Elevating your oak staircase

It’s so easy to neglect your staircase when it comes to decorating your home. Whether it’s tucked away in your hallway or is on show in your open plan living room, it’s understandably tempting to focus your time, and money, on other more lived in areas.

But your staircase is one of the most used areas of your home. It should tie your home’s design together.

In this blog the experts at WonkeeDonkee share their top tips for elevating your oak staircase.

Upgrade your spindles

The impact new spindles can have on an oak staircase is impressive. They bring a new lease of life to even the most dated staircase.

From simple styles such as square, tapered squareand single twist, to more complex designs like Edwardian and double twists, you’re bound to find the perfect wood spindle to elevate your design.

You can enhance this further by opting for metal spindles. These are a great way to add some new textures into your staircase.

If you don’t want to replace your oak spindles but still want to maximise their style impact, consider painting or staining them to create a new effect.

Modernise with glass panels

Glass panels are a great alternative to traditional spindles.

Similarly to metal spindles, these introduce a new texture into your staircase. However, as they allow light to easily pass through into your stairway, they’re a great way to add a new brightness to any stairway – no matter how small.

Another advantage of glass panels is that they require little maintenance. Simply wipe them down occasionally and polish with a dry cloth to remove any smudges.

Add a statement handrail

Maybe the paint is chipping away, or the design is just looking a bit dated. An old handrail is a dead giveaway that your staircase requires an upgrade.

Thankfully, a handrail upgrade is an easy way to transform any staircase.

If you’re aiming for a minimalistic design, opt for a simple handrail that sits on top of your spindles, complimenting their style.

Wood and metals work well together. So, if you’re aiming for a more rustic design, or want to create a statement staircase, why not mix materials.

Pairing your oak staircase with an industrial inspired wall-mounted metal handrail creates a gorgeous contrast. Likewise, metal spindles look fantastic with a simple wooden handrail.

If you’re opting for a wall-mounted handrail, make sure to pay close attention to your wall brackets, these can really make or break the design.

Have some fun with your treads

Your treads and risers, also known as your steps, are a great place to add a playful touch to your staircase.

There are three main ways to enhance your steps.

Tile your steps

Tiling your steps is an increasingly popular design choice.

From patterned tiles for that fun addition, to glossy, colourful tiles for a sophisticated look and feel. With a whole host of tiles available to choose from, no matter the tile you choose, you’re guaranteed a bold, gorgeous finish.

Add some texture with a gorgeous carpet

From bold patterned carpets for those looking to make a statement, to neutral cosy options for a warm, welcoming atmosphere. There really is a carpet for everyone.

Not only do carpets look great, but they also muffle loud footsteps.

If you like the look of a carpeted staircase but your budget doesn’t stretch quite that far, consider a carpet runner.

Cladding

Are you a fan of natural wood?

Cladding your staircase is an inexpensive way of keeping the bare wood look whilst still protecting your treads from wear and tear, ensuring they will last for years to come.

This is also a great way to upgrade your staircase without the expense of buying brand new stair pieces.

Ready to upgrade your oak staircase?

Oak staircases are a timeless addition to any home, but hopefully this blog has inspired you to elevate your oak staircase without replacing it entirely.

Whether you work with a professional to design your new staircase parts, or buy and install them yourself, updating just one small aspect of your staircase really can, and will, make all the difference.