Staircases can sometimes be a bit of an afterthought in terms of interior design. You might have your stunning new steps with fancy handrails but it’s rare that they’re actually taken into account as part of a design plan. And if you do focus on the stairs, what do you do when you get to the top? Your upstairs décor might be completely different to what you have downstairs, so which style do you go with on the stairs?
The answer could lie with the landing. Whether it’s at the top, the bottom or halfway up the stairs, you can use the landing to determine what to do with the rest of the staircase.
Here are some ideas to help you get the best look for your stairs:
BOOKCASE
The landing has always been a popular choice for locating a bookcase, especially if that landing is located halfway up the stairs. It provides an easy pick-up point for some bedtime reading as you’re on your way up the stairs, or a useful spot to put things back, rather than risk losing them.
Books also give an air of sophistication, knowledge and wisdom that nothing else can replicate. And even if you’re not much of a bookworm, it will give guests something to talk about when they come to visit.
ART
Some people like to hang portraits and other pieces on the wall alongside the staircase but the landing is also a great setting for mini gallery. Landscape photos and paintings work perfectly here but you may opt for something different, like a still life or portraits of family, pets or maybe something more abstract.
SEATING
If your landing is big enough, you could decide to put some kind of seating in there. This works particularly well if your landing has a window, especially if there’s a nice view, but even if it only looks out across the driveway, the additional light could potentially make a nice little suntrap, where you can sit and relax on a sunny day. Your seating could be built into the wall or if there’s a suitable ledge, you can position cushions along it so people can choose their own seating configuration.
PLANTS
Some plants are seen as a bit passe but if you have a spot on the landing where natural light can reach, it can give your stairs a whole new natural look. If you want something a little different from the typical spider plant or ivy, why not go for a cactus or bamboo plant or maybe even a venus fly trap?
Whatever you decide to do with your landing, take a look at UK Stair Parts for a range of quality stair components.