Here is what some Hometalkers had to say on the process:

https://www.hometalk.com/43416049/q-how-to-redo-a-stairs

If you plan to remove the carpet, there are lots of great ideas here for painting the stairs.

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=paint%20stairs

First you'll need to see what you have once the carpet is removed. If they are wood, you can sand, stain (or paint), and seal them.

We’ve been doing this same thing! Here’s what we did: https://www.frugalfamilytimes.com/2020/02/stair-makeover-how-to-install-wood-treads-over-plywood-steps.html

Hi Victoria, here's many ideas from right here within Hometalk.

https://www.hometalk.com/search/all?filter=how%20to%20decorate%20wood%20stairs%3F

Here are a few more ideas for you. Laminate on the stair treads is becoming more popular

https://www.loudounvalleyfloors.com/news/articles/What-is-the-Best-Floor-Covering-for-My-Stairs

Rip off the carpet. You will probably need to use a solvent to remove residue. Possible sanding. Clean with tsp. Then you are ready to paint, tile, wallpaper, or new wood finish b

It would depend on what it looks like/how it is constructed. Easiest solution is to put on new carpet. Most houses use plywood stair treads since they are going to be covered with carpet. You can add nice wood (oak, etc.) treads, stain them, and put on multiple coats of poly. The risers can be covered with 1/8" - 1/4" plywood of the wood used on the treads. The risers can also be painted or covered with tiles.

You can paint them and add a runner or do what my husband is currently doing to ours, which is paint them and then add carpet treads. There are also replacement treads you can buy to add a finished wood look to your steps, which is fairly expensive, but, really pretty. Good luck and stay safe!

This may help: https://www.hometalk.com/443386/before-and-after-staircase-makeover

Before and After Staircase Makeover

Paint would be a good choice!

If there was carpet, there might be a lot of glue you need to scrape off

Carpet stair treads and a fresh coat of paint. Paint half of the stairs (left or right) then when thoroughly dry do the other half. Add carpet treads and it keeps your foot from slipping. Take down with small nails with larger heads. They are hidden in the carpet pile.

We painted the risers and replaced the treads with bull nosed Oak treads. It was less expensive than re-carpeting the stairs.

Hi Victoria, hope this helps you out,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdFFNKmmXmM