Painting a staircase is a relatively quick DIY job that can totally transform your space. Good news if you’re on a tight budget, as paint ideas are always a great, cost-effective way to make tired hallways feel more loved.

And as the stairs are often the first thing you see when you walk in (particularly in Victorian homes), they definitely deserve some TLC. Learn how to paint a staircase that’ll look good for years to come with our guide.

Our handy step-by-step DIY and decorating guide will show you how to paint stairs using specialist floor paint to give your own lobby a new lease of life with a splash of colour.

Freshly painted wooden stairs can look stylish just as they are. Or alternatively can provide the perfect fresh canvas on which to lay a striking carpet runner. Either way, a fresh coat of paint on the stairs is a simple yet effective staircase idea that will elevate the decor.

Top tips before you get started:

Remove any old carpet from your wooden stairs. You need to make sure the surface is in good condition before you start. Repair any loose or broken areas, fill any dents with wood filler, and sand any rough patches to prepare the floor for painting.

The bonus of a specialist paint nowadays is that it can be painted straight over old paint or varnish, so no need to fear hours of more sanding ahead of you.

Once complete, vacuum up any dust and clean with a cleaning solution and cloth. Wait at least a day to ensure the stairs are totally dry before painting.

Whether you’re sticking to the same hallway colour scheme all over or painting a striking stair runner, choose the right paint. Rust-Oleum Chalky Finish Floor Paint, at Homebase, is ideal.

The hard-wearing, water-based paint resists knocks and scratches. Plus it can be applied directly to wooden floorboards or concrete flooring, and directly over old paint or varnish with no topcoat needed.

Top tip: Tape off areas if needed. If you’re painting stairs in different colours or painting a runner, mark out your design using decorator’s tape. Read up on how to paint skirting boards if you want to give these a lick of paint at the same time.

Apply the Chalky Finish Floor Paint ensuring there are no drips. Use a brush for any details and angles where the stair riser and tread meet. You can use a small foam roller for any larger, flat surfaces.

Don’t be tempted to apply thick coats of paint. The coverage will last much longer if you paint a few thin coats rather than one thick coat. Wait until each coat is fully dry before applying the next one. Aim for a minimum of two coats, but more may be required.

Remove any decorator’s tape. Once completely dry, give a final brush or vacuum. Then stand back to admire your handiwork!

For a thoughtfully painted staircase, mix colours to give the look more depth. Paint the rises in the same colour as the edging and bannisters (in this case white), while adding a subtle splash of colour to the step itself (in this case light grey).

A freshly painted staircase makes all the difference, especially in hallways where first impressions count. Of course due to the heavy footfall on the stairs they will require a fresh coat of paint every few years, depending on how well they are looked after to prevent excessive wear and tear.

And that’s how to paint a staircase. Happy decorating to one and all.

Helen Shaw, UK Director of Benjamin Moore, recommends painting the handrails and spindles first. Then you can cut in on the stairs with a small paintbrush, before switching to a roller. Start from the top and work your way down.

Crown‘s senior designer, Justyna Korczynska says, ‘Decide at the start whether you want to try to make your hallway look lighter and brighter, or if you want to go for a dark and dramatic scheme. The lighter the colour, the more it reflects available light – the darker the colour, the more it will absorb the light. So if you want to make a hallway seem larger you will need to go for lighter shades.’

To paint your stairs, you will need both a brush and a small roller, available at Amazon.

‘Yes, use a fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit) and a sanding sponge,’ says Helen. ‘Sand the spindles, handrails, and any other wood surfaces to smooth them before painting. Vacuum up any sanding dust and wipe down your sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.’