Choosing paint colours for hallways and stairs
You may consider staircases and hallways to be purely practical spaces. However, these transitional areas of the home offer plenty of scope when it comes to interior design. Choosing the correct paint colours can transform this space into a visually striking setting that sets the tone for the rooms that follow.
Explore ideas to create an inspiring hallway design using shades from the Paint & Paper Library palette to enhance existing architectural features, or add personality to a simple, contemporary staircase.
Things to consider when choosing paint colours for stairs
Consider the existing hallway and landing schemes
While you can certainly make your staircase a focal point, it should feel part of your overall hallway and landing scheme. Whether you are thinking of painting the treads, spindles or walls of your staircase, choose shades that will complement the surrounding paint colours.
Wallpaper: Protea Trail – Monument
Ceiling & Cornice: Cotton I
Door & Panelling: Monument
Consider where you want to make a statement
Your staircase is a great place to introduce statement paint colours that will create impact as soon as you enter your home. However, it is important to be judicious with how and where you use bold colour palettes. For example, paint your staircase treads in a striking off black hue like Ilex. Or consider pairing with soft white walls in Raw Chalk for a balanced scheme.
Ceiling and Wall: Raw Chalk
Door and Balustrades: Ilex
Highlight Stripes: Sobek
Consider the atmosphere you want to create
The paint colours you choose are instrumental in defining the mood of your scheme. Think carefully about the atmosphere you want to create and select colours that will help to achieve this. Embracing a sumptuous, deep purple like Soumak on your staircase will create a captivating setting.
Walls: Soumak
Woodwork: Salt III
Ceiling: Salt I
4 paint colour ideas for stairs & staircases
Add personality to an otherwise neutral hallway with painted stairs
Neutral colours are a classic and versatile choice for hallways. These shades effortlessly coordinate with the colour schemes in adjoining rooms. If the walls and woodwork in your hallway are in neutral shades, your staircase is an excellent place to introduce a colour highlight. This approach will add personality to your scheme, without disrupting the sense of seamless flow.
Consider a light and welcoming blue like Bluebird, inspired by the timeless Wedgwood blue. This gentle hue will add beautiful softness to contemporary white walls. Bluebird harmoniously complements shades like Steel, Stone, Cotton and Flat Light. Embrace Bluebird on the woodwork, treads and spindles of your staircase for an encompassing finish.
Explore our guide to Choosing Complementary Colours to learn more
Panelling & Balustrades: Blue Vein
Ceiling & Main Wall: Flat Light
Highlight Shapes: Beyond Blue
Combine natural green shades with wood finishes on your staircase
Tranquil and soothing, green shades work wonderfully in many interior schemes. Green paint sits especially well in spaces where you want to create connection with the outdoors. Introduce a calming palette of greens in your hallway and incorporate your staircase into the scheme. Bringing both areas together will achieve a sophisticated, all-over colour scheme.
Fynbos is a muted deep green that coordinates with natural wood finishes. It’s the perfect wall colour to accompany dark wood features. For a touch of contrast, paint the spindles in a complementary neutral like Slate III. And use Slate II on the ceiling for a cohesive look.
Explore the Paint and Paper Library palette of green shades to connect indoor and outdoor spaces.
Walls: Fynbos
Ceiling: Slate II
Trim: Sobek
Spindles: Slate III
Mirror: Chelsea Green II
Create a sense of welcome using bright blues on your staircase
Blue is a colour associated with calm, peace and serenity – an excellent shade to welcome guests inside your home. Consider a bright shade of blue-green like Constantia Blue to add character and elegance to the walls of your staircase.
This uplifting hue will provide a beautiful blue backdrop to complement architectural features and detailing. Consider colours that keep the focus of your scheme on these elements. For a coordinating neutral, paint the woodwork and trim in an understated pale grey such as Masque.
Learn more about using blues and greens to create a tranquil atmosphere
Wall: Constantia Blue
Cornice: Masque
Transform your staircase with rich, all-over colour
Colour drenching is one of the best ways to create design impact in a hallway. This technique uses one shade to paint every element of your space. Choose one of the more vibrant shades in the Paint & Paper Library palette and immerse the entire space, including the hallway, staircase, and landing. This approach will exaggerate the size of your hallway and create a striking effect of luxurious, enveloping colour.
Blue Blood is a deep, moody blue that creates a statement feel when used all over. For a scheme that confidently blends classic and contemporary style, consider pairing Blue Blood with a light marble staircase and antique furniture.
Wall, Door & Trims: Blue Blood
Explore the complete Paint & Paper Library palette and discover the perfect paint colour to transform your staircase.