There’s a reason you see stair panels often used in homes. Yes, wall panels are a brilliant way to add character and charm to a space but ultimately, it’s a practical decision.
Whether it’s stained or painted wood or a more modern composite material, stair panels will protect walls from the wear and tear of this high-traffic area, ensuring these transitional spaces last longer.
Luckily for us, not only is paneling a great idea for stairs because it’s practical, it also looks great. “The stair panels are great because they create a natural transition between levels,” says Diana Rose, principal and creative director of Diana Rose Design.
So why not take a chance with wall paneling and enhance the transitional space with light tones, moody shadows and natural wood tones. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best ideas along with interior designer expert advice to inspire you. Look.
Staircase cladding ideas to suit every home
1. Use moderate height panels in high spaces
(Image credit: Brad Ramsey Interiors. Photo credit Paige Rumore Photography)
For example, paneling is a particularly cool idea for stairway walls for a double-height entryway, as it can be used to visually pull down the ceiling to keep the space from looking too cavernous.
“The main reason we chose to add wall paneling to this stairwell was to break up the height of the two-story walls,” says Brad Ramsey, founder and principal designer of Brad Ramsey Interiors (opens in a new tab) “By bringing the panels up to chair rail height in the upstairs hallway, we were able to divide the large wall to give it more visual appeal.”
“We also used the panel design to create a hidden door for the under stairs closet.” We have kept the character of the entrance without having a door to break the beauty of the space. A victory!’
2. Match the panels to the architecture of your home
(Image credit: Maestri Studio. Photo credit Stephen Karlisch)
Classic wainscoting is usually applied in a traditional way, to make it look like it has been in the house forever, giving it an old-world charm. Whatever the age and style of your home, there is likely to be a wallcovering that will fit the bill.
“In this project, paneling was used to allow the walls to be design elements,” says Eddie Maestri, principal architect at Maestri Studio (opens in a new tab). ‘We wanted to enhance and “dress” the space in a sober way. The paneling is also a cohesive detail that aligns with the home’s architectural style and period.’
3. Match the paneling to the staircase
(Image credit: Garrett Rowland. Design: Ghislaine Viñas)
In the case of solid wood, grand staircases further enhance their look with matching paneling to bring warm organic tones to the room. If the staircase leads to a hallway, continue the paneling in that space as well, for an earthy feel. Select a deep wood tone that nods to a historic home and injects a nautical flair.
Keep in mind, however, that a wooden staircase can easily get dark and dingy. Choose smart and functional stair lighting ideas to ensure that this space becomes the focal point of the house.
4. Consider paneling to connect large staircases
(Image credit: Thomas Guy Interiors. Photo credit Jen Burner)
Use panels as a connecting and unifying element in large spaces. Bold textures and patterns on the walls bring the spaces together and make them feel more cohesive and in sync. As part of your staircase decorating ideas, use this design trick to bring two sets of stairs together.
“Stairwells are the connectors between livable spaces and, therefore, are limited in ways to create visual appeal,” says Lance Thomas, founder of Thomas Guy Interiors (opens in a new tab). ‘In an effort not to be aesthetically overlooked, the panels are a great solution for these high traffic areas. The paneling adds visual interest to an otherwise utilitarian space. It complements the architectural details and stairwork, creating warmth and depth.’
5. Create a welcoming space with shiplap panels
(Image credit: Mel Bean. Photo credit Laurey Glenn)
Shiplap panels are a design staple in the United States, adding rich texture and that iconic stripe pattern that is especially synonymous with modern rustic and coastal homes.
In this space, while the stair rail adds movement to the cramped space, the paneling in white gives a more airy feel.
“My ears perked up immediately when our clients said they loved Art Deco,” says interior designer Mel Bean (opens in a new tab). ‘This inspired many details in the space, including the lighting and tiled entryway. I am thrilled with the elegance of the wood paneled entrance staircase, which is visible from different rooms. It’s a stunning focal point in the home.’
6. Create a contrast with the wall panels and staircase
(Image credit: Diana Rose Design)
Whether you’re designing a new staircase or installing panels into an existing one, think about creating contrast in your design. This can be material, color or even style, mixing and matching traditional and contemporary.
