Your staircase isn’t just a means to reach different levels; it’s a vertical runway awaiting your design prowess. Whether you’re inclined towards classic elegance, modern minimalism, or a fusion of styles, the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination. From captivating color schemes that harmonize with your existing decor to ingenious storage solutions that make every step count, our staircase decor ideas will inspire you to elevate your home’s aesthetic and functionality.

But it’s not just about aesthetics—staircases can be more than just a pretty backdrop. They can be the focal point of your home, a showcase of your personal taste and style. With the right decor choices, your staircase can become a conversation starter and a visual masterpiece. So, join us as we embark on a journey through innovative and stylish staircase decor ideas that will turn your staircase into a work of art.

1. Accent Wall Staircase Decor Ideas

An accent wall is one that features a different color, texture, or wallpaper than the room’s other walls. A stairwell is a good place to add a new color or interesting wallpaper design that might be too bold if used on every wall.

Beadboard, shiplap, or brick veneer are all good ways to add a textured accent wall to your staircase. If you want a monochromatic effect, purchase a paintable, heavily textured wallpaper for the stairwell and paint it the same color as the rest of the room.

2. Embracing Contemporary Designs

Contemporary interior design embraces a “less is more” philosophy. This translates into neutral or monotonal colors, clean lines, and open spaces. Even so, a bold pop of color is not out of place and a staircase wall is a good place to add this decorative accent.

Metal wall art or panels are excellent contemporary staircase wall ideas. Mirrored surfaces also speak to the contemporary aesthetic.

3. Exploring Decal Decor Options

Staircase decal ideas bring a touch of artistry and innovation to your home’s vertical transitions. These adhesive wonders offer an array of design possibilities, from whimsical and nature-inspired motifs to inspirational quotes and geometric patterns.

Staircase decals not only provide a unique visual appeal but also serve as a creative way to delineate each step, enhancing safety. They’re versatile, easily customizable, and can complement any interior style, whether you prefer a rustic charm or a contemporary flair. These decals allow you to personalize your staircase, making it a reflection of your personality and interests while transforming it into a captivating focal point that tells a story with each ascent or descent.

4. Elevating With Fancy Railings

Replacing a tired stair railing is a fabulous way to update your staircase design. Replace basic wooden balusters with an intricate wrought iron railing. Though expensive, they add elegance to straight, curved, or spiral staircases.

Clear or frosted acrylic panels or wire railings are another good replacement for plain wood banisters and rails. They add a modern, dramatic ambiance to your entryway.

5. Captivating Farmhouse Staircases

The horizontal wood planks called shiplap add a warm farmhouse vibe to any staircase. Paint them a classic white, cream, grey, or another light-colored hue that compliments your decor.

White stairs with wood steps and a dark handrail are another traditional farmhouse pairing. Hang farm-themed signs, a simple wreath, and other country wall art along the stairwell to complete the look.

6. Curating a Stunning Gallery Wall

A gallery wall is a decorating idea that can be tweaked to fit any home decor style. Showcase a collection of framed black-and-white family photos for a vintage vibe, or compose a modern gallery wall from a simple row of modern art paintings.

Add other accents between framed pieces for an eclectic, bohemian, or shabby chic feeling. Good choices include metal wall sculptures, wood plaques, wreaths, or wall planters filled with greenery. Empty picture frames add another interesting touch to a stairwell gallery wall.

7. Illuminating Staircases with Lighting

Stair lighting is not only a decorative element—it’s also a matter of safety. But since adequately illuminating your staircase is vital, you might as well make it stylish.

Hang a dramatic chandelier over your stairs or line up a row of descending pendant lights. On the stair wall itself, wall sconces are welcome lighting fixtures to install. If you only need a little additional light, hang string lights along the railing.

8. Infusing Luxury Into Staircase Decor

Luxury staircase ideas incorporate fine wood, intricate details, and marble or other natural stone finishes. A dramatic staircase is the entryway focal point in many luxury homes and its finishes and details should reflect the same opulence as the rest of the home.

In a two-story entryway, a large chandelier or collection of artistic pendant lights is a must. Add additional lighting with wall sconces or small, step-level lights that illuminate each stair. An exquisite Turkish carpet stair runner not only makes your entryway more beautiful; it helps guard against slips and falls.

9. Mastering the Art of Minimalism

Your minimalist tastes can be showcased by the simplest stair decoration elements. Paint the wall a contrasting color, or simply hang a perfectly spaced row of minimalist line drawings.

Because clutter is the enemy of minimalist design, keep it simple. One dramatic painting or textile centered over a stair landing may be enough in a minimalist interior.

10. Reflecting Style With Mirrors

Framed mirrors or mirrored tiles are dual-purpose staircase ideas. Not only do they reflect light and make your staircase feel more spacious, but they’re also great for a quick hair check as you hurry down the stairs on the way out.

Intersperse small framed mirrors among other pieces on a staircase gallery wall. They will add little sparks of reflected light that draw the eye toward your creative staircase ideas.

11. Embracing Modern Staircase Trends

Modern decor is simple and streamlined, featuring natural elements such as metal, wood, and stone. Keep your staircase modern by not overdoing the decor.

Floating stairs can make a strong enough visual impact on their own. Add a new metal handrail with glass panels instead of balusters to turn a basic staircase chicly modern. Horizontal balusters are another great way to modernize a staircase.

12. Painting Staircases With Panache

Staircase painting decor is a transformative art form that breathes life into your home’s vertical passageway. Beyond mere functionality, a painted staircase becomes an engaging focal point, infusing personality and character into your space.

Whether you opt for a vibrant burst of color that energizes the area or a subtle, elegant design that exudes sophistication, staircase painting is a canvas for your creative expression. It offers endless possibilities to match your interior style, from classic and timeless to contemporary and avant-garde. With a brush in hand, you can elevate your staircase from mundane to magnificent, turning each step into a captivating visual journey.

13. Greening Up With Plants

Planters along a staircase wall add a lot of life to a plain stair design. Hang wall planters on a solid wall and add succulents or trailing vines. Small plants can also be set on small floating shelves, or on the stair surface itself right along the railing. Bigger plants look nice on stair landings.

Much like leaving a Christmas tree up all year and changing the decor to match the seasons, you can run a faux boxwood garland along your banister and change it seasonally. A neutral green garland can be decorated with flowers in the springtime, stars or seashells for summer, and tiny pumpkins and pinecones for fall.

14. Rustic Charm in Staircase Design

A rustic staircase could include any or all of the following: heavy wood, distressed paint finishes, metal accents, or railings made from recycled plumbing.

Other rustic stair wall decor could include baskets or macrame wall hangings. A coastal rustic home could emphasize the nautical theme by replacing wood hand railings with thick, heavy rope.

15. Scandinavian Flair on Stairs

Pale colors and light woods are hallmarks of Scandinavian decor, so avoid anything too visually heavy when decorating a staircase in this style. Light and airy touches include simple floating shelves, whitewashed wood, and exposed brick painted in soft hues.

A Scandinavian-style stair runner might feature a simple botanical print or thin stripes of color. Open wire baskets and potted plants complete the vibe.

16. Seasonal Staircase Decor

Christmas stair decoration ideas should be included in any holiday decor scheme. Wind an evergreen garland along the banister and decorate it with ribbon, pine cones, Christmas lights, and ornaments. Match the garland’s colors with your other Christmas decor for a cohesive appearance.

Bows are another Christmas decoration that really makes your staircase a foyer focal point. Weave velvet, mesh, or satin ribbon in wide widths around your banisters, then finish the newel post with a greenery swag and matching big bow.

17. Seating Solutions for Stairwells

Seating at the staircase base, landing, or staircase top is not only attractive but functional. These seats are good places for removing your shoes when you get home or waiting for an Uber to pick you up.

Turn stair seating into a design element by adding a small side table, lamp, and green plant. Add a coat and umbrella tree to your bottom-of-the-stairs seating configuration.

18. Choosing the Perfect Staircase Runner

Staircase runners add a lot of style to your stairs. Not only are they a decorative accent, carpet runners also make it safer and quieter to navigate the stairway.

A striped or patterned stair runner adds color to your staircase, but solid runners also work well. An animal print stair runner is a good way to heighten the drama in your foyer.

If a carpeted runner isn’t your preference, paint a decorative runner. Use a stencil or vinyl letters to decorate each stair riser with a favorite verse or design. If you’re seeking a coastal or rustic vibe, a jute runner introduces that flavor to your staircase decor.

19. Adding Statues

Statues are classic staircase decorations in stately manors and estates. Set upon a pedestal at the base of the stairs, or as landing decor, marble busts are a classic choice. Artistic sculptures are also a good choice for grand staircase decorations.

Recessed shelves along a stairway wall are good places for small sculptures and statues. Add a candle display within the shelf cove for a warm, dramatic effect at night.

20. Vintage Stairway Vibes

Vintage art, antiques, and other aged treasures are excellent additions to a staircase decor scheme—especially if you live in an older home. Look for art that represents the period your home was built while complimenting your other decor.

Place an antique table at the base of your stairs, topped with gold-framed photos and a vase of fresh flowers. Vintage light fixtures and paint finishes help convey a time-tested style. Finish the look with a Persian rug in the foyer and a matching stair runner.

21. The Art of Wainscoting

Wainscoting is wooden paneling that covers the lower part of the wall. It looks particularly elegant when carried up a staircase from the walls of the room below. Wainscoting is often painted white, but it can be painted any color that suits your style.

You can find wainscoting panels in a wide variety of styles and heights. Real hardwood panels are the most expensive type, and ideal if you want a warm stained wood appearance. If you plan to paint the wainscoting, you might as well go for less-expensive plywood, MDF, or plastic paneling.

22. Creative Wall Decor

Anything that can be attached to the wall can be used as a type of staircase wall decor. Inexpensive options include creating an abstract piece of art by nailing together strips of wood painted in different colors.

Display a collection of imported baskets and trays along your staircase for a fun bohemian type of wall decor. Metal flowers and candle sconces are additional interesting elements to add to staircase walls.

