(703)765-0300

Tag: stairway

Home » stairway

Beautifying a staircase can be a smart move

Many folks consider stairs and hallways as strictly utilitarian — a place to get somewhere else - but these spaces can be great for decorations. Considering that stairs are often one of the first elements home buyers see when they enter the front door of a home for sale, beautifying the steps can be a smart investment. Consider these ideas for making the stairway more attractive:
  • A few tastefully positioned flowers can really stand out on at a stairway
  • Paint a runner in a bold shade of marine paint. Or do it in a pattern, like a stripe or polka dot.
  • Carpet the stairs with a pattern that hides dirt – even if the rest of the house has hardwoods. (As an added plus, carpeted stairs are safer than bare, potentially slick ones.)
  • Tile the risers, the vertical part of the stairs that get scuffed easily.

*** Error: Cannot find includes file ***

Ways to Make Homes with Stairs Safer

As large numbers of people age, an increasing percentage finds stairs a challenge.
Bucknell
Bucknell Manor stairway.
Housing safety experts say climbing stairs can be good exercise for older people, but the stairs should be safe. Among the things that need to be done to increase the safety factor are:
  • Add lighting at both the top and the bottom.
  • Put stair railings on both sides.
  • Make sure it is easy to see individual treads by adding visual contrast.
  • Consider an elevator or a lift.
  • Consider remodeling in order to live on one floor only.
Source: Washington Post, Maryann Haggerty (08/14/2010)