Outside of casinos and cruise ships, you don’t see too many ornately decorated staircases these days. Which is too bad. We’re not advocating lining your steps with Technicolor industrial carpeting, we just think this might be a missed opportunity. Papering the risers of even the most modest staircases can make them look grand.

Materials
Wallpaper
Measuring tape
Metal ruler
Pencil
Utility knife
Wallpaper paste and Brush
Plastic float
Sponge
Broad knife

How-to
1 Carefully measure the stair risers (the vertical surface between the stairs) and cut your paper to size. If you want the pattern to line up along the length of the staircase, you will want to make your cuts as precise as possible. Take a good look at each step and take note of any bowing before making your cut.

2 Prepare and book your wallpaper, and apply as you would to the wall.

3 Smooth down the wallpaper with a brush and remove any visible air bubbles with a plastic float.

4 Wipe off excess paste with a damp sponge.