32 Stair Trim Ideas to Elevate Your Home

Published: August 10, 2022

Updated: November 15, 2023

When you’re interested in home decor and renovation, even small details matter. Everything from decor to light fixtures to stair trim ideas matter. When you start to pay attention, making these seemingly insignificant changes can lead to a big overall feeling when guests, friends, and family walk through your front door. And because staircases are easily visible, they’re a great place to start.

It’s a fairly easy process to paint and update staircase trim. Whether you paint or stain it taking the time to change your staircase can create a cohesive vibe with the rest of your home. Take a look at some of these ideas to help you brainstorm.

01 of Light Wood Staircase Trim with Geometric Runner

PHOTO:

homewithlindseyd

Interior designer Huong Vu offers a fresh perspective on the modern staircase design, emphasizing the importance of cohesive detailing. “The wood trim detail in this modern staircase is carried through to the window sill,” she says. This intentional design choice crafts a unified aesthetic that seamlessly integrates with the expansive window, bathing the space in natural light.

The organic feel of the wood is further accentuated by the stark contrast of the monochromatic elements, which Vu suggests, “enhances the staircase’s clean lines.” This idea is beautifully brought to life through the example of a staircase adorned with a brown and white geometric runner over light hardwood treads.

02 of Dark Wood Staircase with White Runner

PHOTO:

at_home_with_britt

This curved staircase is trimmed with dark wood on both the risers and treads. The handrail and wood spindles are a matching wood tone, while a white carpeted runner stretches the length of the staircase. A modern black light fixture hangs from the ceiling above.

03 of Hardwood and White Trimmed Staircase with Grey Runner

PHOTO:

cutertudor

A large window at the top of a staircase illuminates this entryway, which contains dark hardwood floors and matching stair treads. The white risers and trim are partially covered by a grey and white arabesque floor runner. A green garland and white bows decorate the wood handrail.

04 of White Painted Staircase with Grey Runner

PHOTO:

1900stonefarmhouse

This open concept room features dark hardwood floors, white painted walls, and a corrugated tin ceiling. The staircase is painted white with light wood handrails and a dark grey runner.

05 of Grand Hardwood and Carpeted Staircase

PHOTO:

country.home.charm

A grand foyer showcases double french front doors and dark hardwood floors with a traditional red rug. The staircase is a mixture of hardwood on the bottom, transitioning to carpet as the stairs continue up. White trim, a wood-tone handrail, and black iron spindles contrast with the grey painted walls.

06 of Dark Wood and White Wainscoting Staircase Trim

PHOTO:

country_dog_homes

This small space is decorated with a small, farmhouse-style side table set with narrow glass vases, wildflowers, and a stack of books. A rustic reclaimed window hangs on the wall above. A glimpse into the staircase shows a dark wood treat and white riser with white trim and wainscoting details.

07 of Decorative White Riser and Hardwood Tread Staircase

PHOTO:

designed.to.love

This staircase landing features a glass-front hutch with white crockery. The stairs are white-painted risers with a black scroll decoration on each step, while the treads are hardwood that matches the landing.

08 of Wainscoting Staircase Trim

PHOTO:

jlovingandliving

The wall of this staircase features white wainscoting that reaches from the floor to the stairs. The handrail is dark wood while the spindles are black twisted iron and basket-style. The landing is decorated with a small indoor tree and a gallery wall.

09 of White, Modern Staircase Trim

PHOTO:

becshomestyle

A modern staircase is carpeted with a light, off-white riser and tread. The railing and spindles are a modern, straight white-painted wood and a tan and blue runner stretches the length of the hallway at the bottom of the staircase. A small rustic table and wooden sled decorate the bottom of the stair landing.

10 of Curving Hardwood Staircase with White Wood Trim

PHOTO:

bloom_jennybrooks

A small settee with rustic wood door and wreath decorate the space at the bottom of this curving staircase. The stair trim is painted white, as are the white wood spindles. The treads and handrail are a matching hardwood in a warm brown tone.

11 of Golden Oak and White Staircase Trim

PHOTO:

a_flann

This well-lit room painted a fresh, white color that contrasts with the golden wood floors. The staircase is a mix of white risers and wood treads with a green garland and white lanterns decorating the steps. A blue rug lies at the bottom of the stairs with a white chair and blue throw pillows resting to the side.

12 of Dark Wood Staircase Trim with White Spindles

PHOTO:

berkley.lewis

An angular staircase is painted with grey walls and white trim, and white modern lamp wall sconces illuminate the space. The stairs are carpeted in beige with a dark wood handrail and posts, contrasting with the modern white wood spindles.

13 of Grey and White Trim Staircase with Wood Decor

PHOTO:

cutertudor

This farmhouse-inspired staircase showcases a grey tread and white riser with white trim. The handrail is decorated with an elaborate garland with two potted trees decorating the bottom step. The light grey walls also feature wood sign decor and a vintage wood sled.

14 of Colonial Staircase with Dark Wood and White Trim

PHOTO:

jennywrendesign

This staircase features dark wood-stained treads and a matching handrail. The trim and risers are painted a bright white that contrast with the warm grey walls. The wall below the staircase features a decorative lamp and antique wooded seats.

