13 Stunning Painted Stairs Ideas

A spacious home entryway with a Victorian-style gray painted staircase, a cerulean blue accent wall, light gray walls and front door, and antique wooden storage chests. A spacious home entryway with a Victorian-style gray painted staircase, a cerulean blue accent wall, light gray walls and front door, and antique wooden storage chests.

Make a statement with painted stairs! Your staircase is a high-profile area that provides plenty of possibilities to use color in exciting, creative ways.

A stairway is a main focal point in your home, and together with your entryway, sets the tone for your home’s overall look. With its many distinct parts, it offers a unique opportunity for creativity.

You can experiment with colors to make a personalized statement. By thoughtfully selecting hues for the risers, treads, balusters, and more, you can transform an ordinary staircase into an eye-catching centerpiece.

Explore these painted stairs ideas and let them inspire your designs. Whether you prefer bold colors or subtle hues, there’s a design that will elevate your space.

The Best Paint for Stairs and Color Ideas for Any Stairway

Painting your staircase yourself? Remember that careful cleaning and priming of all stair surfaces before painting is essential for the best results. Use high-quality paints with a durable sheen—like Benjamin Moore Floor & Patio for the treads and Advance® Interior Paint for other surfaces—to withstand the constant traffic that stairs receive.

When you are ready to choose colors for your stairway, lean on the free Benjamin Moore Color Portfolio® App, which empowers you to test out different color ideas virtually. You can also order paint color swatches or 8 oz. paint color samples online or from your locally owned Benjamin Moore store, so you can “try on” stair paint colors before you buy.

A staircase diagram and terminology.
Expand   Expand
A bright white painted staircase with wood steps and a white upper wall is open to a hallway with a navy blue wall, leading to a back room with turquoise chairs. A bright white painted staircase with wood steps and a white upper wall is open to a hallway with a navy blue wall, leading to a back room with turquoise chairs.

1. Airy and White Painted Stairs

White paint colors never go out of style. From your entryway to your home office, white hues instantly brighten, making the space feel more open and airy. It has the same effect on a staircase.

Here, by painting the risers and baseboard in Decorator’s White OC-149 to match the walls, the staircase becomes an integrated part of the space rather than a dominant feature. The wall under the stairs is painted in Downpour Blue 2063-20, a playful navy shade that captures a nautical vibe.

A pretty, navy-blue painted entryway staircase with a wood handrail and newel post next to a bluish gray painted wall with white trim, and a coatrack at the bottom of the stairs. A pretty, navy-blue painted entryway staircase with a wood handrail and newel post next to a bluish gray painted wall with white trim, and a coatrack at the bottom of the stairs.

2. Bold, Dark Painted Stairs

Painting your stairs a bold, dark color adds sophistication and drama to your space. This choice creates a strong visual impact, making the staircase a striking centerpiece.

Here, the dark shade of Hale Navy HC-154 on the treads, risers, and balusters provides a pleasing contrast to Decorator’s White OC-149 on the baseboard. The result is classic yet stylish.

A small staircase with wood steps and railing, and white painted risers in the corner of a sunlit room with a white wall and ceiling, a light purple accent wall, and rattan chair. A small staircase with wood steps and railing, and white painted risers in the corner of a sunlit room with a white wall and ceiling, a light purple accent wall, and rattan chair.

3. A Colorful Accent Wall with White Painted Stairs

An accent wall adds dimension to a room since the eye is immediately drawn to it. To amplify the effect, paint the surfaces around the accent wall a shade of white.

Here, bright White Heron OC-57 on the stairs, wall, and ceiling creates the perfect backdrop for New Age 1444 on the accent wall. This understated light purple hue with gray undertones becomes the center of attention against its subtle surroundings.

An open wood staircase and landing features white painted risers and black metal handrails in a white painted room with a blue-gray shiplap accent wall and a window. An open wood staircase and landing features white painted risers and black metal handrails in a white painted room with a blue-gray shiplap accent wall and a window.

4. Accent Colors on the Landing

A staircase landing area is a great place to add a touch of personal style with a gallery wall, statement mirror, or lush potted plants.

Tap into the power of paint color to enhance your landing even further. We love walls that use distinguished neutrals against white paint and black trim, as seen here in Smokestack Gray 2131-40. Other eye-catching colors to consider for a landing wall against white hues include teal-toned Blue Danube 2062-30, deep red Dinner Party AF-300, and York Harbor Yellow 2154-40, a playful, mellow yellow.