23. Wallpaper Inspiration for Stairs

Wallpaper is an excellent thing to include in staircase decor. A boldly printed wallpaper that includes the foyer’s or living room’s main colors can be the one thing that ties the room together. Use painters tape to paint a striped or random pattern on your staircase wall.

Wall decals are a popular choice for adding certain scriptures or words to live by on your home’s interior walls. For the best effect, mix flat decal art with dimensional pieces in one cohesive display.

24. Zen Stairway Concepts

Incorporating Zen concepts into home decor means using neutral colors and natural elements such as stone, plants, and wood. On a deeper level, it can incorporate Feng Shui principles that are intended to balance the energy flow through your home.

Traditionally, stairs have a bad Feng Shui reputation as heavy structures that suppress positivity in the home. Using light, soothing colors, and keeping stairs illuminated are good ways of counteracting their anti-Zen energy.

Staircase Decor FAQs

Carpet cleaning can be a challenging task even on a level floor, but balancing on stairs adds a whole new level of difficulty. Whether you have a full stair carpet or a simple carpet runner, keeping carpeted stairs clean is probably not your favorite task.

Fortunately, there are plenty of tips and tricks to make carpet stair cleaning easier. Here are some of our favorite ways to clean carpeted stairs—with and without machines.

Clean Carpet on Stairs With This Comprehensive Guide

1. Vacuuming

It’s nearly impossible to explain how to clean carpets on stairs without mentioning a vacuum cleaner. While you can sweep a low-pile carpet with a broom and dustpan, you really need the power of suction to remove all the soil that gets embedded in carpet fibers.

Most vacuum cleaners come with an attachment for stairs, corners, and crevices. Other manufacturers sell stair attachments that must be purchased separately. If you have carpeted stairs, an attachment is a small investment that will make cleaning much easier.

You might find a small, hand-held vacuum cleaner easier to operate than a big vacuum cleaner, even with the right attachment. The Black and Decker Max Cordless Lithium DustBuster Hand Vacuum is an excellent cleaning tool for carpeted stairs. Other models might be cheaper, but this one has a 16-volt lithium battery that holds a charge for up to 18 months. It has three times the suction power of other models and is cordless and lightweight for easy operation.

Owning a hand vacuum is great for many reasons. Not only will it help keep your stair carpet clean, but you can also use it to vacuum your vehicles and furniture. Try to use your vacuum cleaner on the stairs at least once a week. Twice a week—or even daily—is ideal if you have a lot of foot traffic in your home.

2. Carpet Shampoo

A good carpet shampoo and scrub brush are essential tools for anyone wondering how to clean carpet on stairs. Carpet shampooing can be done by hand or with a carpet cleaning machine. If you own or rent a carpet cleaner, use the type of shampoo recommended by the manufacturer. If you plan to shampoo the stairs by hand, you have a choice of different carpet cleaning products to try.

Any liquid carpet shampoo can be diluted and placed in a spray bottle to use for hand-cleaning stairs. Hoover Renewal Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo is a concentrated shampoo that can also be used in a machine. Although the label on this rave-reviewed product says “tackle old set-in stains” it can be used to clean a larger area by following these steps:

1. Vacuum the stairs to remove loose dirt and dust.
2. Starting at the top of the staircase, spray the first step with Folex.
3. Rub it in with gloved fingers.
4. If necessary, scrub the carpeting with a cloth or brush. There’s no need to rinse.
5. Allow the carpet time to dry before walking on it.
6. If stains remain, repeat the process, saturating any tough stain with Folex cleaner.

3. Green Carpet Cleaning Solutions

Many homeowners prefer to use nontoxic products to keep their homes clean. If you’d rather not buy carpet shampoo with questionable ingredients, turn to your kitchen and laundry room for several good cleaning options.

Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent isn’t only great for getting stains out of your clothing. It also works as a decent carpet cleaner. Simply stir a quarter cup of liquid laundry detergent into a gallon of warm water. Dip a scrub brush into the solution, and clean stairs with a circular motion.

Soak an absorbent rag into another bucket of clean water and wring it out. Wipe each step to remove the laundry detergent completely. Repeat with each stair and let them dry overnight, if possible. Plan to clean after everyone goes to bed so they have all night to dry. If you’re in a bind and don’t have laundry detergent, liquid dish soap can work as well.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an excellent natural carpet cleaning solution. It’s also great for eliminating carpet odors. For a liquid cleaning solution, dissolve a quarter cup of baking soda in a quart of warm water and place it in a spray bottle. Spray vacuumed carpeted stairs with the solution and scrub lightly with a brush. Let the carpet air dry.

Dry baking soda is another answer to the problem of how to clean carpet on stairs. The dry cleaning method is good for cleaning carpeting installed on expensive wooden stairs, as it is less likely to damage wood stairs than a wet cleaning method.

You will need a vacuum cleaner, a spray bottle, and a large box of baking soda to clean carpeted stairs by this method. For extra odor elimination, stir a few drops of your favorite essential oil into the dry baking soda before sprinkling it on your carpet.

Working from the top down, simply sprinkle a generous amount of dry baking soda on your carpeted stairs. Fill your spray bottle with hot water and mist water over the baking soda. Allow it to sit for three hours, or until the baking soda is dry again.

This method will draw out any lingering dirt and odors. Vacuum each step thoroughly to remove all the baking soda residue.

Vinegar

You can make a great cleaning solution from vinegar and water. Not only does it clean well, but it also kills odor-causing bacteria.

Be sure to use ordinary white vinegar and not specialty vinegar, such as apple cider or wine vinegar. Yes, your house will smell strongly of vinegar while the solution is wet. However, as it dries, vinegar evaporates trapped odors along with its signature smell.

Add ¾ cup of distilled white vinegar to a gallon of warm water and stir well. Some cleaners suggest adding a tablespoon or two of salt to boost the cleaning power. Dip a scrub brush into the solution and work it into the carpet with circular, vertical, and horizontal strokes. Do not saturate the carpet; you just want enough moisture to loosen the dirt.

If the water gets murky, dump it and make a new batch. After scrubbing your steps, dip a clean towel into plain water, wring it out, then wipe each step. Allow the carpeting to dry overnight.

4. Spot Cleaning

Any of the cleaning solutions recommended above will work for spot cleaning. However, after cleaning a spot, you may notice it and the surrounding area is a lighter color than the rest of the carpet. This often happens with old carpet that hasn’t been cleaned frequently enough.

Apply the cleaning solution to the spot and dab the excess with absorbent towels. Let it dry, and repeat with another cleaning product if the first one fails to remove the spot.

Bissell’s Little Green PROheat Carpet Cleaner is a helpful tool for taking care of spills and stains before they have time to set. It also works well on set-in stains but may require a bit more elbow grease. The kit comes with Bissell Professional Spot and Stain and Oxy Formula cleaning liquid. Weighing just over nine pounds, it comes with a stair tool that makes cleaning carpeted stairs easy.

If you don’t want to invest in a spot cleaning machine, you can rent a carpet spot cleaner and stair detailer at your nearest home improvement retailer. Some grocery stores and other retailers rent Rug Doctor carpet cleaning machines, too. Affordable rental rates are based on how long you keep the machine; some allow you to rent it for as few as four hours.

5. Steam Cleaning

Professional steam cleaning is expensive, but it’s definitely the easiest way to deep clean carpet stairs. After all, you just pay someone to show up and take care of the problem for you.

Even if you’re good about self-cleaning carpeted stairs yourself, it’s wise to invest in a professional steam cleaning at least once a year. There really is no match for their industrial equipment when it comes to removing stubborn dirt and carpet stains.

6. Stubborn Stain Treatment

The key to preventing stubborn stains is to tackle colorful liquid spills as soon as they happen. So if you trip while carrying up a glass of red wine upstairs to enjoy during your evening bath, you must immediately soak up as much of the liquid as possible.

Use a clean cloth or paper towels to gently blot and dab the liquid. Don’t rub it, as rubbing just pushes the fluid deeper into the carpet fibers. Spray the stain with a carpet cleaning solution and follow the methods outlined above for spot cleaning.

Repeat the process if the stain is still there the next day. If you used vinegar to clean initially, perhaps try baking soda or a commercial carpet spot cleaning product.

If the stain is extra-stubborn and still remains, you may have to hire a professional to steam clean that step.

7. Pet Messes

Pet stains are common, but they pose problems that spilled drinks or tipped flowerpots don’t. They can be smelly in addition to being unsightly. And if you don’t clean them well enough, your pet may return to that spot to urinate or defecate again.

You must use a cleaner specifically designed to handle pet messes that involve urine, vomit, blood, or feces. These products contain enzymes that break down these protein-based stains.

Nature’s Miracle Deep-Cleaning Stain and Odor Remover is a bio-enzymatic-based solution that eliminates visible stains and the particles that cause pet odors. It can be used straight from the bottle or diluted for use in a carpet cleaning machine. It’s completely safe for pets and humans and is also great to keep on hand for those inevitable nights when your child has a potty or vomiting accident.

Pet hair can also make carpeted stairs look dirty as it collects in corners and crevices. Frequent vacuuming should keep most pet hair accumulation under control, but if you have a lot of pets or animals that shed a lot, it’s hard to stay on top of it.

Brush your stairs with a stiff brush to loosen any embedded pet hair before vacuuming. This portable, double-sided Lint Remover Tool makes easy work of removing pet hair from carpeted stairs—without having to drag out the vacuum cleaner.

Whether you’re looking to beat the summer heat, improve air circulation, or simply add a touch of style to your bedroom, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will explore seven top-rated ceiling fans that are specifically designed for bedrooms, taking into consideration factors such as noise level, airflow efficiency, aesthetics, and overall performance.

If you live in a temperate climate, a ceiling fan might be all you need to stay comfortable on warm nights. In a hotter climate, a ceiling fan will work with your air conditioner by distributing cooled air evenly throughout the bedroom.

Choosing the best ceiling fan for bedroom spaces can feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of fans available. That’s why we created this list of ceiling fans that impressed us the most, and why.

