Stairway Wallpaper Ideas: How to Hang Safely and Cleanly

Wallpapering a stairwell is an ambitious but rewarding project. The key is to work from a secure platform, measure the wall as one large rectangle, and hang the first and longest panel of wallpaper perfectly straight using a plumb line. From there, you work across the wall, cutting each subsequent panel to fit the angle of the stairs.

What are the best stairway wallpaper ideas?

The best stairway wallpaper ideas use pattern and colour to connect the lower and upper floors of your home. A stairwell is a high-traffic area, so the design should be one you are happy to see multiple times a day. Think about the mood you want to create: calm and serene, or bold and dramatic?

Large-scale botanicals or scenic landscapes are excellent choices. They draw the eye upwards and can make the space feel larger and more open. A panoramic countryside scene, such as the Wetherby, Linen mural, can introduce a soft, peaceful atmosphere that flows between levels. Consider the natural light and choose colours that complement it.

For a more modern look, geometric patterns or abstract designs can add energy and visual interest. The key is to select a design that works with the long, angular nature of the space rather than fighting against it. You can explore a wide range of styles in our full collection of wallpaper murals.

What safety equipment do I need to wallpaper stairs?

Safe access to the highest part of the wall is the most critical part of this project. You will need a stable working platform that allows you to reach the top of the wall comfortably without overstretching. A standard stepladder is not sufficient or safe for this task.

Your two main options are a scaffold tower or a specialised stair ladder system. You can hire these from a local tool hire shop. A scaffold tower provides a large, flat, and stable platform to work from.

Always ensure your platform is level and secure before you climb on it. Never stand on the top rungs of a ladder, and always keep three points of contact. Having a second person to help pass you tools and materials can also improve safety and make the job much easier.

Murals made to your measure

Kowloon, ClayPrinted to your wall sizeBlush Hydrangea Floral MuralPrinted to your wall sizeWetherby, LinenPrinted to your wall size

See the full collection

How do you prepare a stairwell for wallpapering?

Proper wall preparation is essential for a professional finish that lasts. The goal is a surface that is perfectly smooth, clean, and dry. Any imperfections on the wall will show through the wallpaper, especially in the angled light of a stairwell.

Start by removing any old wallpaper and flaking paint. Fill any cracks or holes with a suitable filler, then sand the entire wall surface smooth once the filler is dry. Pay special attention to the area along the stringer (the board that runs up the side of the stairs), as this often has imperfections.

After sanding, wipe the wall down with a damp sponge or cloth to remove all dust. If you have freshly painted the walls, you must wait at least three to four weeks for the paint to fully cure before applying wallpaper. For more detailed instructions, see our full guide on how to prepare a wall for wallpaper.

How to wallpaper the stairs: a step-by-step guide

Wallpapering the angled walls of a staircase requires precision and patience. The process is similar to a standard wall but with extra steps for measuring and cutting around the angle of the stairs. This guide covers the general process; for specific instructions on your paper type, read our complete wallpaper installation guide.

1. Measure your wall. Measure the total width of the wall at its widest point and the total height at its tallest point. Add about 4 inches (10 cm) to both measurements for trimming. This is the size you need for a made to measure mural.
2. Set up your platform. Assemble your scaffold tower or ladder platform securely, ensuring you can comfortably reach the top of the wall where you will begin.
3. Find your starting point. The best place to start is with the longest, highest drop of wallpaper. Measure the width of your first wallpaper panel from the corner and use a plumb line or spirit level to draw a perfectly vertical line from the ceiling down. This line is your guide for the first panel.
4. Hang the first panel. Apply your first panel, aligning its edge with the vertical line you drew. Smooth it down from the centre outwards to remove any air bubbles. Let the bottom of the panel hang over the skirting board or stringer for now.
5. Hang subsequent panels. Continue hanging panels, working your way across the wall. Casavono murals are delivered in numbered panels that are hung edge to edge from left to right. Smooth each new panel up to the edge of the previous one, ensuring the pattern aligns perfectly.
6. Trim the angles. Once the paste is tacky, gently crease the wallpaper into the angle where the wall meets the stair stringer. Use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge to carefully cut along the crease. Change your blade often to avoid tearing the paper.
7. Trim the top and bottom. Finally, trim the excess paper at the ceiling and floor lines to complete the installation. Wipe away any excess paste with a clean, damp sponge.

What are some good wallpaper ideas for hall, stairs and landing?

To create a unified feel, choose a wallpaper that connects the hall, stairs, and landing. A continuous design or colour palette is the most effective way to achieve this. A single wall mural that spans the entire height of the stairwell can be a stunning feature.

Consider the scale of the pattern. In a narrow hallway, a very busy or dark pattern can feel enclosing. A design with a light background and a delicate pattern, like the subtle botanical of Miyabi, Linen, can add texture and interest without overwhelming the space. This creates a gentle flow from one floor to the next.

Another idea is to use wallpaper on the main stairwell wall and then paint the landing and hallway walls in a complementary colour pulled from the wallpaper design. This creates a cohesive look while defining the different areas. The goal is to make the journey through the space feel intentional and visually pleasing.

Can I create a stairway accent wall?

Yes, creating a stairway accent wall is one of the most popular and effective stairway wallpaper ideas. The best wall to choose is typically the longest, unbroken wall that runs alongside the stairs, as this provides the largest canvas and has the most visual impact from both the bottom and top of the staircase.

This is where a made to measure wall mural truly excels. Unlike repeating wallpaper rolls that can result in awkward pattern cuts on the diagonal, a mural is one single image printed to the exact dimensions of your wall. This ensures the composition of the design is perfect for your space. A dramatic floral like the Blush Hydrangea Floral Mural can turn the wall into a work of art.

When planning a stairway accent wall, consider the view from key points, such as the front door or the entrance to a living room. The design should draw you in and guide you up or down the stairs. For more inspiration on feature walls, see our guide to living room accent wall ideas.

What about small downstairs toilet wallpaper ideas?

A small downstairs toilet, often located under the stairs, is the perfect place to be bold with wallpaper. Because the space is small and self-contained, you can use a dramatic, large-scale pattern or a dark, moody colour without it overwhelming your home's overall design scheme.

Don't be afraid of large patterns in a small room. A large-scale design can actually make a small space feel more considered and luxurious, rather than cluttered. It creates a 'jewel box' effect. Consider a design with depth, like a jungle print or a sophisticated chinoiserie such as the Kowloon, Clay mural.

Because these spaces can experience humidity, it's wise to choose a suitable paper type. Casavono's Pre-Pasted paper has a textured matte finish and is a great choice for bathrooms and areas with everyday humidity. You can find more ideas in our collection of bathroom wallpaper.

Which type of wallpaper is best for a stairwell?

A stairwell is a high-traffic area, so durability is a key consideration. The best wallpaper type will be tough enough to withstand occasional knocks and scuffs. Casavono offers three PVC-free paper types, each with different benefits for a stairwell project.

For most stairwells, we recommend our Non-Pasted paper for its superior durability. The effort of pasting the wall is rewarded with a long-lasting, resilient finish that can handle the demands of a busy family home. For more detail, read about the different types of wallpaper.

More murals to consider

Sundown, HeatherPrinted to your wall sizeBlack And White Eucalyptus Botanical MuralPrinted to your wall sizeMiyabi, LinenPrinted to your wall size

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