Transform this Overlooked Spot Into a Personality-Packed Statement

Little touches of personality are what turn a house into a home that’s unmistakably yours, and those little touches of personality can be added to the spaces and places we often overlook. One of those spots you walk past a dozen times a day without a second glance: your stair risers. Those flat vertical faces between each step are a blank canvas hiding in plain sight, just waiting for a little flourish that’s distinctly you.

The easiest way to add personality to them? Peel-and-stick wallpaper. A bold pattern, a soft botanical, or even a subtle texture instantly turns a purely functional staircase into a genuine design moment.

The best part? You can do this yourself in an afternoon, no contractor required. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Select your peel-and-stick wallpaper pattern. Pick a pattern that speaks to you and order enough to cover all your risers, plus a little extra for trimming and mistakes. You can find countless pattern options on Amazon or at Wayfair.

Step 2: Measure each riser individually. Older staircases often vary slightly step to step, so don’t assume they’re all identical.

Step 3: Wipe down the surface with a damp cloth and let it dry completely. Clean risers help the adhesive grip.

Step 4: Cut your wallpaper to slightly larger than each riser, adding about a half inch on each side so you have room to trim later.

Step 5: Peel and stick from the top down, smoothing as you go with a flat edge (a plastic card works perfectly) to push out any bubbles.

Step 6: Trim the excess along the edges with a craft knife for a clean, finished look.

Your stair risers may be small, but they’re full of untapped potential. With a little peel-and-stick wallpaper and an afternoon of your time, you can turn an overlooked spot into a personality-packed statement that makes your whole home feel more like you.