1. Hunter Echo Bluff 42″ LED Ceiling Fan

For over 135 years, the Hunter Fan Company has been making traditional ceiling fans to coordinate with all decor styles. With the Echo Bluff 42 in. LED Ceiling Fan, Hunter has scored a great balance between classic fan design and modern ceiling fan features.

The Echo Bluff’s five ceiling fan blades have updated clean lines and are available in white or two reversible blade options: light brown oak/medium brown walnut or harvest mahogany/light maple. Choose from brushed nickel, premier bronze, or white metal housing and trim. This ceiling fan kit includes a 3-bulb LED light fixture with frosted glass shades, but you can install it without the lights if you don’t need them.

The Echo Bluff has a 42” fan blade span that is appropriate for a small bedroom such as a guest bedroom or nursery. It has a flush-mount design, which means that it rests close to the ceiling and is ideal for low ceiling heights. The entire unit weighs just over 21 pounds and offers good value for the money.

The 3-speed WhisperWind motor is designed to produce quiet, but powerful airflow. Depending on how sensitive you are to background noises, you may notice a slight hum when the fan is running.

Unlike less expensive fans, it doesn’t wobble at higher speeds. Experienced DIYers find the Echo Bluff easy to install, while others may find it a bit challenging, so getting professional help is recommended.

2. Honeywell Carnegie Ceiling Fan

Not only is the rustic chic Honeywell Carnegie Ceiling Fan gorgeous, but it also comes with a really cool remote control for gadget geeks. You can adjust the light, fan speed, and more without ever leaving your chair. What’s more, the remote control is compatible with Alexa and Google Home with the purchase of a Bond Home device.

The Carnegie is compatible with any type of ceiling height and slope, as it has dual mounting capabilities. Flush mount the fan for low ceilings or use the downrod mount for taller ceilings. A 52-inch fan blade span is powered by a strong motor with seasonal reversibility.

This ceiling fan has a reputation for tricky installation, but we find its unique modern-rustic design worth the potential struggle. It has a matte black housing and five broad reversible blades in two rustic finishes: mopane (a variegated African hardwood) and burnt oak (a dark charcoal grey).

The fan’s dark colors form a strong background for the shiny copper light cage fixture. Instead of ordinary LED bulbs, it’s set with vintage Edison bulbs for a design touch not found on many fans at this price point.

3. Harbor Breeze Armitage 52″ Brushed Nickel LED Ceiling Fan

Harbor Breeze is Lowes’ house brand name for ceiling fans manufactured by Litex Industries. The Armitage 52-inch Brushed Nickel LED Ceiling Fan is a budget-friendly choice for traditional home interiors. Its 52-inch diameter ceiling fan size fits well in a medium or large room up to 400 square feet.

It has a three-speed, AC motor that provides ultra-powerful airflow. It’s also reversible at the flip of a switch, so you can enjoy air circulation without cooling during the wintertime.

Its low-profile design is great for average bedroom ceiling heights and the single frosted glass globe LED light fixture adds simple elegance to the design. It houses a dimmable LED light bulb, which may be a little dimmer than you anticipate. A pull chain allows you to operate the light kit and make quick adjustments between three fan speeds.

The linked model has brushed nickel metal housing, but the same fan is available in matte black, bronze, and white. Five reversible ceiling fan blades are a warm toffee brown on one side and a deep cocoa shade on the other.

4. Portage Bay Hugger 52″ Brushed Nickel West Hill Ceiling Fan

Most ceiling hugger fans only promise 12 to 14 inches of clearance, but when vertical space is tight, you might need a smidge more. This is one of the most compact flush mount fans out there at just 11.5 inches from the ceiling to the bottom of the light kit.

In a basement bedroom or older home where you need even more clearance, the West Hill ceiling fan allows you to gain another few inches of headroom. Simply use the endcap and install the fan without the light fixture.

The Portage Bay 50252 Hugger 52-inch West Hill Ceiling Fan is affordable and has a modern, simplistic style that merges with any home decor. Reversible blades are warm maple on one side and deep walnut on the other, and both colors pair well with the brushed nickel housing. The light is dimmable between 10 and 100% and is encased in a curved, frosted glass fixture.

The reversible motor offers three fan speed settings and the ability to quickly change the circulation direction between seasons. This quiet ceiling fan is 52 inches in diameter, suitable for up to a 20×20-foot room. It may not be the quietest ceiling fan, but unless background noises are an issue for you, you’re not likely to notice the light hum while it’s spinning.

5. Hampton Bay Glendale 42″ LED Indoor White Ceiling Fan

Hampton Bay is Home Depot’s house brand for Litex Industries fans and offers a similar level of quality and features. The Hampton Bay Glendale 42″ LED Indoor White Ceiling Fan with Light Kit is a good choice if you need a solid white ceiling fan with a smaller radius. If you tire of an all-white fan, its five blades reverse to a bleached oak finish.

This is also a great choice if you need a downrod mount from a taller ceiling height. It includes a 4.5-inch downrod that gives the fan an overall height of 18.7 inches, but you can purchase a longer downrod for tall vaulted ceilings. The 3-speed motor with reverse is designed to circulate cool air throughout smaller bedrooms around 10×10 feet.

The Glendale light kit has three LED bulb sockets and each includes a frosted glass shade. It’s one of the quieter ceiling fans available today, making it perfect in nurseries and other small bedrooms. Installation is fairly easy, but some people have trouble fitting the light kit wires into the housing. Home Depot provides a helpful installation guide video if you need help.

6. Home Decorators Collection Ashby Park 52″ Ceiling Fan

Although we find them quite attractive, ceiling fans aren’t exactly sought-after by interior designers. Their reasoning is that other light fixtures add more impact to the room’s decor. While that is often true, in hot climates a ceiling fan is a necessity for creating a cool sleeping environment.

Home Depot’s Home Decorator Collection hopes to solve that problem by offering a carefully curated collection of ceiling fans, furniture, light fixtures, and other elements that elevate your home’s style. The Ashby Park 52-inch Ceiling Fan is one of the simpler styles in the collection but it will fit into literally any type of home decor.

As the name indicates, this fan includes features that demand a higher price point. However, the handheld remote control allows you to choose between dimmable soft white, daylight, and warm white lighting. It has an integrated LED module light kit which eliminates the need to replace bulbs.

The brushed nickel housing has a clean, modern appearance and accentuates five reversible blades in contemporary blackened oak and grey-washed oak. Like other fans designed for medium-to-large rooms, it has a 52-inch span. Its three-speed motor delivers some serious airflow.

7. Portage Bay Miller Park Ceiling Fan

White ceiling fans are always in style, especially with farmhouse, beachy, or cottage decor. The Portage Bay Miller Park Ceiling Fan has reversible blades that offer this casual style in two ways: solid white and whitewashed grey oak. The metal housing and brackets that attach to the blades are white.

It has a 44-inch fan blade span that sufficiently cools a small bedroom without visually taking over the space. Each branch of its 3-arm light kit ends in a simple frosted glass shade and light bulbs are included.

A pair of pull chains operate the light switch and the fan’s three speeds. The fan can either be flush mounted or downrod mounted. Installation is pretty straightforward for anyone who’s installed a ceiling fan before, but newbies might struggle a little with getting the screws and holes to line up correctly.

This is the lowest-priced fan on our list of favorites, so definitely give it more than a glance if your budget is tight or you need to purchase a lot of fans for your home. It’s a solid ceiling fan that operates quietly and offers more than enough light to illuminate a 350-400 square foot bedroom.

Ceiling Fan Glossary

Airflow Efficiency

A rating that measures a ceiling fan’s airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per one watt of electricity used. The higher the CFM, the more energy-efficient the fan. Look for a minimum efficiency number of 75.

Angled Mount

A specially designed mount that allows you to hang a ceiling fan evenly from sloped ceilings or angled ceilings. If the fan you want doesn’t come with an angled mount, you may be able to find an adapter kit.

Balance

An unbalanced fan will wobble, often loudly. Your ceiling fan may come with a balancing kit that includes small weights to keep your fan from wobbling. If not, you can buy a balancing kit at any home improvement store.

Damp Rated

This type of ceiling fan is intended for outdoor use under a covered roof, such as on a covered patio or porch. It can withstand humidity, heat, and mist – but not direct rainfall. A damp-rated fan is also ideal indoors in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where high moisture levels may damage a dry-rated ceiling fan.

DC Motor

Ceiling fans with a DC motor are the most efficient types of fans. They can consume up to 80% less energy than traditional AC fans. Note that most budget ceiling fans still use AC motors.

Downrod Mount

Designed for high ceilings, a downrod mount extends the distance between the ceiling and the fan’s motor. A short downrod comes with many ceiling fans; in most cases, you’ll need to purchase a longer downrod separately. For safety reasons, make sure the downrod doesn’t place the bottom of the fan lower than seven feet above the floor.

Dry Rated

Indoor-only ceiling fans should be limited to living rooms, bedrooms, playrooms, and other rooms where excessive moisture isn’t a factor.

Fan Blade Span

The complete width of the fan; the size of the circle you see when a ceiling fan is in motion. The edges of your fan blade span should be at least 18” from each wall.

Fan Blade Pitch

Describes the angle of the tilt on each ceiling fan blade. This angle is one of the factors that determine the strength of a fan’s air circulation. The ideal fan blade pitch is between 12 and 15 degrees.

Flush Mount

Also called low-profile or hugger fans, these ceiling fans are mounted directly to the ceiling. Ideal for a lower ceiling height, a hugger ceiling fan has less powerful airflow than one that’s not as close to the ceiling.

Housing

The metal cylinder or decorative covering conceals and protects the fan’s inner workings. The motor housing protects the motor while the switch housing covers various wires, switches, and other components.

Motor Speed

A ceiling fan’s motor speed is measured in rotations per minute (RPMs). RPMs range from 20 to 300, depending on the fan blade span. UL standards place limits on how fast ceiling fans can spin.

Reversible Blades

A special type of ceiling fan blades that direct airflow in both directions at the same time. They equalize air pressure, improving ventilation. The term is also used to describe ceiling fan blades that have a different color on each side, allowing you to change the look of your fan without installing a whole new unit.

