How to Refresh and Add Style to Your Stairs for Only $30

Stacy Davis
by Stacy Davis
3 Materials
$30
1 Hour
Easy

My stairs were old, tired, and a bit outdated. They truly were in need of a major overhaul, but that wasn’t in the budget. I decided to use some inexpensive removable wallpaper from Target and, lo and behold, this has been one of my favorite projects to date. They don’t look too tired any more.

DIY Stair Makeover

In my house the stairs are right off my front door. They can be the first thing that people see in the foyer. My stairs were kind of blah and boring.


Tools and Materials

  • Coconut oil
  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Wallpaper
  • Tape measure
  • Scissors or utility knife

Clean
Clean


The first thing I had to do was tackle a thick grime that had built up on the hand rail. Obviously, I have reached a point in my life where I have no shame. The top part of the railing is how dirty it had become and no amount of cleaning seemed to help. So, at a professional cleaning ladies recommendation, I used coconut oil and baking soda. The bottom half of the railing shows how it removed everything that I couldn’t get off with other cleaners.

Make a Cleaning Solution
Make a Cleaning Solution


I mixed them together in a small dish to a runny paste like consistency and used a microfiber cloth to apply it and rub it off. It was kind of Karate Kid like...wax on, wax off. I also used white vinegar on some areas, too.

Wallpaper

Now for the fun part! All that prep work was for my new wallpaper risers. This is from the Opalhouse collection at Target.

Measure
Measure


I measured across the step and mine was 34 1/2 inches. My risers measured 5 1/2 inches.

Cut
Cut


I cut 34 1/2 inches off the roll. Then I cut that piece into 5 1/2 inch pieces.

Stick
Stick


The fact that I could pull it off and reposition it was a blessing. It is on securely so don’t think it will come off when you don’t want it to come off. The distressed look to the pattern turned out to be a blessing as well. Any imperfections are harder to see with the distressed appearance.


Stick Wallpaper on Risers

It is so much easier to do risers than a wall so I highly recommend this easy project. I think it will build your self confidence.

Quick DIY Staircase Makeover


Easy DIY Staircase Makeover
Before and After DIY Staircase Makeover

I love a good before and after, especially when it is easy on the budget! And check out how clean and shiny that hand railing looks?!?

Updated Staircase

I simply love how these stairs turned out! Have I inspired you to change your stairs up? Let me know how you updated your stairs in the comments down below!

Resources for this project:
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 51 questions
  • Ron43167150 Ron43167150 on Apr 30, 2022

    Yr stairs look wonderful

    could you do this on cement stairs I wonder?

  • Susan Susan on May 01, 2022

    Wonder If work on a curved staircase?

  • Hsu49852725 Hsu49852725 on Apr 23, 2023

    Did you use the coconut oil mixture on top of stairs?😏

Comments
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2 of 333 comments
  • CiCi CiCi on Jun 16, 2023

    BEAUTIFUL 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💝👍🏽

  • Tiffany Ray Tiffany Ray on Mar 19, 2024

    I have always hated our boring staircase. It goes up to one room and the attic but the guest room is so special to me! We built a little farmhouse and are trying to make it all look that way but the stairs are so boring! I’m doing this tomorrow!!!

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