Create an airy, modern look in tight spaces with a sleek console that won’t overcrowd your hallway.
- Decorative Tray: Keep your essentials organized and add texture to your table with a stylish, natural-material serving tray.
- Large Glass Vase: Add height and elegance to your console display with a clear glass vase perfect for dried botanicals.
Coordinated Entry Rug and Stair Mat
I like a small hallway rug at the bottom of the stairs that coordinates with the runner above, so the whole zone reads as one design moment. In my 450 sq ft setup, that little repeat of pattern made the stairs feel “planned,” not patched together.
Some handy options:
- Geometric Pattern Cotton Rug: Add a modern touch to your entryway with a patterned rug that creates a welcoming focal point.
- Non-Slip Rug Pad Gripper: Keep your hallway accents securely in place and prevent slips with a durable, low-profile rug pad.
- Matching Stair Treads Set: Extend your design theme upward by installing coordinating stair treads for added traction and visual continuity.
Greenery on Steps and Landings
A tall plant at the bottom of the stairs and a smaller one on the landing makes the hallway feel alive without taking over the walkway. I keep mine in simple pots so the greenery softens all the hard lines of stairs and corners.
Products that could assist:
- Large Textured Plant Pot: Anchor your staircase design with a neutral, textured planter that adds style without overwhelming your hallway space.
- Live Monstera Deliciosa Plant: Instantly bring life to empty corners by adding this dramatic, easy-care tropical plant to your home entrance.
- Minimalist Plant Stand: Elevate your greenery to catch the light and create layered visual interest on your staircase landing area.
Decorative Riser Stripes
For a fun twist, I’ve painted subtle stripes on stair risers to echo a hallway color scheme without adding anything bulky. It’s one of those details people notice while walking up the stairs, and it makes the whole hall feel customized.
These products might help:
- Painter’s Tape for Precision Lines: Achieve crisp, clean lines for your custom stripes without paint bleeding onto your white risers.
- Stair Riser Decals with Striped Patterns: Skip the painting process entirely by applying easy-to-use peel-and-stick vinyl decals to your risers.
- Non-Slip Striped Stair Treads: Add safety and style simultaneously with carpet treads that mimic the painted stripe aesthetic shown.
Painted “Runner” on the Stairs
When a runner wasn’t in my budget, I painted a fake stair runner right down the middle with clean edges for a bold look. It tied into my hallway trim color, and bonus: it was way easier to wipe clean than fabric.
Check these products out:
- Painter’s Tape for Crisp Lines: Ensure perfectly straight edges for your painted runner; this tape helps protect adjacent surfaces while creating professional-looking borders.
- Porch and Floor Paint: Choose a durable, scuff-resistant paint designed specifically for high-traffic floor areas to keep your stair runner looking fresh.
- Stencil for Patterned Details: Add character to your painted runner by using a durable stencil to create repetitive geometric or floral designs easily.