15 of Dark Wood Staircase

PHOTO:

1728cedarhedge

This striking staircase is dark, polished wood with matching posts and handrails. It is accessorized with black iron spindles that alternate between a twisted design and a double basket style. The wall below the staircase has white wainscoting and a black and white gallery wall.

16 of Shiplap Staircase Trim

PHOTO:

devinehomeofmine

A black iron handrail and spindles are decorated with an evergreen garland and black bows. The stair risers are an angled white shiplap with wood tread. The wall below the staircase is a vertical shiplap.

17 of Black and White Staircase Risers

PHOTO:

farmhousetofrills

These stairs showcase light grey treads and white side trim. The risers alternate white paint with black and white geometric stair wraps. A small evergreen tree in a galvanized bucket and decorative pillow rest on one of the stairs.

18 of Shiplap Stair Risers and Hardwood Tread Staircase

PHOTO:

fort.howard.farmhouse

This unique staircase is decorated with a white, angled shiplap feature on the risers and hardwood treads. The walls are painted a warm, light grey with white trim.

19 of Curved Staircase with White Trim

PHOTO:

caseynowellinteriors

A curved staircase creates a small alcove where a small black side table rests. The table is decorated with marble-design vases with greenery, as well a few books and a candle. The stair trim is white with white risers, dark trim, and dark posts and handrail. The stair spindles are thin, black twisted iron.

20 of Entryway with Light Hardwood and White Staircase Trim

PHOTO:

tuftandtrim

The entryway to this open opens to a staircase painted with white risers and medium wood-toned treads. The handrail and post match the hardwood floors, while the wood spindles are painted white. The entryway also features a glass dome light fixture above a woven rug, a traditional white table, and an ornate gilded mirror.

21 of Dark Wood Staircase Trim

PHOTO:

1728cedarhedge

This staircase nook features white wainscoting and a rustic wood bench, as well as decorative wreath hanging on the wall above. A large potted plant sits on the floor next to the stairs. The staircase is a dark stained wood with thin iron spindles that alternate a twisted design with a double basket.

22 of Hardwood Stair Treads with White Risers

PHOTO:

fernandfarmhouse

A decorative fireplace is tucked into the corner next to a curving staircase. The wall behind the mantle features a light wood shiplap and an oval mirror. The staircase showcases hardwood treads and matching handrails, while the risers and posts are painted white.

23 of White Staircase with Iron Spindles

PHOTO:

courtneyfitzp01

A white carpeted staircase is separated with a grey, farmhouse-style gate with black iron hinges. The stairs also feature white handrails and trim with black iron spindles and a gallery wall that stretches the length of the wall.

24 of White and Taupe Staircase Trim

PHOTO:

simpleofferings

A hallway and staircase are painted a clean, bright white with a taupe trim along the baseboards and staircase. A lantern-style light fixture hangs from the ceiling and illuminated the staircase with hardwood treads and white risers. The handrail and spindles are also painted in white and taupe.

25 of Weathered Grey and White Trimmed Staircase

PHOTO:

athomewithjhackie1

This farmhouse-inspired staircase features a weathered grey wood tread and matching handrail. The risers and trim are painted a clean, fresh white. The seating area at the bottom of the stairs contains a white couch with throw pillows and small metal side table with white jug and greenery.

26 of Entryway with Carpeted Stairs and White Trim

PHOTO:

delightedwiththedetails

A cozy entryway contains a small rustic bench with throw pillows, a basket, and rustic hooks. A floating shelf shows off candlesticks and a framed print. The staircase off the entrance is grey carpet with a wood post and handrail, as well as painted white wood spindles.

27 of Dark Hardwood Staircase with White Risers

PHOTO:

herrhome

A modern farmhouse staircase is trimmed with dark stained wood treads and matching wood posts and trim. The risers are painted white, as are the spindles. Next to the staircase is a side table decorated with glass vases with greenery, lamp, and round geometric mirror.

28 of Farmhouse-Inspired Staircase Landing

PHOTO:

herrhome

The landing of this staircase features a wicker storage trunk with a striped pillow and a white lantern with a candle. A large rustic clock hangs on the wall above the hardwood floor risers and matching handrails. The spindles and risers are painted white.

29 of Shiplap and Wood Staircase Trim

PHOTO:

fairytalefarmhouse

A white shiplap wall is featured beneath this staircase. A vintage white side table rests along the wall, decorated with a collection of glass amber bottles, a wooden window frame, and white crockery. The staircase is accessorized with wood trim and black iron spindles.

30 of Curved White and Wood Trim Staircase

PHOTO:

stagerroz

This curving staircase features polished dark wood treads and white risers, wood posts, and black iron basket-style spindles. Large windows near the ceiling illuminate the entryway with a modern light fixture and gallery wall.

31 of Natural Wood Staircase with Black and White Detailing

PHOTO:

farmhousetofrills

This staircase features natural wood treads and matching wood handrail. The risers alternate white with a black and white patterned wallpaper. The top of the stairs is decorated with a planted in a woven basket and a wood farmhouse-style gate.

32 of Wood Tone Staircase with Gallery Wall

PHOTO:

greybirchdesigns

The staircase in this farmhouse-inspired home showcases painted white risers and grey-toned treads. The handrails, spindles, and posts are a dark stained wood. A vertical shiplap wall runs the length of the staircase with a black and white photo gallery wall.