Reversible Motor

A reversible motor is one that has a switch to reverse its spinning direction. Ceiling fans typically force air downward, into a downdraft that makes the room feel cooler. By flipping the motor reversal switch, you can turn the downdraft into an updraft that pulls air from below the fan. This clockwise rotation helps circulate warm air throughout the room.

Wall Control

A simple switch or sliding knob is used to turn your ceiling fan on and off. It may be on the room’s light switch plate or installed separately.

Wet Rated

A wet rated ceiling fan can be safely installed in a pergola or another structure without a solid roof. It is able to withstand exposure to direct rainfall. While indoor fan design options are practically unlimited, you’ll find that there are only a few available styles of wet rated fans.

The Verdict

If we had to pick just one ceiling fan for our own bedrooms, we’d go with the number one item on our list: the Hunter Echo Bluff. It’s a good size for the average bedroom, and it has a nice, bright light fixture. Its price point is a little higher than other models in the “budget fan” category, but it’s still highly affordable. Plus, the quality of materials – and Hunter’s reputation for building fans that last 25 years or more – make it well worth the slightly higher initial investment.

However, if you have a high or sloped ceiling in your bedroom, the flush-mount Echo Bluff won’t work. You’ll need a downrod mount fan. We recommend Honeywell’s Carnegie ceiling fan, not only because of its mounting flexibility but because it’s a truly beautiful fan with a great remote control. Just be prepared to pay nearly twice as much for this level of style and functionality.

Bedroom Ceiling Fan FAQs

Your bedroom probably already has a ceiling light fixture, but that hardly creates the peaceful setting most of us crave in our bedrooms. There are so many options for illuminating your most sacred space. Here are what we believe are nine of the best lights for bedroom use.

Bedroom Brilliance: Exploring the Best Lights for the Bedroom

1. Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is a secondary source of bedroom lighting. Ambient light is the light that already exists in a space, whether it’s daylight or a dominant light source, such as a table lamp or an overhead fixture. Accent light is the opposite and is directed at a specific thing you want to illuminate, like artwork or a dim corner.

Track lighting is a common form of accent lighting, but track lights are more commonly seen in a living room than in a bedroom. Picture lights are excellent for illuminating a favorite bedroom painting or portrait.

Even though the purpose of accent lighting is to showcase specific items, it should have a subtle effect. Attention should be on the item itself, not the light source. Even so, it adds to the entire room’s overall ambiance when you choose attractive accent lighting fixtures.

Hampton Bay 8.5 in. Brushed Nickel Accent Lamp With Frosted Crackled Glass Shade

Home Depot’s Hampton Bay Brushed Nickel Accent Lamp features a stylish crackled glass shade. At just 8.5 inches tall, it’s small enough to rest among your decorative objects and showcase them without taking over.

This modern, cylindrical accent lamp takes a 60-watt bulb and has three light intensity levels powered by the touch of a finger. One touch provides a warm nighttime glow, while the highest setting considerably brightens the immediate area. Illuminate a dark bedroom shelf or tuck it in a bathroom or laundry area.

2. Ceiling Fans

A ceiling fan can make your bedroom feel up to five degrees cooler in warm weather. During the wintertime, you can reverse the direction of the blades to keep heated air circulating smoothly through your room.

While older ceiling fans all looked alike, thousands of new ceiling fan designs exist, making it possible to find one that’s perfect with your bedroom decor. Although some interior designers shy away from ceiling fans, they are a practical way to maintain an optimal living temperature.

You probably already have a light fixture in the middle of your bedroom ceiling. It’s a relatively simple DIY job to replace it with a ceiling fan, but it may be best to hire an electrician to make the switch. Keep your overhead light capabilities by purchasing a new ceiling fan equipped with a light kit.

Hunter Pelston 52-in Matte White LED Indoor Ceiling Fan with Light

The Hunter Pelston 52-inch Matte White LED Indoor Ceiling Fan comes with a three-branch light kit with cylindrical clear glass shades. This four-blade model has streamlined blades and simple brackets that fit well with modern, contemporary, or farmhouse styles.

Bedroom ceiling fans must be the right size for the job – not too big or too small. This 52-inch fan blade span is best for medium-to-large-sized bedrooms.

One reason to love this fan is the “Installer’s Choice” three-position mounting system. It can be flush mounted against the ceiling, hung from a high ceiling with a downrod mount, or angle-mounted to a slanted ceiling. You will pay a little more for this flexibility, but Hunter’s overall quality is worth it.

3. Chandeliers

Say the word “chandelier” and an ornate, glass-beaded ceiling fixture comes to mind. One of the more elegant forms of overhead lighting, the elaborate chandelier of the past has undergone a simpler, subtle makeover. You can still get golden fixtures draped in beaded crystal strings, but you can also find modern versions without a crystal in sight.

Although the word still defines a multi-branched ceiling light, chandeliers have moved beyond entryways and dining rooms into the bedroom. Usually fitted with incandescent bulbs, modern chandeliers also work with energy-saving LED bulbs. Be sure to check the color temperature of any LED lights you place in the bedroom, as warm-hued bedroom lighting is preferable to cool.

LALUZ Farmhouse 9-Light Rustic Chandelier With Wood Bead Strings and Bronze Metal Arms

The LALUZ Farmhouse Rustic Chandelier is a great medium-sized chandelier for those who need a fixture that complements farmhouse, vintage, and transitional interiors. With burnished bronze curved arms and strands of plain wooden beads, its neutral colors meld well with any bedroom color scheme.

At just over 25 inches in height, it might not work as an over-the-bed fixture in a room with low ceilings. However, it’s perfect for tall or vaulted ceilings as it comes with a 59-inch chain. Its price point is on par with other chandeliers of similar size and style.

4. Flush-Mount Ceiling Fixtures

Flush mount ceiling fixtures are great when your room has no headspace to spare. These low-profile bedroom lighting fixtures mount flush with the ceiling and come in a huge variety of sizes and styles. This is the type of bedroom light you see in most newly built homes; a simple light bulb or two covered in a decorative or bowl-shaped cover.

Many homeowners replace these simple general lighting fixtures with ceiling fans, pendant lights, or chandeliers. However, well-designed flush-mount fixtures make great bedroom ceiling lights. Just be sure to choose a cover made of a marbled, frosted, or colored material to keep it from being too bright for a bedroom.

Warrenton 1 – Light Simple Circle LED Flush Mount

In offering the Warrenton 1 – Light Simple Circle LED Flush Mount fixture, Wayfair proves that you don’t need to spend a lot to find a sleek, slim bedroom ceiling light. Its simple circular design comes in four sizes, from 5 to 11 inches in diameter. Its narrow frame comes in four finishes: black, polished chrome, satin nickel, or white.

One unusual thing about this fixture is that it has built-in LED lighting. This means that you will never have to climb a ladder to change the bulbs. However, the downside is that when it eventually burns out, you will have to replace the entire fixture. These lights can be installed on dimmer switches to allow you to adjust the light level throughout the day and night.

5. Pendants

Pendant lights are a type of ambient lighting. Pendants hang from the ceiling on a long rod or chain. This means they’re an ideal ceiling light choice with high bedroom ceilings of 10 feet or more. Pendant light styles trend toward modern and contemporary decor and are an excellent alternative to ordinary bedside lamps.

A pendant with a strong bulb can work as task lighting over a vanity or dressing table. Pendant light fixtures need to be placed over the bed or other pieces of bedroom furniture. Like flush mount lights, pendant light fixtures need covers that help soften their visual impact on the bedroom.

Kristella 1-Light Crystal and Chrome Pendant

Part of the Home Depot Decorators Collection, the Kristella 1-Light Pendant features elegant crystal glass framed in sleek, modern chrome. More pricey than many pendant light options, it will add a welcome touch of bling to a simple modern interior.

This mini-pendant is the perfect alternative to a nightstand lamp. You could also hang a trio of them over a vanity for an elegant task-lighting solution. One nice thing about the Kristella Collection is that it includes several larger coordinating light fixtures. Options include one, four, and six-light pendants, a semi-flush mount light, and two sizes of vanity light fixtures.

6. Recessed Fixtures

Recessed lights are the unsung heroes of many excellent bedroom lighting plans. Not really meant to be noticed, recessed lighting fixtures provide the task lights you need without drawing any attention to themselves. All that’s visible is the bulb surrounded by a simple ring of white, bronze, chrome, or black metal. Some recessed light fixtures have embossing or other decorative details, but most are decidedly plain.

Ideally, recessed lights will be placed on a dimmer switch so you can control the amount of general bedroom lighting at any time. Most can be fitted with an energy-saving LED or compact fluorescent bulb.

Halo Warm White Round Dimmable Recessed Downlight

Sold in an affordable six-pack, Halo Warm White Round Dimmable Recessed Downlight fixtures can be bought with 5 or 6-inch diameters. They come with torsion springs that pull the trim tight to the ceiling. A diffuse lens keeps the light from becoming too intense.

It’s easy to replace old recessed light fixtures with these Halo lights. Even those with minimal DIY skills find installation relatively simple – another reason these lights are a budget-friendly choice.

7. Sconces

A wall sconce is a light that attaches to the wall on a decorative bracket. Wall sconces make great bedside lights, but they’re under-utilized in bedroom decor. This is unfortunate because the soft wall light is ideal for nighttime reading, especially if the sconce is on a swing arm that allows you to direct the light where needed.

Recommended sconce height is usually six feet above the floor, perhaps a bit higher if your ceilings are taller than usual. Install upward-facing wall sconces above eye level so that the bulb isn’t visible. If you hang a sconce over a nightstand, make sure that any table lamps are appropriately scaled so that the two types of light fixtures aren’t visually competing with each other.

VILUXY Wood Wall Sconces 2-Pack

We found a wall sconce that complements a wide variety of interior design styles without being boring – something that’s not easy to do. Made of wood and metal, VILUXY Wood Wall Sconces merge well with retro, industrial, farmhouse, and modern home decor.