“I love playing with contrasts when dressing stairway walls,” says Diana Rose of Diana Rose Design. (opens in a new tab) “If your stairs are traditional with closed risers, it’s a great idea to do a clean, elegant panel design with simple molding, but create repeats.” If instead the stairs are floating, with open risers, then the panels can be more elaborate. It’s about balance.’
I also like to put a color accent on the stair panel wall,” she adds, “to really make it stand out in the space and, again, highlight the internal architecture: staircase and railing.”
7. Use paneled wallpaper on stairs
(Image credit: M. Lavender Interiors. Photo credit Janet Mesic Mackie)
For a dynamic scale, choose half wallpaper and half panels. Consider adding color to a painted staircase and transform the wood into something that’s perfect for your home.
“We chose to install wainscoting in the foyer and up the stairs in this project to provide a touch of formality to this more whimsical space,” says Mark Lavender, principal designer at M. Lavender Interiors (opens in a new tab). ‘It also provides a nice straight edge to capture the wallpaper on the stairs, it ties it all together with the entrance hall below and the large landing/hallway above. We typically design wainscoting on stairs when using wallpaper on one wall for the clean lines along the uneven look of the stairs. The wainscoting also provides a nice break between the stair runner motif and the wallpaper design.’
“We designed this wainscoting with wood trim and tacked it directly to drywall,” says Mark. “We then painted the drywall with a semi-gloss finish to give the look of wood paneling.” It always works.’
8. Use a combination of dark and light colors
(Image credit: SFW Studio)
A great wall color scheme is a lighter wall with darker paneling or vice versa. This will give a distinctive look to the wall and allow the paneling to stand out as the hero of the design.
If your stairs and flooring are light in color, you may want to choose stronger shades for the panels for contrast. Likewise, if you have a darker floor, choose lighter tones to liven up your staircase, giving the illusion of space and light in an area that can feel drab.
You could even paint your woodwork or dado rails a different tone for a more detailed design.
“This faux plinth already existed and was painted to highlight the fact that the panel was part of the wall surface,” says Rachael Stollar, partner at New York architecture and design firm Studio SFW (opens in a new tab). ‘The coating was all applied around this same surface. This is not unheard of; it’s a good way to cut some expense down compared to a full panel. The best approach to finishing is to paint everything under the rail the same color and sheen to camouflage the least expensive method of construction. The millwork and trim are generally painted with a higher sheen than the walls.’
9. Add vertical wood panels to make the staircase appear taller
(Image credit: Acupanel)
Paneling, of course, is one of the quickest ways to add charm and interest to the ceilings and walls of any room. But this classic wall treatment is also an effective way to cover up old, damaged walls or even create the illusion of height. The long, vertical tongue and groove panels not only add interest, but also a lot of function.
Whether you’re looking for ways to expand your hallways, entryway, or stairways, the tall panel trick can work anywhere.
How to install wood paneling on stairs?
(Image credit: Maestri Studio. Photo credit Jenifer McNeil Baker)
Installing wood paneling on the walls can make for a great weekend project that you and your family can undertake together. Before installing, first, measure the stairway and take note of any fixtures or fittings such as sockets and more. Take into consideration the height of wood paneling you will need. Also, check the drywall to see any uneven ridges and problems. You may need to sand the existing walls to create a smooth surface for the panels to sit on.
Depending on the design you’ve chosen, use wood glue to install the panels to the walls. Apply glue and use pins to hold the panels in place. Once dry, they may need to be sanded to ensure a flawless finish.
Once you have finished assembling and filled all holes and slots, make sure the surface is clean and free from dust residue. Paint the panels with a soft brush. Apply a second coat once the first has dried.
Can you place wallpaper panels on stairs?
While wood paneling is traditional and conventional, panels made from wallpaper can be an eye-catching addition to a stair area. Choose bold, graphic prints and evocative designs and experiment with textures. Since this is a space you pass through rather than stay for a long time, you can afford to be bold with the scale, color or texture of your wallcoverings.
