30 Black and White Stair Ideas That Will Instantly Impress Guests

If you're wondering how to design a black and white staircase that makes a major impression, be sure to take a look at the following 30 staircase ideas that are full of style. Whether you're looking to incorporate a patterned runner, install decorative tiling, experiment with paint, or go another route entirely, there's an option for everyone!

Bring on the Stripes

A black and white striped stair runner is a versatile choice in that it can complement a wide range of aesthetics—whether you love traditional style, all things cottage, or everything eclectic, stripes can be found in almost any type of home.

Lay a Neutral Runner

A cream runner brightens up black stairs and makes it easier to see each step clearly (which is key, particularly if elders or young children live in your home). The combo also appears nice and classic, especially with the matching neutral planter.

Try a Jute Runner

Dress up a black and white staircase with a jute runner if you're in a busier household and are more concerned about stains and marks developing over time. Jute is known for being durable and long-lasting, so you won't need to worry about it for years to come.

Keep It Simple and Calm

If you love a mod, minimalist look, this is the staircase setup for you. The addition of black and white artwork and accessories in the immediate area helps to solidify that this color scheme is elegant and impactful.

Install a Railing With a Twist

If you crave something different than an ordinary railing, consider installing tall slats, as seen here, which results in a more contemporary look.

Look to the Floor

Here's another instance where a more simplified black and white staircase pairs beautifully with a tiled floor pattern. It's easy to replicate this look in your own home, whether you opt for removable peel-and-stick floor tiles or install something permanent.

Pick a Unique Approach

Decorative balusters add intrigue to this staircase, as does the presence of shiplap. Even when sticking with neutral colors, there are many ways to get creative with your staircase design choices.

Be Bold

Go bold! You'll access your stairs multiple times a day, after all, so you may as well make them look fun. This geometric pattern is bound to put a pep in your step.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

If you love all things glam, opting for a zebra print runner is a no-brainer. There's nothing wrong with being a bit bold, after all.

Think Wide

There are so many types of black and white striped runners on the market, so you really can't go wrong no matter which design you choose. Here, a wider striped pattern is chosen to make a classic statement.

Consider Bold Flooring

When your entryway features a bold black and white geometric tile floor like this one, opting for a black and white staircase is the only obvious answer. Keeping the staircase simple in style ensures that it doesn't compete with the busier pattern or appear too over the top.

Go Retro

This eclectic houndstooth pattern will bring some retro flair to your stairway and is sure to inspire compliments. Simple decor accents allow the staircase to shine.

Bust Out the Paint

If you're feeling crafty, you can always choose to take on a DIY project and paint black stripes directly onto your white stairs. Plan ahead on what design you want to try and use some painter's tape to help make it come alive.

Customize Your Risers

This honeycomb shape is full of energy. Consider jazzing up wooden stair risers with a tile design—it's an easy way to adapt the black and white look while keeping your existing staircase intact.

Go Practical

Black treads are both pretty and practical—they'll easily hide dirt and scuffs from shoes while adding some nice contrast to your entryway.

Play With Plaid

While we often think of plaid as being color-filled, there's something elegant and timeless about a black and white variation of this print.

Leave Breathing Room

This is another prime example of how you can easily give a builder-grade wooden staircase plenty of personality. This homeowner intentionally left a few of the risers blank, which allows for a bit of breathing room. The matching wood goes well together with the rest of the living room's wood tones.

Mix Patterns

When customizing your risers, you can also choose to alternate different styles of tile so that you can enjoy multiple patterns at once.

Add Elegance

Beautiful picture frame molding already adds major style to this staircase, but a chevron runner makes the setup appear even more complete and polished.

Light Up the Stairway

If your home is free of children and pets, you can add a bit of ambiance to your white staircase by placing a few black candles on the top of each tread. For safety reasons, flameless candles will be your best bet.

Make It Maximalist

Maximalists, this is the black and white staircase for you. Don't be shy about combining a classic checkered print with some Greek key carpeting for a look that is certainly busy—but in the best way—and will have your guests talking.

Use Leftover Kitchen Tile

This tile design is reminiscent of what we often see used on kitchen backsplashes. In fact, if you have extra tile (whether permanent or removable) on hand following a kitchen upgrade, use it to give your staircase some pizzazz.

Adapt a Farmhouse Approach

This mostly white staircase is accented with a stately black banister as well as a runner featuring pops of black. The shiplap siding is perfect for those who admire the modern farmhouse aesthetic.

Stencil Your Stairs

To make your staircase appear more playful, use stencils to add numbers to each riser. The white digits pop against the deep black paint, making each step stand out.

Weave in Natural Elements

If you're inspired by biophilic design, work a nature-inspired print into your home by covering your risers in a black and white leaf-like design, as illustrated here.

Think Rustic

Here's another example of adding numbers to the staircase, although this iteration leans more rustic in style due to the warm wooden banister and an assortment of artwork along the wall.

Consider Leopard

For a funky look, go all out with leopard. Many will argue that animal print is, indeed, a neutral and can shine alongside a number of other hues.

Style Pops of Brass

If you're looking to add some accents to your black and white staircase, don't shy away from pops of brass. Here, stylish sconces illuminate the walkway, making it easy to go up and down even during the night.

Go Textural

Textural plaster walls add immediate intrigue to this entryway, so it's more than okay to keep the staircase simple. A black metal railing adds sophistication to this area of the home and plays off of the nearby flooring design.

Keep It Subtle

An off-white runner with subtle black strips adds farmhouse-style charm to this weathered-looking staircase.

Read Next: 22 Stylish Under-Stair Storage Ideas to Maximize Space

Read the original article on The Spruce.