25 Most Beautiful Ways to Decorate Your Staircase for Christmas

beautiful-christmas-staircase-decorating-ideas

For a cozy and bright Christmas season, decorate your staircase with lush garlands of greenery, strings of warm twinkle lights, ribbons, ornaments, pine cones, and berries. Typically located at the entry of your home, the staircase is the perfect place to showcase Christmas decorations and welcome your guests inside.

If you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve come up with a collection of Christmas stair decor ideas to spark your creativity and help you bring holiday charm to your home. From clean and minimal to elegant and sophisticated arrangements, we have a variety of styles to help get you started on decorating your own staircase. Whether you enjoy classic red and green accents or prefer modern touches with metallics and whites, you’ll find great ideas that fit your vision. Below each of the images you’ll find links to the original sources. Don’t forget to follow us for more seasonal inspiration at https://www.instagram.com/onekindesign/.

Tell Us: Which one of these Christmas staircase decorating ideas most inspired you? Let us know in the Comments below!

Style Tips for Decorating Your Staircase This Christmas

Pick your palette. Choose a color scheme that complements your home’s style. Traditional red and green, metallic silver and gold, or frosty blues and whites each create a different holiday look. Carry the same colors into your living room or hallway for a cohesive look throughout your home.
Layer your garland. Mix different types of greenery, like cedar, fir, or eucalyptus, to add texture and fullness. Draping two garlands together creates a luxurious look, and weaving in twinkle lights adds a warm glow. Faux pine garland is a low-maintenance option, and a few fresh pine branches tucked in add a natural scent.
Secure it without damage. Attach garland to your banister with garland ties or Command hooks instead of nails or tape, so your railing stays scratch-free and everything comes down easily after the holidays.
Personalize your decor. Add unique ornaments, sentimental pieces, or DIY decorations to give your staircase a custom feel. Small details, like tying ornaments with plaid ribbon or hanging Christmas stockings, make your holiday decor extra special.

1. Metallic Stairway

staircase-garland-with-silver-berries-white-lace-ribbon-and-a-blue-and-white-flocked-christmas-tree

A gorgeous garland mixed with metallic berries is draped down this staircase banister. A ribbon adds the finishing touch. Add a beautiful Christmas tree for a showstopping look, especially if the staircase is the first thing guests see when entering your home. (Photo Credit: @nissalynninteriors)

2. Cozy and Neutral

black-iron-staircase-with-cedar-garland-ivory-bows-and-a-console-table-below

Keep your staircase decorations clean and classic with a mix of cedar and pine garland from @nearlynaturalfloral. Secure them to your banister with zip ties and 1-inch thick ivory velvet ribbons tied in bows. The garland will help to elongate and elevate your staircase. If you have a nearby console table, keep the decoration in a similar theme with natural greenery for a cohesive look. The pottery on the table is from Anthropologie and CB2, while the battery-operated candlesticks are on a timer. The small artwork is a Norwegian winter scene print downloaded from Etsy, printed, and framed. The neutral styling of this space can be kept up all winter long! (Photo Credit: @redwhiteanddenim)

3. Traditional Red and Green

lighted-staircase-garland-with-eucalyptus-red-berries-and-cream-bows

close-up-of-garland-with-red-berries-eucalyptus-and-a-cream-burlap-bow

To create this stunning staircase garland, add some sparkly eucalyptus mixed with cypress-style greenery and red berries from @michaelsstores. The bows are a mix of cream-colored ribbon and a sparkly burlap style. Be sure to add string lights for a magical glow. (Photo Credit: @simple.joy.at.home)

4. Oversize Bow Garland

iron-staircase-railing-with-lush-cedar-garland-and-large-red-bows

Adorn your pre-lit Christmas garland with large red velvet ribbon bows. Affix the bows to your draped holiday garland using florist’s wire and space them evenly along your banister. (Photo Credit: @traditionalhome)

5. The Two-Garland Trick

entry-staircase-garland-with-red-ornaments-pinecones-and-vintage-christmas-cards

newel-post-garland-with-red-ornaments-and-vintage-christmas-cards-on-clothespins

Blend two garlands together for a fuller, more pleasing look. This staircase entry features balsam fir garland woven together with cedar garland. Add in some LED lights and a beautiful red ball garland. To secure the garland to your banister, use some Christmas garland ties. Layer in some vintage Christmas cards secured with oversized clothespins and brass and bead garland for the finishing touch. Your staircase will have an instant visual impact with color and some holiday cheer. (Photo Credit: @inspiredbycharm)

