Even in the most beautifully decorated homes, there’s often one forgotten area dragging your space down: stair landings. But a stair landing doesn’t have to be a bland pass-through!
Whether you’re working with a tight turn, a wide landing midway up, or tackling decorating the base of your stairs, there are countless ways to make your stair landings stylish and functional. With a bit of creativity—and a few affordable pieces from CORT Furniture Outlet—you can transform your staircase landing into a beautiful, cohesive extension of your home.
We’ll break down some practical stair landing decorating ideas for different types of landings, and how the right furniture and decor can transform this often-forgotten space into something truly special.
First: Why the Stair Landing Matters
Stair landings often sit at eye level when you enter or exit a space. That makes them prime real estate for creating a stylish focal point that introduces your home’s aesthetic as people move between floors.
But beauty shouldn’t compromise safety–another top priority of your stair landings. Before you start decorating, take a moment to assess your space. If you added furniture, would there be enough clearance for people to walk comfortably? Could lighting be improved to brighten a dark stairwell? Is there an opportunity to add personality without blocking the path? Once you’ve addressed the basics of function and flow, you can confidently move into the fun part: styling.
How to Decorate the Base of the Stairs: Design Your Drop Zone
The area at the bottom of a staircase is usually obvious (often off the entryway) and frequently used, making it the perfect place to design with purpose. Whether your stairway opens into a foyer, hallway, or living space, it is a natural transition zone between rooms or levels.
The base of a staircase is a great place to create an entryway-style drop zone that adds both form and function. Start by grounding the space with a slim console table that fits the scale of the wall. Top it with a decorative mirror to reflect light and create a sense of openness. Add a table lamp for warmth and additional light, and choose a piece of wall art that helps set the tone for your home. To add vertical interest and soften architectural lines, include a tall, real or faux plant. Adding a little greenery can add a touch of life while also helping draw the eye upward. Voila!
If space allows, consider adding an accent chair or small bench that can add style and enable you to remove shoes or set down bags easily.
Make the Most of Your Staircase With a Gallery- or Feature Wall
One of the most effective decorating ideas for a stairwell wall is to create a gallery wall that begins at the turn and extends upward. Use framed art, family photos, or mixed-media pieces to lead the eye along the stairs’ curve.
Artwork wall not your style? Use your staircase to make a wall statement with wallpaper or paint. From bold patterns to light and airy neutrals, you can create ambiance as you transition from one area of your home to another.
If natural light is limited, install a wall sconce or a low-profile pendant light to brighten the space and add flair.
How to Decorate a Staircase With a Landing
Figuring out how to decorate a stair landing before it turns can be tricky, but that compact space where your stairs change direction is prime real estate for creativity. These mid-landings are perfect for small, vertical moments of decor that add character without overwhelming the space or impeding your flow.
Consider adding a floating shelf or a compact console table if there’s room. Top your surface with a curated vignette and showcase carefully chosen items like a candle, vase, or framed photo. A vertical mirror works well here, helping open up what can sometimes feel like a tight spot. Just be sure that nothing you place interferes with foot traffic! Mid-landings should remain open and safe–don’t forget you may need to walk by hauling bulky items like a laundry basket!
Top of the Stairs: Pause for a Stylish Statement
The staircase landing at the top of your stairs is the perfect place to add a little personality. Because this area typically opens to bedrooms or a hallway, it’s a great spot to set the tone for the spaces that follow.
Decorating a Hall at the Top of the Stairs
Your design approach has to shift when your landing opens into a hallway. Rather than focusing all the decor on the landing itself, think about creating visual continuity along the staircase wall and into the landing area.
One of the best stair landing decorating ideas in this layout is to treat the hall as an extension of the stairwell. Use framed art, wall mirrors, or family photo groupings to create a gallery-style hallway that guides the eye from one end to the other. Hanging pieces at varying heights can help break up long, blank walls and add visual interest.
And don’t underestimate the power of a rug in a hallway! A soft runner rug or a series of smaller rugs can help define the space, add texture, and provide sound insulation, which is especially useful if the hallway connects bedrooms or your home office.
Create a Lounge-Worthy Loft
Have additional open square footage, such as a loft area off the top of your stairs? Consider turning it into a small sitting area.
A reading nook or library is an easy and impactful option. Place a cozy accent chair in the corner, layer in a soft area rug beneath it, and add an end table for your coffee cup or favorite novel. A floor or table lamp rounds out the look and provides the ambient lighting needed to make the space feel complete.
Prefer to keep things simple? Hang a pair of decorative mirrors or a few framed art prints in a symmetrical arrangement for a clean, balanced look. You can also bring in a bookshelf or a few decorative baskets for personality and storage.
Whatever your style, remember: less is more in high-traffic areas. One or two well-placed pieces can elevate your landing without cluttering it.
Design Tips for Decorating Any Stair Landing Area
No matter what type of landing you’re working with, a few guidelines can help you get the most out of your design–and avoid creating a tripping hazard!
Mind Scale
Oversized furniture will overwhelm a small landing, while decor that is too small may go unnoticed. Take measurements and select pieces accordingly—CORT Furniture Outlet’s range includes versatile furnishings perfect for tight spots.
Create Balance & Think Vertically
Use symmetry or visual anchors, like mirrors and lighting, to ground your layout and keep the eye moving in a pleasing way.
And remember: when navigating the stairs, you’re either going up or down, which means your gaze is, too. Make use of vertical space with art, mirrors, shelves, and tall plants. Focusing on vertical space can draw the eye up and give the illusion of more height and space.
Prioritize Safety
Always leave a clearance of about three feet for walkways, especially on stair treads or narrow landings. Avoid anything with sharp corners or unstable bases, too.
Style Your Stair Landing On a Budget With CORT Furniture Outlet
If you want that interior designer look on a budget, don’t let your stair landing be an afterthought! With CORT Furniture Outlet, you can find quality new and pre-leased furniture and decor that can turn that blank space into something beautiful and functional, for a fraction of the price.
Whether you need a sleek console table, a statement mirror, or the perfect accent chair, our ever-changing inventory makes decorating easy and affordable. Shop your local CORT Furniture Outlet in person or online today and give your stair landing the upgrade it deserves!
