Painting your basement stairs

Rebuilding your basement or simply sprucing up your staircase does not mean breaking the bank. You can update your staircase by using inexpensive materials. The riser (back of step) and trend (the step) can be build from presswood which is much lower price than hardwood. Once you have completed building your staircase, you can either paint it white or any color you prefer.

Having fun decorating your basement stairs. Steps, railing and balusters have been painted in grey, risers and spindles in white. With a striped carpet runner. Flowery wallpaper provides a creative touch.

contemporary basement staircase
Source: Sage Design Studio Inc.

If you want to be creative and you happen to have some left over wallpaper here is a fun idea. The steps have been painted in grey and the riser has been covered with wallpaper (Cole & Sons Woods Wallpaper).

wallpaper eclectic staircase
Source: Valillawood

This was a recent project. The staircase was completely rebuilt using presswood for the steps and riser. Steps, riser and spindles were painted in pearl finish Benjamin Moore Cloud White. Rail and balusters were stained in mahogany color to match the new flooring. A little trick to match your floors, bring a sample of your flooring to your local paint or hardware store and they will match it.

Basement stairs 018
Source: Eleni Decor

You can be creative. Add color and stenciling to fit your style.

Painted stairs1
Source: Random thoughts from an incoherent – blog

Does your basement feel dark and dingy

Basements do not have to be dark and dingy. Simple and inexpensive solutions can be applied. Freshening up your walls with light and warm colors such as yellows, oranges, golds, browns are some of the suggested palettes. Ceilings should also be considered, they should be painted in a lighter color than the walls.

Basement lighting and colors
Source: Michael Abrams Limited

Lighting is also very important specially where there is not enough windows for natural light. Whether your basement has a finished or suspended ceiling, recess can lighting is a great option. Can recessed lighting offers bright lighting and minimizes shadows and glares, perfect for craft areas and game rooms.

Basement lighting and color
Source: Crisp Architects

There are many options of flooring on the market suitable for basements. A few options are laminate flooring, engineered wood flooring and carpet. If your basement wall colors are kept light and warm, you can choose to go dark or light on your flooring.

Dark flooring

Basement floor
Source: Creative Design Construction

Light flooring

Basement floor
Source: Michael Robert Construction

For basement staircase ideas, refer to my blog Painting Your Basement Stairs