Find your staircase upgrade with these 21+ stairwell decor ideas.
Updated: March 2026
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Not sure what to put on the wall above your staircase?
Don’t leave the stair case wall bare!
Refresh the space.
From gallery walls to bold colors – you’ll find all the inspiration needed for that 2026 upgrade!
What to do with the wall above the stairs?
This is the question that gets googled the most on this topic – what should I do with this blank space above my staircase?
Well, firstly you’ll need to determine the style you want to decorate with and whether you want to display photos, paintings, or even decorative bowls or plates.
You may even want to make the space look a bit bigger and add mirrors in to reflect the light and give the illusion of more space.
How to decorate the wall above the stairs
Start by clearing anything off the walls that you no longer want there.
Now let’s gather together the materials you need for stairway wall decor. Here’s a few things that you might need:
- Wall Art – if you’re opting to decorate with paintings and artwork, gather them together and the tools needed to secure them to your wall.
- Accent Wall – get the paint or wallpaper that you need to make your accent wall if you haven’t already.
- Gallery Wall – gather up your photo frames and pictures to go in them and start planning the set up on the floor before you install them.
- Mirror Wall – grab the mirrors for the wall and polish them to perfection.
Before you begin decorating, get some inspiration from staircase wall decor ideas below.
Staircase Gallery Wall Ideas
It has become super popular to style frames going up the stairs whether it’s photos, art or a bit of both!
Frames up the staircase
designer: Rebekah Higgs / photographer: Matt Mcmullen
If you’re a lover of art then you probably already have plenty of artwork to display in and around your home.
Why not make a gallery wall of the beautiful art you have collected or even on the wall above your stairs?
This is a great idea for when you’re unsure how to decorate the staircase wall but want to add something.
Farmhouse Photo Gallery Wall for Staircases
The ever popular farmhouse aesthetic but this time on your staircase wall.
Pick out some wooden signs – a couple with words and the rest without.
Before you start nailing or attaching anything to your wall, decide on how you’d like to arrange them.
Modern Artwork Gallery Wall for Staircases
Another great example of when you have a large staircase with high ceilings.
Tapestries or tall paintings and artwork look amazing when used here.
It highlights how high the ceilings actually are which makes the space feel bigger.
Find the perfect tapestry or piece of art for the space or DIY your own.
Spiral Staircase Gallery Wall
interior and architectural design: DE ROSEE SA / photographer: Richard Green / stairs: ee stairs
Spiral staircases are usually beautiful just as they are but what to do with the staircase wall?
This idea showcases how it is still possible to have a gallery wall on a spiral staircase.
We love how they have mixed personal photos and small paintings, and prints.
Family Photo Wall Going Up the Stairs
image credit: @greystreetmarket
The family photo wall no longer needs to look dated.
Opting for light wood frames on a white wall gives a clean and fresh appearance to the staircase wall.
This works best when you use an assortment of frame sizes to showcase your personal pics.
Artwork Gallery Wall for Staircases
Image Credit: @arti_ones | Photographer Boz Gagovski
Consider styling your wall going up the stairs with artwork showcased on a gallery wall.
Positioning the frames in an asymmetrical pattern gives the stairwell a more naturally styled feel.
Opt for painting the staircase a common color from your paintings to highlight and bring the decor together.
Stair Wall Decor Ideas
The wall going up the stairs is often overlooked and left as a blank canvas in most homes. Find inspiration for your staircase wall decor below.
Stairwell Decor Ideas With Mirrors
Don’t be scared of attempting a bold accent wall like this one.
It can completely change the feeling of a space – for the better!
It can transform your staircase wall from an outdated look to a modern luxurious style with a few coats of paint.
image credit: NaszuraHome
We don’t think minimalism will ever go out of fashion.
This is a gorgeous example of where less is more on your staircase wall.
Paneling and molding on the walls is becoming more and more popular – this trend is not going anywhere anytime soon.
