Traditionally, stair railings in homes have been painted white or left in their natural wooden state with a stain or varnish for protection. More recently though, stair railings have become a focal point of the entryway since designers and homeowners alike have decided to transform their stair railings by painting them in various colors.
Here we explore some of the most stylish paint colors for stair railings, along with the practical and aesthetic considerations you’ll want to factor in when deciding on your stair railing color.
Choosing a Stair Railing Color
Consistency
Before deciding on a color, take a close look at the existing color palette of your home. Consider the shades of your walls, floors, and other architectural elements. Your stair railing should harmonize with these colors, creating a cohesive and unified look throughout your space.
Often it works well to paint your stair railings in the same color as your interior doors or trim for a sense of consistency. If your home features neutral tones like whites, grays, or beige, you can opt for a stair railing color that complements these neutrals, such as a classic black.
Contrast
If you want your stair railings to take center stage in your entryway or hall space, consider painting them in a color that contrasts against the rest of your color palette. Using a contrasting color will ensure the stair railings stand out, while still maintaining a coordinated look.
For example, if the room has dark blue walls then you could paint the stair railings white for a striking shade contrast. If the room has soft beige walls, then a black stair railing will stand out yet look classic.
Style
Consider the architectural style of your home when selecting a color for your stair railing so that it aligns with the overall theme.
For a modern and sleek look, consider metallic finishes like brushed nickel or chrome. If your home boasts a rustic charm, wooden railings with natural stains can complement the ambiance.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere you want to create around your staircase is key when deciding on a color for the stair railing. Different colors and shades evoke different emotions and help to create the mood in the room.
Green paint colors will help you achieve a fresh energy, while blue has a more cooling and calming feel. For a welcoming space, opt for muted warm tones such as tan or beige.
Practicality
Most of us choose paint colors based on our style preferences and the look we want to achieve in our homes, but it’s important not to overlook the practicality of your choice.
Consider who is going to be using the stairs and the sort of issues that you might face as a result. Pale colors such as cream or white are going to show dirt and fingerprints more obviously, so this might be particularly frustrating if you have young children who often have sticky or dirty hands.
Darker colors are great for hiding dirt and debris, and they can also help to hide any imperfections on your stair railings, but they will show dust more obviously than lighter colors.
Lighting
The natural lighting in your entryway or around your staircase is going to impact the way your paint colors are perceived. Low light can make colors appear darker or more dull, while brighter light will have the opposite effect.
Some colors can read completely differently in different types of light, so it’s a good idea to use sample testers on your stair railings to see how the paint responds to your lighting before you commit to a color.
Best Paint Colors for Stair Railings
Classic Style
A classic entryway can still pack a punch, so don’t feel like you have to paint your stair railings in the expected gloss white. If your room is painted in soft neutrals, then consider painting the stair railings in a darker shade of the same color for a classic, two-tone look. For example, if the walls are almond color, opt for a dark beige for the stair railings. If the walls are pale gray, then a mid-to-dark gray can look classic yet dynamic on the stair railings.
Some great classic colors for stair railings include:
Oxford Stone by Farrow and Ball
This color sits somewhere between dark beige and light brown. It has a red base which makes it read as warm and comforting and will look great with pale neutral or dark neutral walls. Opt for a flat finish on stair railings for a classic rustic look, or choose a semi-gloss for a more hard-wearing and traditional finish.
Stonington Gray by Benjamin Moore
This is a pale shade of silver that has fairly neutral undertones and therefore doesn’t read as being obviously cool or warm. It will look classically elegant on stair railings alongside white walls or will make for a nice contrast against dark gray walls.
Contemporary Style
If you’re going for a more modern, contemporary aesthetic, then choose a bold contrast for your stair railings. If the walls are painted in a light color, then black stair railings will look sleek and stylish. Opt for a matt finish to maintain a modern look, and coordinate the black stair railings with black framed art on the walls.
Another great color choice for stair railings in a contemporary home is green. Green is not a neutral color but it works as nature’s neutral due to its prominence in the outdoor world. This means you can incorporate green into your color scheme without it appearing overtly bold or statement-making.
In a room with white or pale neutral walls, paint the stair railings in sage green for understated elegance, or opt for dark olive green stair railings and coordinate this with some houseplants on the stair treads in jute baskets for a contemporary casual vibe.
Some great contemporary colors for stair railings include:
Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams
This is the truest shade of black from Sherwin-Williams, which has no discernable undertones. If you want to avoid using a black that looks gray, blue, or brown in some light, then this is a good choice. It will work well with both warm or cool wall colors when used on stair railings and will create a stark contrast against pale colors.
Yearbridge Green by Farrow and Ball
This is a bright avocado green which adds a strong blast of nature into a room. It feels clean and fresh and will look equally vibrant against white walls or dark gray walls. Choose a flat finish for stair railings to ensure they read as modern.
Quirky Style
If you want to make a statement with your stair railings then opt for a color that’s a little more outside of the box. Bright pink stair railings will be a focal point in an entryway, and help to define a fun and quirky atmosphere.
You can coordinate the occasional accessory with the pink stair railings to create cohesion, such as a pink coat hook on the wall, but don’t go overboard with the color as this will dilute the effect of the stair railings as the centerpiece of the room. Another quirky color you could consider is lilac, which would be cute and complementary alongside lemon-yellow walls.
Some great quirky colors for stair railings include:
Exuberant Pink by Sherwin-Williams
This striking shade of paint sits halfway between pink and purple and offers plenty of depth and saturation. It will look bold and quirky on stair railings next to pale lime green walls, or go for a slightly less contrasting style by pairing it with soft pink walls. Create coordination in the entryway by painting a mirror frame in the same color, or painting the interior doors to match.
Playful Style
If you have a playful personality and want your home to match, then opt for a bright pop of color on your stair railings. Using bright paint for stair railings while maintaining a fairly neutral look everywhere else can make for a really fun style that sets the tone for an unconventional home.
Vivid yellow stair railings will look playful and energetic next to plain white walls, or consider a bright shade of sky blue for a cool and easy vibe. If your walls are dark, opt for a pale pop of color on your stair railings, such as blush pink or peach.
Some great playful colors for stair railings include:
This is a very light shade of pink that will bring a playful energy to a room without making it feel over the top. It will read as beige in low light, or soft pink in bright light, so be sure to use a tester pot on your stair railings before committing.
Bright Yellow by Benjamin Moore
This is a vibrant, sunny shade of yellow that will work really well on stair railings set against white walls and accessories in other primary colors. Paint trim in the same shade for continuity, or use it as a stand-alone color on stair railings.