These indirect lighting fixtures feature a three-dimensional wood batten set atop a matte black base. We love how the arabesque shape adds curves without over-feminizing the design. Sold as a set of two, this can be an affordable addition to your main bedroom’s lighting scheme.

8. Standing Lamps

Standing lamps are lamps that rest directly on the floor. They’re excellent bedroom lighting options to brighten dark corners or create cozy https://nextluxury.com/home-design/reading-nook-ideas/reading nooks. A floor lamp is easy to move when you want to rearrange the bedroom and a new lampshade can completely transform its appearance when you’re ready for a new look.

When tucking a floor lamp into a reading area, make sure the light is focused downward for the best book page illumination. If you don’t have room for a separate table in your reading area, look for a floor lamp that has a built-in table around its post.

LEPOWER Wood Tripod Floor Lamp

A tripod base is what separates the LEPOWER Wood Floor Lamp from more conventional standing lamp designs. Made of rubberwood, each lamp’s sleek posts are available with a matte black, walnut, or dark brown finish. A basic cylindrical linen shade gives off a modern midcentury vibe while softly diffusing the light throughout the area.

It takes a 40 to 60-watt incandescent bulb, or you can substitute a more energy-friendly LED bulb instead. It has a footswitch for easy use and merges well into vintage, modern, retro, and traditional home decor.

9. Table Lamps

Table lamps are often the little things that make the biggest impact on bedroom decor. Traditional table lamps feature a bell-shaped lampshade over a simple ceramic, glass, or wooden base. Newer table lamp styles have metal bases in nearly unlimited finishes and shapes.

Traditional Tiffany lamps have intricate stained glass shades and can be very expensive, although affordable knock-offs are readily available.

When choosing table lamps for your bedside tables, be careful to keep size and scale in mind. You don’t want the lamps to vanish in a larger bedroom, but you also want to avoid giant lamps that overwhelm your nightstand surface. Ideally, bedroom table lamps should be between 24 and 36 inches in height.

Safavieh Lighting Collection Melville Grey Wash 24-Inch Lamps

These Safavieh Melville Grey Wash 24-inch Nightstand Table Lamps are sold in a pack of two, providing good value for the money. Wood-like resin bases are sculpted into dramatic curves and finished with a grey wash that allows them to blend into cottage, farmhouse, and traditional interiors.

The off-white drum lampshades are covered in 100% cotton and the lamps can use up to a 100-watt bulb. They come with LED bulbs and are well-packed so they arrive ready to plug in and enjoy.

Bedroom Lighting FAQs

Staircase size, location, and purpose all factor into flooring choices. Noise, safety, and personal style are other considerations that will help narrow down your choices. Each type of stair flooring has its benefits and drawbacks.

Find out when and where each type of flooring works best and see our recommendations for each category.

1. Carpet

Carpet is a great flooring material for stairs. It comes in a ton of textures, patterns, and colors and buffers noise better than any other kind of flooring. This is a huge consideration for a staircase located near bedrooms, offices, or other areas of your home where keeping quiet is a priority.

Wool carpet looks beautiful but is not the best choice for a busy staircase. Synthetic carpets are much more durable and resist soil and stains better than natural carpet fibers.

The right kind of carpeting also helps prevent staircase slips and falls by providing traction for those traveling up and down. Printed carpet helps camouflage pet hair and dust while turning the staircase into a beautiful focal point. Look for nylon carpet that has built-in stain protection for the greatest durability on high-traffic stairs.

Stainmaster PetProtect Natural Essence Pattern Carpet

Stainmaster’s PetProtect Natural Essence Pattern Carpet is a nylon fiber carpet with outstanding soil and stain resistance. It’s specially made for extra durability and each of the nine neutral colors is made from multiple color fibers to help hide pet hair and stains.

Its low pile and textured surface are ideal for stair installation and will also help ensure safe footage. Although it has a low pile, it’s still soft underfoot and its texture is subtle enough to coordinate with any style of home decor.

2. Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is a classic type of floor covering that has never gone out of style. Although many materials imitate the look of hardwood flooring, there is no substitute for the rich finish and underfoot feeling of genuine hardwood surfaces.

There are hundreds of hardwood flooring options, including solid wood, engineered wood, and sustainable bamboo. Hardwood floors come in a range of colors ranging from pale birch to deep ebony. Hardwood planks can also be painted in any color – an easier option than stripping and staining worn wooden stairs.

Properly finished, hardwood stairs can last for decades, but you may need to install no-slip treads to keep them from being too slippery under sock-covered feet.

Bruce Plano Oak Gunstock Solid Hardwood Flooring

Bruce’s Plano Oak Gunstock Solid Hardwood Flooring is ¾ inch thick and each hardwood plank is five inches wide. Random wood plank lengths range between 12 and 84 inches long – a unique feature that adds a bit of whimsy. This hardwood flooring highlights the beauty of natural wood by keeping knots, small holes, mineral streaks, and minor milling imperfections. This provides a comfortable, lived-in feeling without being overly rustic.

In addition to the warm brown gunstock finish, it comes in grey, natural, mocha, and three additional shades of brown. It can be stripped and refinished up to three times, so it is designed for longevity at an affordable price point. This makes it a good surface choice for a busy stairway.

3. Laminate

Laminate stair flooring is a budget-friendly alternative to real wood. It comes in a variety of other styles as well. Because you can purchase textured laminate flooring that provides more traction than wood floors, it makes a great alternative to carpeted stairs.

Laminate flooring is durable and easy to keep clean. It also resists moisture, dents, and dings much more readily than wood. Most laminate flooring is easy to install and replace when necessary. This gives it a clear budget advantage over wood or tile – not only because the product itself is cheaper, but because you can save a lot of money by installing it yourself.

American Concepts Liberty Oak Laminate Flooring

If you want affordable laminate flooring that looks like a classic oak wood floor, check out American Concepts Liberty Oak Laminate Flooring. Each laminate floor plank is eight inches wide by 51 inches long. The thickness is just seven millimeters, which means you may be able to install it on top of your existing flooring.

It has a slip-resistant surface – ideal for staircase use. It also offers excellent UV, scratch, stain, mildew, and fade resistance which means that it’s suitable for all kinds of interiors. It will hold up through the demands of a busy family.

The medium brown color has a heavily variegated finish that looks like a natural hardwood floor peppered with attractive organic flaws. If you prefer a more solid-colored floor, choose the Smith honey oak finish instead.

4. Pre-Made Stair Treads

Pre-made stair treads are the easy solution for a DIYer who needs to refresh the look of an existing hardwood staircase. Not only are they suitable for a worn wooden stairway, but they’re also ideal for resurfacing a stairway covered in carpeting that only has bare lumber wood underneath.

Pre-finished stair treads are made from edge-glued wood – not laminate or veneered material – so they provide the look of hardwood without the difficulty of creating hardwood stairs yourself. Wood stair treads are available at home improvement centers and flooring stores. Some pre-made stair treads come with an attached facing that covers risers in a matching finish.

Carpet stair treads are another option for refreshing tired staircase surfaces. Carpet treads are rectangular carpet mats that cover the center of each step’s surface. Other styles fold over the stair nosing and look more like carpet than individual mats.

Oak Valley Designs Carpet Stair Treads

Oak Valley Designs Carpet Stair Treads Bayside Charm are 27-inch-wide carpeting panels with a bullnose edge suitable for hardwood or painted staircases. While they are considerably more expensive than basic carpet tiles or mats, their tailored look is worth the price. In addition, you can purchase matching landing mats. Colors include various shades of beige and grey, and each one has adhesive on the back to keep it in place.

These carpet treads are an excellent option for someone who wants the look of a stair runner but not the expense. The feeling underfoot is like that of a low pile carpet with a little padding underneath. Pet owners appreciate how they help aging dogs navigate stairs without slipping or falling – and they’re easy to replace if one gets soiled or stained.

5. Stair Runner

A stair runner is an economical type of carpet designed just for stairs. Sold on rolls of a certain width, a carpet stair runner is installed in one solid waterfall down the staircase, bent around each stair nose, and nailed in place. If your stairs are beginning to show signs of wear and tear, a carpet runner is an easy way to refresh them.

Because your original wood floor finish will still show on each side of the runner, it’s a great compromise between carpeted and hardwood stairs. You can still see the beautiful hardwood flooring, but gain the safety of the carpet.

You can find this type of stair carpet in solid colors or highly detailed prints that come with matching area rugs for your landings. Most are made of synthetic carpet fiber that has been engineered for extra durability and soil resistance.

TrafficMaster Derbent Gray Stair Runner

TrafficMaster Derbent Grey Stair Runner is an attractive, affordable, and durable way to add carpet to your staircase. It has a monochromatic scrollwork pattern that gives it an appearance somewhere between a Berber carpet and an area rug. It’s great for those who like traditional decor, but aren’t fans of overly busy rug patterns on a staircase.

The Derbent stair runner is 26” wide and has an affordable, mid-range price point. Because your final cost is calculated by the linear foot, there is very little waste at the time of installation. It is easily spot-cleaned and regular vacuuming helps keep it looking new.

6. Tile

Tile flooring is a durable, waterproof flooring material that is common in beach cottages, Mediterranean architecture, and luxury homes. Because of its moisture resistance, tile is ideal for basement stairs and other areas where excess dampness might present a problem.

Natural stone tiles are the most expensive, but their natural textures make them a better choice than smoother tile when it comes to stair surfaces. Glass, porcelain, or ceramic tile mosaics are a beautiful way to enhance stair risers.

Slippery-surfaced tiles are an obvious no-go for stair treads. For safety reasons, be sure to choose a textured tile that provides some degree of traction. A professional tile installer will know not to use wall tiles for flooring, but it would be easy for a DIYer to purchase the wrong type. Step tile must also be thinner than 3/8 of an inch to not affect riser height.

Della Torre Belmont Multicolor Glazed Porcelain Stone Look Floor and Wall Tile

This 12-inch by 24-inch Della Torre Belmont Multicolor Glazed Porcelain Stone Look Tile is perfect for foyer or basement stairs, floors, and walls. It looks like real slate but at a fraction of the cost. Its rectangular design breaks away from traditional square tile shapes and the multicolor finish works well with cool or warm colors.

