10+ Fabulous Staircases with Shabby Chic Style

Decorating a staircase is what makes a house feel like a cohesive home. But what if the space feels awkward or purely functional?

In this article, I am sharing some easy and inspiring shabby chic decor ideas so that you can make your staircase look beautiful, even if you are just starting your design journey.

Creating a Mood

You might be wondering if a spiral staircase can even work with this style. And the answer is a huge YES! While you see some super contemporary ones with glass, a classic wooden spiral staircase is just perfect for a shabby chic room.

I’ve found that you don’t even have to touch the staircase itself. By changing up the area around it with some antique decor or vintage wallpaper, you completely transform the vibe.

In the amazing examples below, it’s the accessories and wallpaper that do all the work, leaving the space-saving staircase completely untouched.

Space around the spiral oak staircase defines its style [From: The Iron Shop] — It’s amazing how the decor around this oak spiral staircase gives it that perfect shabby chic feel. [From: The Iron Shop]

Stylish spiral staircase leading to a chic home office [From: Mirotex] — I love how this gorgeous spiral staircase leads up to a chic home office. So beautiful! [From: Mirotex]

The Power of White

Okay, let’s talk about white. It’s a huge part of the shabby chic look, and I know people have strong feelings about it! Some of us are completely obsessed with how it ties everything together, from aged pieces to upcycled finds.

But if an all-white stairway wall seems a bit too plain for you, think about adding just a hint of color like a soft pink, gentle blue, or even a calming coral.

Another trick I love is using Venetian plaster on the walls. It brings in so much texture without changing the color scheme, keeping that timeless aura.

Closer look at the narrow staircase — A closer look at this simple, narrow staircase.

Antique empty frames are a perfect way to decorate the staircase wall [From: Julie Ranee Photography] — Decorating with antique empty frames is such a fantastic idea for a staircase wall. [From: Julie Ranee Photography]

As you’ve probably figured out by now, a shabby chic staircase is all about the right mix of materials, finishes, and a setting that lets its beauty shine.

Classic chandeliers and plenty of natural light are the final touches that pull together this amazing style and help you escape the everyday!

Decor, artwork and vintage accessories create a cool, shabby chic style [From: Mina Brinkey] — I love how decor, art, and vintage pieces come together to create such a cool, shabby chic vibe. [From: Mina Brinkey]

Plaster finish and shelf for the staircase wall create a cozy and fun ambiance [From: Chris Snook Photography] — A plaster finish and a simple shelf on the staircase wall make for such a cozy and fun space. [From: Chris Snook Photography]

A Gorgeous Gallery Wall

From my experience, one of the fastest ways to get that shabby chic look is to focus on the staircase wall. You don’t need an ultra-sleek, modern staircase to make this work; in fact, a traditional one can easily fit the look.

Even your current staircase can be transformed with a few small changes so it blends right in with your shabby chic living room! A great place to start is with a wall filled with antique frames, vintage art, and distressed decor.

Smart storage unit next to the small staircase [From: Mary Ann Shaklan] — This smart storage unit next to the small staircase is just fantastic. [From: Mary Ann Shaklan]

The best part? It doesn’t have to be expensive. I love telling my clients to hit up garage sales and thrift stores for old photo and mirror frames. Give them all a similar distressed finish, and you’re good to go.

You can even hang empty frames for a cool, decorative touch and fill them with DIY art later. Remember, this style is all about celebrating imperfection with a warm and inviting feel!

Wall art adds to the shabby chic style of the staircase in white [Design: Alison Kandler Interior Design] — Wall art really adds to the shabby chic style of this white staircase. Beautiful! [Design: Alison Kandler Interior Design]

Thrift store and flea market finds with common hue create a beautiful staircase wall [From: My Romantic Home] — Finds from thrift stores and flea markets with a shared color create such a gorgeous staircase wall. [From: My Romantic Home]

Staircase wall filled with family photos [Design: Kasey Buick] — A staircase wall filled with treasured family photos is always a beautiful idea. [Design: Kasey Buick]

Pops of Color

One thing I’ve noticed about shabby chic is how it encourages a lifestyle that is less complicated and way more peaceful.

Color is a huge part of making that happen, and it’s usually shades of white, lighter grays, and of course, those ever-present pastel tones that set the scene.

With pastels being such a big deal in fashion too, people are more willing than ever to try them out in their homes.

Vintage runner design for the shabby chic staircase [Design: Shannon Kaye] — What a beautiful vintage runner design for this shabby chic staircase. [Design: Shannon Kaye]

A little bit of color, whether it’s from a custom wallpaper decoupage or a lovely runner with a smart pattern, really enhances the whole vibe of a shabby chic staircase.

I would recommend staying away from too much pattern, though, because it can create visual clutter and take away from the peaceful and simple feeling the style is known for.