6. Ho-Ho-Ho-liday Banister

flocked-christmas-tree-with-ho-ho-ho-banner-beside-a-staircase-with-frosted-garland-and-plaid-ribbons

This entry staircase is decorated with frosted garland, ribbons, and bells. If you have some extra space, add an eye-catching Christmas tree in the corner for some added holiday cheer. The fun and festive ornaments on the Christmas tree were sourced from @cominghomestores. (Photo Credit: @amywilsondesigns)

7. Joy-Ful Holiday Decorated Stairs

staircase-with-galvanized-joy-letters-wreath-garland-and-buffalo-check-ribbon

Galvanized letters and a wreath spell out the word “Joy,” secured with floral wire to the balusters. Add some green garland with red berries and a black and white buffalo check ribbon for the finishing details. (Photo Credit: @wmdesignhouse)

8. Festive Garland

black-iron-staircase-with-norfolk-pine-garland-black-velvet-bow-and-slim-christmas-tree

This beautiful staircase is simple and elegant, finished with a big black bow. The Cathedral Fir Tree on the staircase landing is from @balsamhill. (Photo Credit: @zdesignathome)

9. Red Ball Garland

lighted-staircase-garland-with-red-ornaments-and-wooden-stars

If you have extra tree ornaments, why not add them to your banister’s garland? This staircase is decorated with a classic pre-lit Christmas garland with red ornaments in varied sizes and wooden stars for a festive look and a pop of color. Hang the ornaments from your garland with yarn, ribbon, string, or twine. (Photo Credit: On Sutton Place)

10. Cozy Fur Stockings

playroom-staircase-with-white-fur-stockings-and-a-tent-reading-nook-underneath

For a twist on the traditional staircase garland, opt instead for some plush, white stockings for a warm and cozy look. Secure the stockings with rope, twine, or ribbon to the balusters. The Christmas-decorated staircase of this playroom is in harmony with the rest of the decor. This includes two cozy nooks adorned with textured and furry pillows, throws, and lighted decor for warmth. (Photo Credit: Emily Henderson)

11. Dreaming of a Shimmery Christmas

curved-staircase-garland-with-champagne-ribbons-white-poinsettias-and-a-tall-christmas-tree

Traditional green garland is adorned with silver accents, including ribbons, berries, and poinsettias. A gorgeous tree nestles into the corner for a festive finishing touch. Most of the Christmas ornaments are from @balsamhill, and all of the ribbons, poinsettias and other floral decor are from @decoratorswarehouse. (Photo Credit: @amateurdecorator)

12. Letters on the Stairs

flocked-christmas-tree-with-red-ornaments-and-gold-bells-beside-a-staircase-with-joy-letters

This joyful staircase is decorated with a simple garland, red ribbons, and galvanized letters that spell the word “JOY.” A gorgeous flocked Christmas tree was sourced from King of Christmas. The bells on the top of the tree are from @decorsteals. (Photo Credit: @briemarie1023)

13. Classic and Elegant

curved-staircase-garland-with-gold-poinsettias-silver-ornaments-and-a-silver-and-white-christmas-tree

Drape a pre-lit garland along your staircase banister, adorned with faux branches, poinsettias, ornaments, and ribbon in shades of silver and white. Accent the staircase with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and finish with presents for your visiting family and friends (or faux-wrapped gifts). (Photo Credit: @balsamhill)

14. DIY Stringed Ornaments

staircase-with-hanging-numbered-ornaments-garland-and-a-merry-christmas-sign-above-a-bench

If you have extra ornaments left over after decorating your tree, use fishing line to hang them from your ceiling, or garland ties to secure them to your staircase for a festive look. The huge metal “Merry Christmas” sign comes in red or can be spray-painted green, sourced from @decorsteals. Finish the look by trimming your staircase railing with real or faux garland. (Photo Credit: @lizmariegalvan)

15. Festive Red Accents

frosted-staircase-garland-with-large-red-bows-and-a-flocked-christmas-tree

This fabulous staircase is decorated with frosted garland and finished with large red bows draped over the edges of the handrail. A large flocked tree in the corner features red and black ornaments, ribbons, and berries. (Photo Credit: @briemarie1023)