This neutral-colored curved staircase features dark brown painted treads, tan risers, a dark tan painted wall with a dark wood handrail, and a white baseboard and molding. This neutral-colored curved staircase features dark brown painted treads, tan risers, a dark tan painted wall with a dark wood handrail, and a white baseboard and molding.

5. Coordinated Neutral Painted Stairs

Neutral colors work well for connector spaces like staircases and hallways, as they are often adjacent to rooms in other colors. Here, painting the treads French Press AF-170 and the risers in Hush AF-95 balances the Frappe AF-85 painted wall and lends interest without overpowering the color schemes in nearby rooms.

Using Steam AF-15 on the baseboard adds contrast and elegance to this traditional look.

A pretty, green painted staircase with shells and slippers on top of each step, contrasts nicely against an off-white painted wall and trim. A pretty, green painted staircase with shells and slippers on top of each step, contrasts nicely against an off-white painted wall and trim.

6. Contrast Walls with Painted Stairs

Add depth and interest to your staircase by painting your stairs a color that contrasts with the walls. Painting your treads and risers in one color creates a sleek look. Here, the dark yet crisp shade of Webster Green HC-130 gives a strong contrast to creamy Monterey White HC-27 painted on the walls and trim.

Painting the stairs in a single color makes the steep staircase appear larger and less cluttered. Beachy elements grace each step, inviting guests to explore the second floor of this seaside retreat.

This pretty home foyer features an open wood staircase with dark green painted risers and white spindles, a dark green door and trim, and white walls with gold-framed mirrors. This pretty home foyer features an open wood staircase with dark green painted risers and white spindles, a dark green door and trim, and white walls with gold-framed mirrors.

7. Sleek Contrast Between Dark Painted Stairs and Pale Walls

Creating contrast between your staircase and walls adds drama and intrigue to your home, as is the case in this English Heritage-inspired foyer.

The walls, including those on the stairway and at the top of the stairs, are painted with Cotton Balls OC-122, a go-to bright white. The neutrality provides a stark contrast to Peale Green HC-121, an earthy forest green, on the risers. The light walls amplify natural light, making the space feel open and airy, while the dark stairs provide depth and grounding.

Dark blue painted corner walls with simple decor create a rich, monochromatic look next to a small light black painted staircase. Dark blue painted corner walls with simple decor create a rich, monochromatic look next to a small light black painted staircase.

8. Monochromatic Paint for Stairs

A monochromatic color scheme creates drama and adds dimension to a room. This approach could include a single color or multiple shades of the same hue. Painting your stairs in a monochromatic palette can enhance visual interest and make a slight staircase, as pictured here, seem mighty.

Raccoon Fur 2126-20, an inky violet, envelops the stairs and blends nicely with Newburyport Blue HC-155 on the walls. A light fixture in a similar hue hangs gracefully from above.

A light gray and white painted foyer features a staircase with alternating light- and dark-gray painted risers, white treads and railing, a white painted floor, and tan tufted sofa. A light gray and white painted foyer features a staircase with alternating light- and dark-gray painted risers, white treads and railing, a white painted floor, and tan tufted sofa.

9. Alternating Paint Colors for Stair Risers

Using two distinct paint colors on alternating stair risers adds a playful touch. In this traditional foyer, the wall color in the adjacent hallway, Feather Gray 2127-60, is repeated on the stairway, alternating with Pike’s Peak Gray 2127-50. The trim and treads are painted in Snow White OC-66.

Other paint color combinations we love for stair risers include complementary colors Buttered Yam AF-230 and blue-gray Solitude AF-545, and the monochromatic pairing of Revere Pewter HC-172 and Cotswold AF-150, both neutral hues.

A rustic-style open staircase with white painted steps and a natural wood railing and newel post, next to a white wall. A rustic-style open staircase with white painted steps and a natural wood railing and newel post, next to a white wall.

10. Rustic Accents on White Painted Stairs

Pronounced contrast lends emphasis. This staircase is kept open and airy in bright off-white Ice Mist OC-67 to tie it to the Simply White OC-117 wall, while the rustic post and railing are left as natural wood. The effect is a modern farmhouse style that sets the stage for rustic accents elsewhere in the home.

A sunlit home entryway with turquoise blue painted walls, a white shiplap ceiling and doors, white trim, and a fun turquoise blue and white painted staircase. A sunlit home entryway with turquoise blue painted walls, a white shiplap ceiling and doors, white trim, and a fun turquoise blue and white painted staircase.

