Stairs consist of treads and risers. The risers are the near-vertical elements that form the space between a step and the next. Decorating the risers to make staircases look more interesting and unique is a great idea. However, it’s not a new concept if we look back and analyze some of the ancient cultures. Nowadays, the design concepts are based on strong colors and powerful messages.

Inspirational phrases.

Here are some great ways to incorporate both these elements in your design. For example, match the staircase risers to the surrounding furniture but add a little twist and maybe create an ombre design that includes several shades.

Or pick a single color that you think matches the surrounding décor and customize the risers with inspirational messages or phrases. You can even expand this type of décor and also decorate the doors and walls the same way.

Another fun idea is to start with a bright color such as yellow and to gradually reach shades such as green, turquoise and eventually blue. The writing can be white and it will gradually become more pronounced and easy to reach and the color darkens.

If you want, you can use chalkboard paint on the risers of your staircase. Then use colored chalk to write fun or inspirational messages. You can regularly change these messages for an always fresh and interesting design.{found on houstonlifestyles}.

A staircase that has an elegant design, a bit vintage even, will look better if you adopt a slightly different strategy when personalizing the risers. For example, each riser can feature a phrase, idiom or quote. The fonts can be different but the color should stay the same, preferably black.{found on houseofturquoise}.

Or your theme can be “words that inspire”. Each stair riser can have such a word written on it. Choose a bohemian font and a color that matches the ambiance you’re trying to create.

Another lovely idea is to find or come up with an inspirational phrase and have the words written on the staircase, one on each riser. The idea is to count the words to make sure the phrase fits nicely. You can even add a symbol or two.{found on woning}.

Sure, there’s no need to have stickers on each and every rises on your staircase. You can choose just a few steps that will get a makeover. This way the staircase will maintain its simplistic look.{found on bystephanielynn}.

There’s something really attractive about staircases that have carpets on them, although these days the look is a bit old and outdated. But if you want, you can adjust the idea a little bit to obtain a similar result, maybe an even better one.{found on hometalk}.

Use tape to make the lines straight and clean and design your “carpet” however you want. It will frame the stickers on the risers in a really great and elegant way.

Depending on the color of your staircase, the stickers should create a strong contrast. In other words, if you have a black staircase, opt for white vinyl stickers to apply on the risers.

Counting the stairs.

If you find the whole idea of sticking words and messages onto your staircase risers a bit cheesy and not suitable for your style, perhaps you’d like to work with numbers instead.{found on minasdecorandfashion}.

Count the stairs and give yourself and your guests something to do while they go up or down. It’s a simple and versatile look and you can adapt to a variety of styles by choosing the right font, size or color.{found on hollymathisinteriors}.

Choose the exact location of the number stickers to get the look you want. You can have them lined up at the center of the stairs, to the right or wherever else you want. Even a less organized approach could be interesting.

Paint the risers.

Try an ombre design based on a color that is repeated elsewhere in the house. Perhaps you can match the staircase to the chandelier that’s hanging above them or to the artwork displayed on the adjacent walls.{found on addisonswonderland}.

If you prefer a playful approach, paint each riser a different color. You can choose pastel shades and mix and match them however you want. These shades look really nice here, especially since the treads have that light natural wood look.

If you’ve decided to go with an ombre staircase, pick a color you like, get some paint in that color as well as some white paint. It’s either the base riser or the one at the top of the staircase that will feature the color you’ve chosen. Then gradually add white paint to dilute the color with each step.{found on diysquirrel}.

You can also use color in other ways. Instead of painting the entire riser the same color, come up with a chic and clever pattern. Use painter’s tape to guide you when painting.

Eye-catching patterns.

Use eye-catching patterns on your staircase risers to create a one-of-a-kind design that perfectly matches your style and your home. For example, a chevron pattern could be used in a variety of situations and decors.{found simpledwellings}.

Try a geometric pattern if you think it will look good on your staircase. This type of designs is great for modern decors but it can also adapt well to more traditional settings.{found on mikeschaapbuilders}.

Or perhaps you’d like to impart some Mediterranean flair to your staircase. You can use small, square tiles featuring different colors, patterns and designs. Arrange them in rows and alternate them.{found on casongrayehomes}.

This is another example of a staircase with Mediterranean-inspired risers. The patterns are traditional and the colors suit the design.

If you have some leftover tiles from previous renovations or projects, use them to decorate the staircase risers. Mix and match the tiles to create a random pattern. Since those tiles are also found in others areas of the house, the staircase will maintain the cohesiveness of the whole design.

Of course, you can opt for any type of pattern. Something a bit playful and cute could work well in a feminine décor or for the staircase that leads up to the kids’ rooms.

And if you want something a bit neutral but that also stands out, try colorful stripes. They’re versatile, easy to adapt to lots of styles and decors and they’re always fashionable.

Fun stickers.

There are all sorts of great stickers to choose from, with numerous interesting and cute designs, like these ones depicting mice. The whole idea of having mice in the house doesn’t sound that fun but these ones are an exception.

Or if you want to decorate the staircase for Halloween, try some themed stickers. These ones send out creepy messages such as “turn back” or “do not enter”, not what you’d expect on a usual day but perfect for this occasion.{found on jenniferrizzo}.