Modern Stairwell Decor
How beautiful is this textured wall on this modern luxury staircase?
The glass and the use of a neutral tone really gives the space a luxurious feel.
The chandelier overhead is a must as the finishing touch to your staircase.
Poster Wall Decor for Staircases
image credit: @apeckwichhome
If you’re looking for a place to display your decorative posters – why not try your staircase wall?
This incorporates frames again, a popular choice in wall-above-stairs decor.
The painted runner on the stairs brings another layer to this look.
Staircase Wall Mural
image credit: akindofhome
Bold, colorful wall murals are making a comeback in a big way!
It tells a story and sets a scene and honestly looks incredible on a staircase wall.
Something about painted or wallpapered murals just expands the space, like it opens up into another world.
Dopamine Decor Staircase Wall
image credit: @annalysejacobs – Anna Jacobs, The Colour Doctor
How stunning is Anna Jacobs’ dopamine decor-infused staircase?
The vibrant pops of color and the perfect blend of natural materials with playful patterns transform the wall going up the stairs into a bold focal point.
This colorful, maximalist approach is a great way to turn a plain stairwell wall into a joyful design feature.
Tall Stairwell Decor Ideas
When you are working with a high staircase wall, it can be difficult to know how to decorate this vast space, below are some ideas for those super high stairwells that are in desperate need of some DLC (design, love and care).
Ideas for Tall Stairwell Walls
With high ceilings the options are endless, in this case minimal decor is used and plants are incorporated in too.
Styling the space with striking artwork is one way to go.
You could keep it minimal or go for a more extravagant look and use up more of the wall space with a bold wallpaper.
image credit: @divinesavages
Bold wallpapers such as this one really do bring a tall stairwell to life!
Stairwells come in all sorts of crazy shapes, with lowered ceilings and twists and turns.
We love how decor could still be incorporated into this unusual but high staircase using natural material decorative pieces – looks amazing in contrast against the white walls.
Stairwell Shelves and Ledge Decor
If you have shelves along the stairwell wall, they offer the perfect place to display decorative pieces, plants, or framed photos.
Decorating a Stairwell Ledge
Looking to make your staircase feel a bit bigger and brighter?
Using mirrors will always be the biggest decor hack for making a space feel roomier and lighter.
Decorating the Staircase Landing
The staircase landing is often overlooked, but decorating the space at the top of the stairs can help tie together the entire stairwell design.
Coastal
This simple coastal stairwell look takes a couple of steps to complete.
String up the netting to begin.
Then position your seascape paintings or prints in frames on the wall.
Entryway Staircase Landing Decor
image credit: @seansymington
An entryway staircase landing is the perfect place to add a decorative focal point.
The space at the top of the stairs can be styled with artwork, foliage, or a small console table to make the area feel more intentional and welcoming.
Staircase Makeover Ideas
Staircase makeover ideas can help transform the wall going up the stairs into a stylish point of focus. From painted stair walls to updated railings and decor, small changes often make the biggest impact.
Wallpaper
This accent wall idea with wallpaper is a gorgeous way to decorate your staircase wall.
Whether you opt for a wall mural style of paper, patterned paper or just something with texture – this is a great way to add to the space.
Pair with some pretty wall mounted lights in a color that compliments your wallpaper.
Staircase Wall Paneling Ideas
Staircase wall paneling is a stylish way to bring in some texture and architectural detail to the wall going up the stairs. Paneling can elevate a stairwell wall in an instant, turning an ordinary staircase into a timeless design feature.
Decorative Wall Paneling
image credit: vincent_the_house
Wall paneling, whether already built into the home or installed with faux panels, is an easy way to upgrade the stairwell wall and add character to the space.
Looking for more staircase decor ideas? Check out: 25 Amazing Staircase Decor Ideas to Elevate your Home!
Were you inspired by these 21+ stairwell decor ideas?
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