5 Ways to Spruce Up Your Staircase


Even if you’ve left the banister to the last minute, it can still look put together and fabulous.
Studio 5 Design Contributor, Lauren Oviatt has five ways to step up your staircase décor.

Decorating our homes for the holidays never stops at trimming the tree. Most of us carry the festive decor throughout our homes and into as many rooms and spaces as possible. To me, the second most eye-grabbing feature after the tree is a tie between the mantles and the banisters. Banister decorating can be just as beautiful as any mantle out there, and there are many different options, so think beyond green. Here are five ideas to spruce up your banister this holiday season:

The Traditional Green Garland
Fresh or fake, green garland is rich and beautiful even on its own. Add lights, ribbons, extra ornaments from the tree and you have a beautiful swag that is graceful and festive. I love the garlands that are full, fresh, and trimmed with lights. It creates a timeless holiday look that is classic every single year.

Non-Traditional, Non-Green Garland
Many people put their decorations up early and want them to look great for nearly six weeks. Fresh garland can’t always look good that long. I love the idea of doing a non-traditional garland and giving it a fun theme. You might have a back staircase or secondary area that would be a perfect spot for a kid’s garland. Create something that conjures up the magic of Christmas in bright, whimsical colors.

Tied Swags on Baluster
One of the easiest ways to green up your banister is to create bunches of greenery and tie them directly to the balusters underneath the banister. It can take the stress off creating the perfect garland and is a great solution for both long and short staircases. Simply take cuttings from outside of various evergreen and sticks and bind them with a little spray of ornaments that matches your tree’s decor.

Stairway Lights
A great mood-enhancer for indoor and outdoor spaces is a line of luminaries or hurricanes filled with candles on the staircase. This is a fabulous and sparkling display for evening parties. It epitomizes a warm welcome for guests.

Stairway Collectible Display
If space on console tables and bookcases is limited – consider displaying holiday collectibles on your staircase. Disclaimer: this may not work in a household with small children; however it can be a fun and sentimental display. I have a family friend who owns dozens of nutcrackers that she sets up on a stunning open staircase that is in her entry. It is nostalgic and appeared as if they were standing sentinel, saluting guests as they enter the house.



Lauren Oviatt is a designer with Oviatt Design, 826 West Shepard Lane, Farmington.

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