Evolution of Our Black Staircase
Our black stairs have become quite popular on Pinterest, and I often get questions about them. People ask what color of paint I used (Tricorn Black from Sherwin Williams), if they show dirt easily (absolutely, but we don’t wear shoes on them or have indoor pets which helps), and if I still love the black (I adore the black and think it’s a classic choice). However, having the staircase built was one of the longer processes in our home build.
the most recent look at our black staircase
evolving gallery wall
Even from the planning stages, it took some time to figure out where the stairs would go. Originally, I wanted them near our primary bedroom since the upstairs was going to be the boys’ bedroom and TV room. However, it worked better in our house plans to have them at the front of the house. Once we had that decided, I knew they would be a focal point of the house, and we had to consider the design element more closely, which meant no carpet. Nothing against carpeted stairs—we had them in our townhouse—but I wanted to give the stairs their own moment. We also wanted to keep them within a budget as building stairs is labor-intensive. Painted stairs seemed like a good compromise since I could do the painting myself. Luckily, my contractor was able to build the landing and risers, and I sourced reasonably priced stair parts for the rest.
staircase during our build
the stairs were the last interior project completed
Black was an easy decision. I was afraid to do natural wood as I wasn’t sure how it would look next to our vinyl plank flooring, and since so many of our accents were black, we went with that. I love the contrast and how it balances out the great room since our large black grid-style window sits opposite the stairs. Between the windows and doors, the stairs fit with the rest of the house and make a visual statement.
entryway with black front door
great room window
One of the final touches was adding a gallery wall. This was something I had envisioned since moving in, but I was hesitant, fearing I might not get it right. I wanted each piece to have significance, telling a story about our family. Thrifting frames and keeping the artwork small due to the limited space was the goal. Smaller photos create an intimate feeling, inviting you to get close and really take in each piece. Although the wall feels somewhat incomplete, I plan to add to it gradually, ensuring each addition is meaningful. Plus wall hangings are an easy way to update decor, and this is one area that will always evolve with time.
Having lived in our new house for almost two years, we’ve had enough time to truly understand the space, yet it still feels fresh and exciting. The black stairs remain a favorite feature. Their simple design—with black spindles and painted posts and banisters—adds dramatic flair without overwhelming the space. The striking contrast against the white walls enhances the overall aesthetic and complements our great room’s design, especially the large black grid-style window.
the staircase last Christmas
the first Christmas staircase
I still plan to add a stair runner, but again this isn’t something I’m rushing to do as I want to be sure it is what we want to add. I do think it would cut down on the dustiness of the black, but I still don’t mind the maintenance of a black staircase. I also plan to start styling the landing area a bit as well. The stairs will always be a bit of a work in progress.