Black and white for the staircase: 10 examples of how this classic color combination can work in your home

by Mark Bennett

April 21, 2024

Black and white for the staircase: 10 great examples
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Of all the possible color combinations - for furnishings and more - black and white (B&W) remain an "eternal pairing": B&W is a timeless classic, which works well for most decor schemes. And B&W could well be the decor you are looking for for your staircase.

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1. Black steps and handrail on a white background

remodelaholic.com

If white is the dominant color of your staircase, then you can create a wonderful color contrast with the judicious use of black. Black is perfect for high-traffic areas and surfaces, such as the steps and the handrail (banister). Everything else can be left in white.

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2. All-black staircase, but in a well-lit environment

yellowbrickhome.com

If the staircase is in a well-lit area, you can chose to have it completely in black: the good lighingt will prevent "mis-steps" and the overall effect will be stunning.

3. Black and white for the staircase runner

@edwardian_vignette/Instagram

Imagine the staircase is all-black, including the banister: you can add life, movement and vibrancy to this decor by adding a black and white runner.

4. The runner becomes the focal point

carpetright.co.uk

Here, is an example of a runner with repeating patterns on a white background, elegantly decorating a white staircase. The gray of the walls is a perfect pairing.

5. Don't be afraid to mix decorative patterns

Amtico, flooringsupplycentre.co.uk

If everything in an area is black and white, you can also try out mixing different B&W patterns and decorative motifs. Just don't overdo it and aim for harmonious blending.

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6. Consider using decals

Bleucoin/Etsy

Perhaps you staircase is white and the steps are in wood - so where can the black be added? Well, on the riser of every step! And to do this, all you need is vinyl decals which you can apply to each riser (as shown here).

7. An all-compassing decor

aliexpress.com

Alternatively, you can choose to use decals for the entire staircase to create a stunning effect (especially when viewed from ground level)!

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8. Stripes

fschumacher.eu

When you think about decorating in black and white, perhaps the first pattern that comes to mind is classic B&W striping. Well, why not flank your white staircase with B&W stripes on the walls!

9. Abstract brush strokes

@mygrandparentschair/Instagram

Staying on the topic of the staircase wall, you can consider using a B&W wallpaper for this. And so much the better if the design is an attractive "cluster" of abstract brush strokes (like the wallpaper shown here)!

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10. Black and white highlighted by artwork

onekindesign.com

Here's a large staircase, painted in black and white and with an all-white staircase wall. To prevent this white expanse looking boring, you can decorate it with framed photos, prints, illustrations and more... all in black and white, of course!

Would you like a black & white staircase?

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