Staircase and landing ideas: runners, banisters, walls and light
Quick answer
The best staircase and landing ideas combine safety with character: a stair runner or painted treads, a painted or restored banister, panelling or a bold colour up the stairwell, wall lights that rise with the stairs, and a gallery of pictures [3][4]. Any change to the stairs themselves must still meet Building Regulations on handrails and guarding [1][2].
Stairs and landings are seen by everyone, every day, and are often the least considered part of a house. They are also a safety-critical part of it. These ideas cover the treads, the balustrade, the walls, the light and the landing.
Treads and runners
- A runner with stair rods is classic, quieter and safer than bare painted wood.
- Painted treads and risers are cheap: try a colour on the risers and a darker tread.
- Restore original timber if you can; Victorian stairs were often pine meant to be painted at the edges [5].
- Contrasting nosings help people see the edge of each step [2].
Banisters and balustrades
Paint the banister and spindles in a contrasting colour, or strip a mahogany handrail back to its timber. If you are altering the balustrade, the Building Regulations (Approved Document K) set minimum handrail heights and limit gaps so a 100mm sphere cannot pass through [1].
Walls of the stairwell
- Panelling that follows the rake of the stairs; see panelling guide.
- A dado rail at handrail height, darker below.
- A bold wallpaper all the way up.
- A gallery of pictures; see gallery wall planning.
Lighting the stairs
Stairs should be lit evenly so that every tread can be seen, with switches at top and bottom [2][3]. Wall lights that step up with the stair are both beautiful and practical, and low-level step lights add drama. Read staircase lighting rules.
Landing ideas
| Idea | Why |
|---|---|
| Reading chair | A wide landing is perfect for a reading corner. |
| Console and lamp | A warm glow at night. |
| Ceiling rose | Landings often had roses in Victorian houses [4]. |
| Overdoor pediments | Make the doors off the landing a feature. |
| Runner | Continue the stair runner along the landing. |
A full staircase makeover with panelling and a runner [6].
Video: Shade Shannon, “STAIRCASE MAKEOVER with DIY PANELLING | Stair Runner | Shade Shannon”, via YouTube.
Good to know
Common questions
How can I make my staircase look nicer?
Add a runner or painted treads, paint the banister, panel or colour the stairwell, add wall lights and hang a gallery of pictures.
What are the rules for stair balustrades?
Approved Document K sets minimum handrail and guarding heights and limits gaps so a 100mm sphere cannot pass through.
How should stairs be lit?
Evenly, with switches at top and bottom and shaded fittings to avoid glare.
What can I do with a landing?
Add a reading chair, a console and lamp, a runner, a ceiling rose or pediments over the doors.
Sources
References and further reading
Harvard style. Web pages were checked on the access date shown.
- Livingetc (n.d.) 9 staircase regulations you need to keep in mind for homes in the UK. Available at: www.livingetc.com/advice/staircase-regulations-uk (Accessed: 14 November 2026).
- Health and Safety Executive (n.d.) Reducing the risk of falls on stairs. Available at: www.hse.gov.uk/healthServices/slips/reducing-risks-stairs... (Accessed: 14 November 2026).
- Society of Light and Lighting (2018) SLL Lighting Handbook. London: CIBSE.
- Calloway, S. and Cromley, E. (eds) (1996) The elements of style: a practical encyclopedia of interior architectural details from 1485 to the present. Rev. edn. London: Mitchell Beazley.
- Muthesius, S. (1982) The English terraced house. New Haven and London: Yale University Press.
- Shade Shannon (n.d.) Staircase makeover with DIY panelling | stair runner [Video]. YouTube. Available at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILAtGwzwGCA (Accessed: 14 November 2026).
How to cite this article
van Locke, J. (2026) ‘Staircase and landing ideas: runners, banisters, walls and light’, The Flare Journal. Flare Studio UK. Available at: https://flarestudio.uk/blogs/journal/staircase-and-landing-ideas (Accessed: 15 November 2026).
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