16 Amazing Basement Stair Ideas to Make Your Basement Stair Awesome

It is no secret that the basement stairs are often neglected by many homeowners. The stairs are just there. Functional, but not aesthetical. Yours don’t have to be like that. With our basement stair ideas, you can transform a usual basement stair into something awesome.

Below, we listed 16 ideas. Since these ideas are quite diverse, you probably find ones that you like. Ready? Let’s get to the ideas now.

Wood Strips Basement Stairway

Sometimes, minor makeovers can have a significant effect. For example, wood strip on the wall like the in the image above. Notice how this basement stair becomes far more attractive than the usual basement stairs.

The dim lighting on the wall accentuates the wood strip even further. With this simple addition, a regular, ordinary and dull basement stair can become unique, extraordinary and very interesting. You can make the stair look even better by adding wooden treads and railing.

Basement Stairway Ideas

Next in our basement stair ideas is to turn the basement into a light and warm place. The basement is often seen as a dark and cold place.

Yours doesn’t have to like that. One of them is to do use lighter colors like pink and white on the basement stair railing.

The combination of pink and white brings warmth to the basement. The white makes the basement look less dark and cold. Want to make the basement even warmer? Try adding a carpet on the floor and proper lighting.

Speaking of stair railing, do you need inspiration to décor yours? If you do, here we have a list of stair railing ideas that you should check out.

Half-open Basement Stair

Want to make your basement stair look more open? Try creating a half-open stair like the above. While the basement stair handrail is there, it doesn’t reach the floor. Rather, it stopped half-way, with the remaining stairs having no handrail.

While it looks somewhat incomplete, a half-open basement stair like this brings an air of openness. Even more so if you choose to use a simple basement stair handrail that can be seen through.

Basement Stairs with Stone Wall

What if you like a natural look for your basement? In that case, adding stone decorations on the wall is among the best basement stair ideas you can try. Stone decorations, especially natural stones, make the space look and feel more natural.

Want to emphasize the stone decorations? Just install lighting above the decorations and light it up. Voila! Now your basement has a very interesting focal point with a natural look. The stone decorations work even better with black and white stairs and wooden floor.

‘Floating’ Staircase

Modern staircases look very unconventional. For example, a ‘floating’ staircase above. The staircase doesn’t have the usual shape of a staircase. Rather, it is shaped as if the stairs are floating. With an iron handrail and glass railing, this staircase looks very modern.

With a ‘floating’ staircase like this, you are likely to have free space underneath the stairs. There are lots of ways you can make the best out of the space under the stairs. Check out our under stair ideas here if you need inspiration.

Staircase with Stair Runner

Most of the previous basement stair ideas deal with the stairs, handrails and the wall. These are not the only things that can change the look of a basement staircase. There is another: a stair runner. Choosing the right runner will change the overall look of the stair.

The above is an excellent example of how a runner makes the look of the stairs. Need ideas on what kind of a basement runner to user? Check out our stair runner ideas here.

Simple Basement Staircase

Not everyone likes an elaborate staircase for their basement. Some homeowners want something that looks simple yet appealing. If you want such a staircase, a simple staircase like the above is ideal for you.

Notice how simple the staircase looks. It has brown and white treads with a wood handrail. And yet, it is charming. It looks warm, friendly and of course, appealing. All without requiring elaborate design or shape.

Bookshelves Staircase

Do you

• like to read,
• have lots of books,
• want to maximize available space, and
• have an interesting basement stair?

If the answer is yes, turning the staircase into a makeshift bookshelf is certainly among the best basement stair ideas for you. As you can see from the example above, the staircase is not just aesthetical, but fully functional as well.

To make things even better, use finished wood for the stairs, pillars, and floor and contrast them with white. This will make the basement looks lively and warm.

Basement Staircase with Glass

Need a clean and sophisticated idea for your basement stair remodel? If that is the case, a staircase with a glass wall is a good option for you.

This staircase is not elaborate. However, due to its sharp lines, neutral colors and a glass wall, it looks quite clean and sophisticated.

A clean and sophisticated staircase like the above will surely make the basement looks better. Adding proper basement stair lighting is a must here so that the staircase is highlighted.

Spiral Staircase

No one says that you have to go for a straight staircase. Want a spiral staircase instead? Just do so. A spiral basement stair looks great, too. Even more so if you select the proper colors for it. For example, dark brown and white.

Since the staircase is mostly white, you can add whatever decorations you want. From paintings, photographs, to a basement window. For safety reason, make sure that the stairs are not too steep.

Basement Staircase with Wall Decor

Our previous ideas include a few wall decorations for the stairs. Since there is no actual limit of the number of decorations you can add, you can add as much as you want. In the picture, you can see that the walls are decorated with diamond-shaped decorations and framed writing.

Adding lots of wall decorations is certainly a good way to add your own personal touch. Of course, balance is needed. Leave some room in the walls empty so that the decorations don’t feel overwhelming.

Stair Stringers

While most of the basement stair ideas in this list are already made staircases, this one is not. It is a rather incomplete staircase.

That is, it includes stringers but without the treads installed. It is a great alternative if you like to change your basement stair from time to time.

Notice how the stringers look quite basic. This basicness is not a bad thing. Why? Because it allows you to customize the stair in many ways you want.

It is also cost-effective too as you can focus on the treads when you remodel the staircase, instead of the entirety of the staircase.

Basement Stairs with Images

Take a good look of the staircase above. What do you think? Looks quite unusual, doesn’t it? Do you want to try this kind of idea for your basement stair?

A basement is usually not seen by guests. That is, unless it is remodeled into an extra living room or other rooms where the guests are welcomed. Due to this, you can try various unusual basement stair ideas.  For example, sticking images on the stairs.

Floating Staircase

For homeowners who like simple things, there is always the modern minimalist design to choose from. A modern minimalist stair looks sleek, stylish and in a way, simple. So if you are a minimalist yourself, chances are you like the modern minimalist staircase above.

Notice how the staircase leaves a lot of open space. It doesn’t occupy too much space, can be seen-through from various angles and incorporate glasses, which make it even more open. If you want your basement to be more open, a staircase like this is an ideal option.

DIY Basement Stair Ideas

Let’s move on to another simple staircase. This staircase doesn’t take much to create. All you need is wooden treads with dark color, white handrails, and walls with a neutral color. Very simple isn’t it? Don’t be mistaken, though. Although it is simple, it is charming in its own way.

A simple staircase like this makes the basement feel warm, friendly and welcoming. As such, it is a good option if you want to welcome your guests to your basement. And since it is simple, it makes a good DIY project that you can do on your own. Looks good? Yes. Practical? Very.

Glass Basement Stair Railing

The last in our basement stair ideas list is a staircase with glass railing. Glasses are always a great option if you want to make a room looks modern and sophisticated. So if a modern vibe is what you want, consider using glasses as the basement stair railing.

You can make the staircase looks even more modern and sophisticated by adding lighting on each tread. The lighting needs not to be big. Small yet bright lighting will be perfect.