Purchase the matching bullnose trim tile for finishing the edge on each of your tile steps. Don’t let the idea of installing tile yourself intimidate you. Basic tilework is a relatively easy DIY project, and while stairs present their own challenges, you can save a great deal of money by learning basic tile laying and grouting skills.

7. Vinyl

If you already have vinyl flooring, you can install vinyl plank or tiles on your stairs.  However, your treads must be completely level for vinyl plank or vinyl tile to install properly. Like classic tile, vinyl tile is another good choice for a basement or kitchen staircase where moisture can be an issue.

Luxury vinyl is considerably thicker and more durable than traditional sheet vinyl flooring. Luxury vinyl plank flooring comes in a wood-plank shape and closely mimics real hardwood colors and textures. Luxury vinyl tile looks like textured stone, ceramic, or concrete tile.

FloorPops Medina Gray Peel and Stick Floor Tile

FloorPops is a popular brand of peel-and-stick vinyl tiles. Not only are they easy for nearly anyone to install, but they also come in all the latest trendy designs. Each Medina Peel & Stick Floor Tile Grey is a 12 x 12-inch square with an intricate ironwork design. Equally compatible with chic farmhouse, bohemian, or even gothic decor, the Medina pattern is available in light grey or black, paired with white.

These peel-and-stick floor tiles are perfect for anyone looking for an easy, affordable way to update their flooring. Each box of FloorPops includes enough tile to cover 10 square feet. Just know that the adhesive is permanent; therefore, it may not be a good choice if you’re renting your home or apartment.

Flooring for Stairs FAQs

Whether you ascribe to Feng Shui or Vastu Shastra principles—or simply want to know which bedroom mirror position interior designers recommend most—the following tips will help you designate the best spots for your bedroom mirrors.

Maximizing Light With Thoughtful Bedroom Mirror Placement

A dark bedroom may be a welcome thing when you’re sleeping, but it can be a downer to have a bedroom with little natural light during the daytime. Knowing where to put a mirror in the bedroom can really maximize the available natural light.

If you don’t have to worry about small children or pets knocking it over, lean a large mirror on the wall opposite your bedroom window. Not only will it double the daylight, but it will also make the entire room look larger.

Although propping a big mirror against the wall is a popular interior design trend, large hanging mirrors are equally useful. Securely anchored, they’re also safer than mirrors propped against a wall.

Tuck small mirrors into your shelf or dresser-top displays. Every little mirror accent adds some degree of light reflection.

Harmonizing Your Bedroom with Feng Shui Mirror Principles

Feng Shui Basics

Feng Shui is a concept birthed from an ancient Chinese poem that speaks about the connection and flow that exists between people and the environment. Feng means “wind” and Shui means “water,” both elements of motion and life.

There are dozens of different schools of Feng Shui, and some of their teachings may contradict one another. For example, a classical Feng Shui expert may base the optimal flow of your home’s energy (Qi) on nearby topographical landforms, while an Intuitive Feng Shui practitioner will focus on the energy each possession brings into the house.

Compass directions also play a part in determining home layout:

North wall: meditation room or master bedroom

Northwest: office or master bedroom

Northeast: study or child’s bedroom

East wall: study or kitchen

Southeast: kitchen, study, or bedroom

South wall: dining room, office, or bedroom

Southwest: family room or dining room

West wall: dining room, living room, or child’s bedroom

A Bagua is an energy map that shows eight areas of your home. Each area corresponds with certain life circumstances, colors, seasons, numbers, shapes, and earthly elements. You are at the center of every bagua and considered the ninth area.

In Feng Shui philosophy, the master bedroom is the most important room in the home. Bedroom Feng Shui principles center around this space being the room that’s most personal and the one where most of us spend the most time.

Feng Shui Bedroom Mirror Placement

When it comes to good Feng Shui mirror placement, most schools of thought agree that it’s bad Feng Shui to have a mirror face the bed. An exception is made when you have a small bedroom and it’s not possible to place your bed in the correct position. In that instance, a mirror can help you see the room’s entryway from the bed—a vital element in bedroom Feng Shui.

Regardless of the school of Feng Shui, if a mirror makes you feel uncomfortable while sleeping, you can always cover it with a scarf before you go to bed. Another important principle is to avoid placing Feng Shui Bagua mirrors indoors. Many of these framed mirror amulets are beautiful but intended for exterior use only.

Because Feng Shui teaches that bathroom drains drain away whatever blessings are attached to that compass area in your home, hang a full-length mirror on the outside of the bathroom door. This will keep energy from entering the bathroom and going down the drain. Just make sure that the mirror doesn’t reflect a bed, door, or other mirror.

Creating Balance With Vastu Shastra Solutions

Vastu Shastra, a practice thousands of years older than Feng Shui, literally means “dwelling science” and is the traditional Indian approach to architecture and interior design. It is believed that adhering to these holistic disciplines increases the amount of good energy flowing through your home.

According to Vastu traditions, mirror placement is one important factor to consider when designing your home. However, these principles may vary by room. For example, in the living room, a mirror should be placed on the north wall. But in the bedroom, you should always avoid placing a mirror in front of the bed.

Ancient Vastu Shastra traditions dictate that seeing your reflection while lying in bed causes arguments between you and your partner. It’s also believed to cause nightmares and health problems. To avoid these disruptions, do not place a mirror in front of your bed. Also avoid having reflective surfaces in front of the bed, such as a TV screen, for the same reason.

Mirror height is also important. Ideally, a bedroom mirror should be placed four to five feet above the floor. Never place two mirrors directly across from each other because that can invite negative energies into the bedroom.

Finally, avoid mirrored doors on a wardrobe, closet, or almirah (Indian storage cupboard) as they may reflect negative energy when you swing the door open.

Interior Designer Bedroom Mirror Placement Tips

Interior designers give careful thought to the way they place mirror panels in a room. A favorite trick is to strategically use mirrors to create a sense of depth. A large wall mirror gives the illusion of another door opening into an adjacent space. This illusion makes a single room feel like it’s joined to another room of equal size.

Never place a bedroom mirror where it will reflect a cluttered corner or other unsightly areas. For example, don’t stand a large floor mirror directly across from an adjoining bathroom. These two spaces should be kept separate, literally and visually. Nobody wants to look at the toilet before even getting out of bed in the morning.

Other ways to creatively display bedroom mirrors include:

• A mirrored room divider is a portable way to provide a sense of depth. Use it to separate a sitting area from your bed area, or simply open it up, accordion-style, as a decor element along one wall.
• Think out of the box when deciding where to put mirrors in your bedroom. Hang a long mirror on the wall over your nightstand instead of assuming it must hang over the dresser.
• Create a vanity table or mirrored dresser by propping a beautifully framed mirror on top of a plain dresser, desk, or dressing table.
• Mirrored furniture can be quite elegant but avoid the temptation to fill your bedroom with mirrored fronts. Limit mirrored pieces to one dresser or perhaps two small nightstands—but not both. Mirrored furniture surfaces also do a great job of reflecting light in a dimly lit bedroom.
• Hang multiple mirrors over your bed instead of a headboard. A round mirror collection in varying sizes adds a whimsical vibe to a modern bedroom, while framed mirrors in different shapes and sizes take the room in a vintage direction. You can always rely on just one elegantly framed large mirror to serve as an impressive headboard.
• As long as you don’t ascribe to Feng Shui or Vastu Shastra traditions, hanging a long rectangular mirror on the closet door is a great idea. It frees up wall space for artwork and furniture and is in a convenient location for dressing.

Where To Put a Mirror in a Bedroom FAQs

Let your home and deck design lead you in selecting a deck paint or stain color scheme. Modern homes can carry a dark paint color–even black–on the deck, while a coastal home might need a lighter color and a natural wood tone.

Take a look at our best deck color ideas before settling on the perfect hue for your deck.

1. Elegant Shades of Gray in Deck Color Ideas

Once considered dull and uninspiring, gray has enjoyed a resurgence as a goes-with-everything neutral color. Gray wood stains or deck paint add character to a wood deck.

Gray comes in a huge range of warm and cool shades, from pale stone to deep charcoal. Any of these hues work especially well on a white home with black trim, as gray serves as a bridge between these extremes.

Gray is a calming neutral canvas behind pops of bright color. Composite decking is a durable, low-maintenance deck floor material that comes in a wide range of gray hues. Purchasing a Trex deck or other gray composite deck eliminates the need for paint or stain. While it’s a higher expense initially, not having to refinish the deck stain color every few years saves money over the long term.

2. Captivating Slate

Natural slate is a cool, dark-colored stone that can be used for a deck floor. Slate gray is also a popular color for wood stain and concrete decks. Many people who love this shade of gray choose paint or tinted concrete because real slate can be slippery when wet, making it a less-than-ideal decking surface.

Slate-colored tiles make a great deck surface since they mimic the real thing but can be found with slip-resistant finishes. Dark slate gray is one of the best deck stain color ideas for a modern home’s wooden deck. Pair it with black balusters and rails for a sleek, contemporary vibe.

3. Enhancing Your Deck’s Beauty with Stains

Deck stain not only provides the color you want, but it also protects your investment from the elements. The type of deck stain you choose determines how much of the wood’s natural characteristics shine through. For example:

• Solid stain: Covers most of the wood’s color and grain, much like paint. Choose solid deck stain if your deck color ideas are based on achieving a dark, uniform appearance. 
• Semitransparent stain: Provides UV protection and weatherproofing while allowing the wood’s natural characteristics to shine through. Use this when your deck ideas include purchasing a good-quality type of wood.
• Clear wood preserves: If you’re planning a natural wood deck makeover with redwood, cedar, or another beautiful wood, this clear finish will showcase its beauty. These clear stain products provide weatherproofing and UV protection but allow the wood’s characteristics to be the focus of your porch, patio, or pool deck.

Each type of deck stain comes in a range of tints and hues. Most are in the brown, tan, gray, or redwood color families.

