Stair case

[Fatty]

I have a pitch pine staircase. I don’t particularly like the colour and I think should I carpet it or leave it there as it is I’m really struggling with ideas of what to do. Sometimes I look at it and love it and other times I think there’s something missing photo for guidance. Any idea ideas are welcome.

 

[Fatty]

And advice on lighting

 

[Zebra]

I'd leave it. If you don't like the colour of the staircase then presumably you don't like the colour of the bannister, the panelling, or the cat, and you're going to struggle to change all of that.

 

[Zebra]

In terms of lighting, where is the light fitting? What have you got now?

 

[LadyArowana]

I am a fan of the lantern look for stairways and corridors. Saw some particularly nice salvaged ‘bell jar’ type ones yesterday and modern ones are easy to find too, https://www.lightingroom.co.uk/prod...all-pendant-old-bronze?variant=31139979362407

A runner would soften the look of so much wood, and painting it would be a shame.

 

[Fatty]

I'd leave it. If you don't like the colour of the staircase then presumably you don't like the colour of the bannister, the panelling, or the cat, and you're going to struggle to change all of that.

Noted

 

[Cubist]

Looking beyond the stairs there seems to be acres of pine, possibly all pitch pine, throughout the house?. My guess would be that over the years that timber has been oiled and waxed many times and much of its present day colour and tone is the result of those practices. Stripped back the stairs would stick out like a sore thumb and any suggestion that they might be painted should meet with a visit from armed vigilantes

A runner as LadyA suggests would work well.

And I think you would be wise to consider some of the safety issues. Given the proclivity of moggies to push fragile objects off any high surfaces the ceramic models need to go and maybe you should get rid of the mobile trip hazard too?

 

[Kearn]

Definitely don’t paint. Not the stairs anyway, but maybe some off the other wood would benefit from toning down with a coat of subtle paint. Even the banister and panel so they blend in more to focus on the stairs.

The orangey tone is likely varnish or similar. Probably quite hard to remove adequately.

A runner would be the best bet to break them up a bit, give some cushioning and grip.

I really like the weight of the treads, nice and chunky.

 

[Fatty]

In terms of lighting, where is the light fitting? What have you got now?

Just a blub hanging on the ceiling I don’t think it’s actually positioned right it’s a high empty space

 

[Zebra]

I'm not a fan of recessed downlighters in old houses, but as to what sort of light fitting, it's totally a matter of taste.

 

[Kearn]

Dar https://www.darlighting.co.uk

They have some really good simple pendant light holders, differing finishes and adjustable lengths. They would look equally good with a big overpriced ‘feature’ bulb, or add a pendant shade if your choosing…

I’ve got a lot of them, some for above stairs at a similar height, and also for our attic rooms where I needed almost 2m drop which was hard to find elsewhere.