11. Create Continuity by Matching Stairs with the Walls

Matching your stairs’ paint color with your walls and trim provides cohesion and harmony, ensuring a seamless flow from room to room.

Understated charm is achieved with this staircase that lacks a handrail, balusters, and posts. The walls are painted Turquoise Powder 2057-50, a light blue with gray tones that dominates the space without overwhelming it. The placement of the purple chair adds just enough visual appeal.

A pretty staircase with white painted steps and bright red risers really pops against white painted walls and a small window. A pretty staircase with white painted steps and bright red risers really pops against white painted walls and a small window.

12. Bold Focal Point on Your Stairs

Add whimsy to your staircase with a bold pop of color. A fresh hue can be incorporated on the treads, balusters, handrails, or risers for the most impact.

Here, pinkish-orange Rosy Apple 2006-30 is an unexpected but welcome choice on the risers. Other bold colors we love for painted stairs include Beau Green 2054-20, a handsome blend of emerald and sapphire; Hot Lips 2077-30, an intense pink; and the aptly named Bold Blue 2064-10.

An open blue-gray painted staircase, wainscoting, and trim pair nicely with pale blue hallway walls and a chevron black-and-white rug leading to a salmon painted back room wall. An open blue-gray painted staircase, wainscoting, and trim pair nicely with pale blue hallway walls and a chevron black-and-white rug leading to a salmon painted back room wall.

13. Matching Stairs Paint Color with Wainscoting

Wainscoting adds a decorative touch to a room and is the perfect place to use paint color in a unique way. It only seems natural to extend that color to the staircase as well.

Here, Williamsburg Wythe Blue CW-590 is used on the wainscoting, stairs, and trim. This blue hue with a subtle gray cast pairs perfectly with Palace Pearl CW-650, a pale blue. Claret CW-305, a warm salmon shade, is a satisfying choice for the back hall, especially for those who favor complementary color palettes.

Frequently Asked Questions


Q. How often should I repaint my stairs?

A. Typically, high-quality paints in a durable sheen—like Benjamin Moore® Floor & Patio and Advance®—are formulated to withstand the constant traffic that stairs receive and have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years. Application and use can affect when repainting will be needed.



Q. Which type of paint should I use for stairs?

A. Use high-quality paints with a durable sheen, like Benjamin Moore® Floor & Patio for the treads and Advance® Interior Paint for all other surfaces. These paints are formulated to withstand the high traffic stairs receive.

If you need more help choosing the right paint for stairs or any other job, consult a professional at your locally owned Benjamin Moore store.



Q. What is the best color for painted stairs?

A. Color choice is always a matter of personal taste. With its many distinct parts (see below), a stairway offers a unique opportunity for creativity.

  • Handrail or Banister: the support beam that runs alongside the staircase for safety
  • Nosing: the portion of the tread that extends beyond the riser
  • Riser: the inner vertical surface of each step that gives it elevation
  • Balusters: the shafts that support the handrail
  • Stringers: the support pieces that run along the base of the stairs up the wall
  • Tread: the horizontal top surface of each step that you walk on

You can draw inspiration from the ideas presented above or experiment with colors to make a personalized statement.



Q. Are painted stairs a good idea?

A. Due to its high traffic, a stairway naturally becomes a main focal point in your home, setting the tone for the overall aesthetic. Painting a stairway offers a unique opportunity for creativity and self-expression.

Using high-quality paint ensures durability, protecting the staircase’s beauty and functionality for years to come.



Q. What is the best color combination for stairs?

A. Choosing the best color combination for stairs depends largely on your personal style, the overall decor of your home, and effect you want to achieve. Whether you prefer bold colors or subtle hues, there’s a design that will elevate your space.

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, get the right color sample from your locally owned Benjamin Moore store or from our online store.



Stay Connected!

Enjoy color and design inspiration, product innovation news, and event updates.

Join Our List

Advance® Interior Paint

Advance® Interior Paint

A premium-quality, waterborne alkyd paint that offers a full line of durable high-end finishes ideal for doors, trim, and cabinetry.

See Details
Floor & Patio Latex Enamel

Benjamin Moore® Floor & Patio

A premium quality, quick-drying latex floor enamel with great color and gloss retention that can be used for interior or exterior surfaces.

Learn More
Ben® Interior Paint

Ben® Interior Paint

A user-friendly paint for flawless results that puts premium color within reach.

See Details
60% OFF COLOR SAMPLES
Get 50% off 8oz. color samples when you use COLOR22 in your cart from May 4-May 16, 2022. Shop Now