4. Embrace the Warmth of Tan

Tan ranges from the palest, coolest khaki to deep shades of honey and maple. Tan is a popular stain color for decks because it goes with virtually any home exterior color scheme.

Nearly every natural shade of wood falls into the tan spectrum, making tan deck stains the best at honoring the material’s natural characteristics. Tans and browns are also excellent choices in desert environments, where their hues coordinate well with the surrounding landscape.

Natural stone or brick pavers are the other great choices if you prefer tan deck surfaces. Light brown, beige tiles or stone are ideal around a fire pit, or for creating a path leading to a garden pergola.

Tint a concrete pool deck with a sandy shade of tan to highlight the water’s blue brilliance on a sunny day. A warm, reddish tan pool deck paint looks stunning below redwood porch furniture.

5. Exploring Two-Tone Deck Color Combinations

If you can’t narrow your deck color ideas down to one, there are plenty of ways to use two or more colors in your deck design.

Pair warm brown balusters and deck boards with glossy black handrails and columns. Dark deck and step surfaces make white posts and handrails pop. Some deck designs incorporate three or more colors, such as gray, maple, and black.

For a long-lasting two-tone deck, choose gray composite decking in a dark slate and a slightly lighter shade of gray.

Professional deck builders can offer a variety of layout ideas, such as using a dark border around a lighter main deck. Deck boards can also be arranged in a herringbone or pattern that showcases two hues within the same color family.

6. Timeless and Serene

While an all-white deck may be harder to keep clean than other colors, sometimes it’s the best choice.

Coastal homes and Victorian porches often look best with white decking color, white rails, and white trim. A white deck serves a practical purpose in hot climates, as it reflects rather than absorbs heat from the intense midday sun.

A white deck can also be a great choice for a modern home, especially if the home’s exterior is predominantly white.

A white tile deck with metal handrails is the epitome of minimalist, sleek perfection. Regardless of your home’s style, white is the quintessential blank canvas that allows your furniture, flowers, and artwork to be your deck‘s focal points.

7. Embracing Nature

If you want your deck or patio to blend into the natural surroundings, you can’t go wrong with natural wood finishes.

Although the look of bare wood is appealing, you must use some type of stain or finish to weatherproof the surface. Semitransparent stains are a great way to add a hint of color to the deck without hiding a beautiful wood grain.

Take home several color samples to see which wood stain color works best with your landscape.

A warm maple shade may feel appealing in the store, but when you see it in your natural lighting, a cooler ash shade might be the perfect hue. Consider using two shades of wood stain to add depth and interest to your deck design.

Whether you prefer to paint a stair runner or install a carpet runner, keep your overall design scheme in mind. For example, a sisal stair runner would be perfect in a coastal cottage, but too plain in a Victorian mansion.

Scroll through our best stair runner ideas to spark your own custom stair runner ideas.

1. Stair Runner Ideas Incorporating Animal Prints

Animal print stair runners add a wild, tribal feeling to your décor. When used as a stair carpet, they can add a sense of whimsy or elegance to your entry or hallway.

Zebra, leopard, cheetah, and snake scale prints are available in virtually any color imaginable. Some animal print carpeting is bold and highly contrasting, while others are subtly monochromatic.

If you like the exotic feeling of animal prints but find them a bit too bold, look for tribal-inspired carpeting instead.

Tribal patterns include Indian, African, Asian, and Native American lines and shapes in large or small prints. If you already have animal or tribal print area rugs at the top and bottom of your stairs, connect them with a natural sisal stair runner.

2. Crafting Your Own Stair Runners

It’s possible to achieve the look of a staircase runner without hiring a professional. Simply buy a regular hallway runner rug or two and a good-quality staple gun.

Add a rug pad underneath if you want a padded effect. Embellish your DIY stair runner by installing metallic stair rods at the corner of each stair riser. 

If you’re moving into a new home, wait until the movers leave before launching your stair runner project. That way, your stair tread will only be exposed to ordinary wear-and-tear instead of the heavy traffic of movers hauling your belongings up and down stairs.

If refinishing or repainting your staircase before installing a stair rug, be sure to allow three to four weeks for the finish to completely dry first.

3. Embracing Modern Designs

Because of the simplicity of modern design, you may question whether to add a stairway or hallway runner to your home.

After all, bare wood stairs and unadorned floors go well with minimalist decor. However, there are several modern stair runner options if you want to soften your journey between floors.

If your modern home is monochromatic, feel free to use a solid color on your stair runner. Note that stains stand out more on a solid material than a print. A solid black stair runner could be perfect in a modern, minimalistic home.

4. Elegant Neutral Colors

If your home is carpeted, it is most likely in a neutral shade of white, tan, or gray. If you don’t want to draw attention to your staircase, use the same carpet as your stair runner rug material.

When choosing stair runner rods to hold the runner in place, match any metals or colors used on the staircase itself.

Popular stair runner materials in neutral colors include sisal and jute. Seagrass has a hard texture that makes it a poor choice for flexing around stair treads and risers.

Therefore, if you love the look of seagrass rugs, note that you’ll need another material on your stairs. These natural neutrals can be difficult to spot clean, as they are prone to water spots and stains.

5. Exploring Oriental Influences

Oriental rugs are among the most popular and time-tested home decor materials. Their colors and patterns are nearly limitless and can fit into a wide range of home décor styles. An oriental stair runner looks elegant with carpet rods or without.

Genuine antique oriental stair runners are available but be prepared to spend a lot on these vintage treasures. You should be able to find new, reasonably priced runners and coordinating rugs in your favorite patterns online.

Oriental rugs are often named for the city or region where they are made. Patterns include flowers, lines, and abstract tribal designs.

6. Artistic Painted Solutions

Painting a stair runner can be far less expensive—but much more time-consuming—than installing a fabric runner.

Painted stairs can provide anything from an elegant to a beachy to a bohemian vibe, depending on how they’re done. Painted risers and step surfaces provide the appearance of a classic runner without the trip hazards of carpet.

A painted runner is a good idea for basement stairs, where moisture issues can damage the carpet. Be sure to use a paint designated for flooring, as some types of paint will quickly chip or wear off with normal use. Creative painted stair runner ideas include:

• Ombre steps, where one color on the top step and a different one on the bottom step fade together in the middle.
• Rainbow-painted risers, in bright or pastel hues.
• Flowers or trailing vines that ascend the staircase.
• Chevron stripes, tile patterns, or polka dots.
• Literary or inspirational quotes, where you paint a few words on each riser and can read the entire statement while standing at the bottom of the staircase.

7. Diving Into Patterns

Patterned stair runners are a fun way to add personality to your staircase. But what’s better—a large or small print?

Choose a pattern and material that suits you, but keep in mind that large-scale patterns may not show enough repeat on a standard-size staircase. A small pattern may look more like a texture or get lost in a wide expanse of carpeted stairs.

If your staircase has a landing or wedge-shaped “pie turns” it may be a bit trickier to line up a complicated pattern.

With curving or elaborately designed staircases, it’s generally best to keep your stair rug runner a solid color or choose a very simple pattern. This avoids your pattern making the stairs feel dizzying or distracting.

8. Stylish Striped Inspiration

A striped runner can be tricky to install so that the lines run perfectly even with the stairs’ angles. However, when done correctly, stripes add a classic design element to any decor style.

Stripes that run vertically up the stairs can help a staircase feel taller and narrower, while the opposite is true of horizontal stripes. Striped stair runner patterns can be wide or thin, simple or complex. Consider unique stripes, such as chevron stripes, pinstripes, or nautical-inspired Breton stripes.

If you want a customized striped pattern, paint the runner instead of searching for ages to find the right rug material.

9. Discovering Unique Styles

Accessorizing your stair runner is a great way to add a unique touch to your hallway or entryway. Elegant brass stair rods or brass tacks add a classic flair to a vintage rug pattern.

Wide edge binding and contrasting borders make interesting boundaries between the runner and the tread and riser surfaces.

Accessorize a neutral wool stair runner with a narrow band of cotton binding in red, blue, or another hue that goes with your color scheme.

A plain jute runner can benefit from a wide patterned border, perhaps a print that’s represented elsewhere in the room. A leather or faux leather border is durable and develops a rich patina over time—but it can be expensive.

Stair Runner FAQs

Small basement ideas are as diverse as they come, offering you the opportunity to craft a space that aligns with your unique vision. From cozy hideaways to multifunctional hubs, this article will guide you through a world of possibilities. Discover clever storage solutions, innovative design tricks, and ingenious layouts that will help you maximize your basement’s potential.

Whether you’re yearning for a stylish home office, an intimate entertainment zone, or a guest retreat, we’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to the notion that small spaces can’t be stylish or functional. Our small basement ideas will empower you to create a space that not only looks great but also caters to your specific lifestyle and desires. Dive into the world of small basement transformations, and let your creative juices flow.

1. Elevate Your Basement With a Stylish Bar

A great basement bar doesn’t require much floor space. In fact, one wall or corner in a finished basement family room is enough to create a wet bar that will quickly become everyone’s favorite gathering spot.

If beer is your thing, add a countertop beer tap. If you love wine, add a small wine cellar cabinet or wine cooler to your bar or man cave.

Let your basement bar ideas express your personality. Create a replica of a classic British pub or go for a retro bar theme. Add lighting to shelving to enhance that classic bar ambiance when night falls.

Antique neon signs are a great way to add personality and perhaps traveling memories to your basement bar decor.

2. Functional and Chic Bathroom Basement Ideas

No matter what you plan to do with the rest of your small basement space, you should try to leave enough square footage for a bathroom.

Even if it’s just a half bath, everyone will appreciate not having to climb the basement stairs to use the facilities. A toilet and a small pedestal sink are sufficient for a small basement space.

If you have enough room in the basement bathroom, consider relocating your washer and dryer there.

You may be able to install a laundry chute from the floor above to avoid lugging heavy baskets down the basement stairs.

Another bonus to a basement laundry room: the mess is out of sight when company comes. Don’t forget to include adequate storage space for your cleaning materials.

3. Create a Cozy Bedroom Retreat

Often, a family first considers remodeling an unfinished basement when their teenager grows tired of sharing a bedroom with a younger sibling.