16. Festive String Lights

staircase-with-pinecone-string-lights-garland-and-hanging-village-houses

This beautiful Christmas-decorated staircase features pinecone-shaped string lights woven through the balusters. A pre-lit garland trims the handrail with small village houses hanging from the branches. The garland is from @marksandspencer, while the houses are from @b&q. (Photo Credit: @gems_home_)

17. Classic Knitted Stockings

staircase-with-red-and-white-knitted-stockings-garland-and-string-lights

Stockings do not have to just decorate your fireplace mantel. Try hanging classic red and white knitted stockings along your stairs with a festive garland and string lights for ambiance. It is one of our favorite quick and easy Christmas decorating ideas. (Photo Credit: On Sutton Place)

18. A Red and White Christmas

staircase-garland-with-white-bows-red-bead-garland-and-a-flocked-tree

The flocked tree and garland combination of this foyer is classic and elegant. The garland is secured to the banister with garland ties and beautiful white ribbon tied into large bows. Red bead garland adds a festive accent to the green. A large flocked tree with red and white ornaments, pinecones, and ribbon brings a cheerful finishing touch. (Photo Credit: @bloom_jennybrooks)

19. Jingle All the Way

fresh-pine-staircase-garland-with-green-velvet-bow-gingham-ribbon-and-brass-cowbells

Fresh pine garland along the staircase, green velvet and gingham ribbons, and a cluster of brass cowbells add the perfect touch. Fresh garland can be found at Costco, Trader Joe’s, or your local grocery store. The garland here is from @marianosmarket, while the ribbon is from @michaelsstores, and the bells are from @urban.farmgirl. (Photo Credit: @sweetcarolinefarmhouse)

20. Draped Garland

cedar-staircase-garland-with-striped-ribbon-bow-and-wood-bead-garland

Add some elegance to your garland display by allowing the ends of the bough to gracefully drape on the floor. The garland was purchased at @gatehouseno1. Complete the look with beautiful ribbons securely tied into bows. The flooring is wood laminate by Mohawk in the color nutmeg chestnut. The walls provide a beautiful backdrop, painted in Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore. (Photo Credit: @greybirchdesigns)

21. Decorate the Base

lighted-garland-with-gingerbread-and-pinecone-ornaments-along-a-staircase-with-a-noel-sign-below

Here, the handrail was kept bare, and pre-lit garland with gingerbread and pinecone ornaments trims the side of the staircase instead. A NOEL sign sits on a vintage sewing machine table tucked underneath for a cozy finishing touch. (Photo Credit: @the_woodhouse_family)

22. Foyer With a View

curved-staircase-garland-wrapped-in-blue-ribbon-with-oversized-pinecones-and-silver-ornaments

This gorgeous staircase is adorned with natural greenery, bead garland, blue ribbon, and oversized pinecones. A stunning tree in the background adds to the merry and bright aesthetic. (Photo Credit: @traditionalhome)

23. Little Stairway Trees

staircase-with-small-christmas-trees-on-the-steps-and-a-basket-of-greenery-on-a-blue-stool

Instead of a traditional garland lining the banister, small trees adorn each step. A basket set on an old wooden step ladder is brimming with evergreen tree clippings and string lights. (Photo Credit: @thepickledrose)

24. Handmade Garland

staircase-garland-with-globe-lights-and-red-plaid-ribbons

Freshly clipped greenery drapes over this staircase with globe lights and red ribbon. The garland is attached to the staircase railing with plaid ribbons. Get the tutorial at the provided link. (Photo Credit: @leaholsonstyle)

25. Christmas Cozy Glow

staircase-garland-with-string-lights-lighted-gift-boxes-on-the-steps-and-small-flocked-trees

The staircase banister is all aglow, decorated with garland and string lights. Lighted presents and Christmas trees add warmth and ambiance. The “Oh Holy Night” lyrics wall sign was sourced from @august.and.april.

MORE CHRISTMAS INSPIRATION

Looking for more ways to deck the halls? Dress up your dining room with these Christmas decorated chandeliers, then add some sparkle to the fireplace with these Christmas mantel ideas. For the tree, browse our Christmas tree ideas, and welcome guests with these Christmas front porch ideas. Short on time? Try these easy Christmas decorating ideas.

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