Adding an additional bedroom is a great way to use available basement space, whether it’s for a teen, an older relative, or overnight guests.

Before investing in a new basement bedroom, learn how many bedroom windows and exits are required by your local building codes.

Basement bedroom ideas for truly tiny spaces include creating a studio basement apartment space with a sleeping alcove.

A fold-up Murphy bed or built-in stacked bunks are other good bed alternatives for a small basement bedroom.

4. Fun and Functional DIY Small Basement Ideas

If you have excellent DIY skills, basic basement remodel tasks may not seem daunting. Installing insulation, framing walls, creating a drop ceiling, and finishing the basement floor may all seem easy to you.

Keep in mind that even a highly-skilled DIYer will likely need to hire a professional to hang drywall and install plumbing and electric fixtures.

One of the easier DIY basement ideas is to create a home gym. Tailor your workout room to meet your specific interests.

A mirrored wall visually doubles the size of a small basement and allows you to perfect your form. A hardwood floor topped with rubber mats makes a great yoga surface and helps muffle noise.

5. Basement Cooking Spaces With Character

A basement kitchen is a great addition to the home, especially if it’s part of a teen, in-law, or guest suite.

If space permits, try to replicate as many full-size elements and appliances as will fit. You will appreciate extra fridge storage space or a backup oven when the holidays come.

Even the smallest man cave probably has room for a basement kitchenette. A small sink, microwave oven, and under-counter fridge or wine cooler are all you need to create a tiny, functional basement kitchen.

If you must add an egress window to meet building codes, the basement kitchen is a great location for it. Make sure the basement window opens for air circulation when needed.

6. Transform Your Basement Into a Comfortable Living Room

Adding a second living room is an excellent way to make use of your small basement space. Make the basement addition a casual family room where the kids and teens can watch movies while the adults relax upstairs. Because most basements have few windows, they are an ideal dark space to create a movie theater vibe.

Comfortable recliners or a large sectional sofa provide comfortable seating. Add dimmable light fixtures and a wet bar for making drinks and snacks.

Acoustic wall and ceiling tiles and a surround sound system are other essential elements for creating a theater-like basement living room.

7. Embrace Modern Design Aesthetics

If your unfinished lower story is a walkout basement, this “glass wall” of windows is a perfect modern design element.

Keep the windows the focal point of the room by using a simple color palette, furniture with clean lines, and glass or metal surfaces.

Modern flooring options include vinyl plank flooring—which looks like hardwood but is more durable and less expensive.

If your modern basement has a moisture problem, you can buy tile flooring that looks like hardwood. Of course, tile is a classic modern flooring choice and a creative pattern can add a lot of flair to your small basement ideas.

8. Tips for a Successful Basement Remodel

A small basement can be a great location for a studio apartment. Instead of a full-size kitchen, create a kitchenette with cabinets, a wet bar sink, a microwave, and a dorm refrigerator.

A half basement wall can separate living and sleeping areas, or shop for dual-purpose furniture. A futon, day bed, or Murphy bed are all good choices for a finished basement studio apartment.

If toy clutter is getting to you, one of the best small basement ideas is converting the space into a playroom.

Incorporate built-in basement storage ideas and fun features, such as a slide and climbing wall. Use durable flooring, such as vinyl or laminate, instead of hard concrete or tile under slides or climbing zones.

9. Bringing Rustic Character to Your Basement Space

Your unfinished basement ideas may be inspired by rustic or industrial design elements. If so, leave your basement ceiling beams and ductwork exposed, perhaps painting it all black to fade into the background. Use sliding barn doors instead of traditional doors wherever possible.

Natural masonry finishes are perfect for creating a rustic vibe in any type of basement room.

Brick walls look equally amazing in a basement kitchen or man cave. Stacked stone, painted concrete, or a mixture of textures are an inviting element of rustic basement room design.

Small Basement FAQs

An awning is a sheet of canvas or another type of shade cloth stretched on a fiberglass, metal, or aluminum frame. Not only will a patio awning protect you from the sun, but it will also protect your outdoor furniture from rain, hail, and other natural elements.

Check out our favorite patio awning ideas and learn more about which type of patio cover will work best for you.

1. Enhance Your Backyard With These Patio Awning Ideas

Some homes have a canopy awning over each window, in both the front yard and the backyard. This type of canopy is usually a design element, common on older bungalows and cottage-style homes. However, it’s most common to see window and door awnings in the backyard.

A patio awning is most likely a backyard element, as a patio usually opens out into the outdoor space behind the house. If your patio, deck, terrace, or other outdoor living space is uncovered, you can install a retractable patio awning. For a more permanent backyard awning, build a permanent frame to support your awning fabric.

2. Stylish Canopy Options for Your Outdoor Space

It’s common to interchange the words “awning” and “canopy” but the two sources of outdoor shade actually have some differences. While both are often made of a durable, waterproof material, an awning is thought to be more permanent. Stationary awnings prevent light from entering inside windows and doors and protect an outdoor area from the elements.

On the other hand, a canopy may be a completely freestanding source of shade. In that regard, a patio umbrella is a type of retractable canopy because it can be moved around your outdoor space as needed. A patio canopy isn’t a substitute for a permanent patio awning, but it’s great for extending an awning’s shaded area.

In snowy, icy climates a canopy or retractable awning is preferred over a permanent metal awning structure. This is because harsh winter weather can easily damage simple porch awnings. It’s better to have a patio cover that can be stored away along with your patio furniture at the end of summer.

3. Transforming Your Outdoor Living Area

While a patio is usually a ground-level slab of concrete, a deck is an outdoor living area that’s raised above the ground. A deck needs a source of shade if it is used often. Because it is usually made of wood or a composite material, it is common to build a wood, composite, or metal awning frame that permanently attaches to the deck. This structure supports an awning made from fabric, durable plastic, or wood.

A small deck can benefit from a simple manual retractable awning attached to the side of your home. If you prefer a temporary way to shade the deck, purchase an inexpensive shade sail that can be put up and taken down daily. If you need a larger area of shade, get a pop-up pergola to shade your deck during events without the commitment or expense of building a full awning structure.

4. Crafting DIY Comfort

If you rent your home and aren’t allowed to make any structural changes to your patio or deck, you’ll have to get creative with DIY patio awning ideas. One of the best options for a DIY patio cover is a pop-up canopy, such as the ones you see at arts and crafts festivals or campgrounds.

These portable structures should be taken down at the end of the day. But they are a handy way to obtain sun protection without building a shade structure.

If you have above-average DIY skills, consider building your own aluminum pergola. A lattice patio cover kit is easy to find online, and you must follow the directions for the exact kit you purchase.

5. Awnings for All-Season Enjoyment

If you spend a great deal of time in your garden or simply enjoy outdoor living, an awning is necessary to provide shade on sunny days. If you have an outdoor kitchen or an outdoor living room, you will undoubtedly need an adequate patio cover to protect your investment.

Today’s modern garden awnings aren’t the classic striped canvas structures from years gone by—although those awnings still look great on some traditional-style homes. Covers for your outdoor living areas come in a range of solid fabrics in natural shades that blend into the landscape.

When choosing a color for your awning material, remember that darker colors trap heat while lighter colors tend to show dirt and stains more easily. Therefore, a medium shade is best, or choose a printed fabric that can hide dirt well.

6. Pergola Awning Combinations

A pergola is a freestanding structure built outdoors from columns or beams supporting a roof. The roof is sometimes left open in a beam or grid pattern. Other times, it is covered in awning material that may be retractable. Sometimes, the roof is solid to provide the best protection against the elements.

A beautiful pergola cover can grow over time when vines or trailing plants are allowed to grow over an open grid roof. Pergola roofs are usually flat, unlike the arched or curved roof on a classic garden gazebo. A flat roof makes it easier to DIY a pergola awning solution yourself.

7. Exploring Retractable Awning Solutions

Retractable patio awnings are the most popular type of awning used in the United States today. Motorized awnings allow you to cover your patio when you want shade and retract the cover when you want an open living space. A manual retractable awning may be fine if you have a small patio, balcony, or terrace. This type of awning can be extended and retracted by hand.

A motorized retractable awning is preferable if you have a large deck or patio. Operated by a simple switch or remote control, these types of awnings are more expensive than stationary or manual retractable awnings. However, most homeowners find them well worth the investment.

8. Expanding Your Space With Roof Extensions

Sometimes the simplest way to get a solid patio awning is to hire a builder to extend your roof over your porch, patio, or terrace. The most stable of all awning ideas, these roof extension awnings can be made to look as though they were always a part of the original structure.

A roof extension patio awning is a great place to add a creative design element to your home. Cover it with tin or copper sheeting and use decorative wrought iron supports. If you decide to use a metal roofing material on your patio awning, make sure it is well insulated. If not, bare metal baking in hot sunlight can create an oven-like effect for those sitting beneath it.

9. Wood Awnings for Patio Elegance

Classic wood patio awnings look inviting behind almost any style of home. Keep the wood structure simple on a modern home or go crazy with gingerbread and other embellishments on a Victorian or traditional style house. A wood patio awning is easy to paint yourself and change the look of your patio every few years.

A basic wood patio awning is the perfect cover for a casually styled backyard. Hang light strings from the beams and enjoy an open, airy space on warm evenings. Plexiglass panels provide rain protection but allow the sun to shine in through an open wood grid awning.

10. Gazing Through Glass

A glass or glass-like plastic patio awning is a good choice if you wish to create a covered patio that feels more like a sunroom than a backyard patio. Glass panels come in clear or opaque finishes to provide different levels of sun protection. A certain type of pergola kit has retractable patio doors enabling you to control how open or closed you wish your outdoor space to be.

Glass patio awnings are good in climates with a lot of rainy weather. Simply close the glass panel doors and you create a solid gazebo type of structure that enables you to stay dry while enjoying the outdoors. A glass-top awning is also a good type of cover for an apartment or condo balcony. The simple lines of a metal and glass gazebo are the perfect garden accent on a modern, minimalist, or contemporary home.

Patio Awning FAQs