Stair Tile Ideas – 10 Ways to Elevate Your Stairway
Whether it’s a stylish runner or knockout tiles, stair adornment is on the rise. Stairways provide the perfect opportunity for creative styling and with the right design approach, they can completely transform a hallway. If you’re thinking of renovating your stairs, the right tiles can take a humble staircase to new levels.
Stairs offer a couple of surfaces for tiling, the most popular option is to leave the wooden treads and tile the stair risers. You can also tile the stair treads.
If you’re wondering which tiles to choose for your stairs, keep reading as we uncover the best tiles for the job and reveal some of the most inspiring stair tile ideas.
Image credit: @handmadesanctuary
Recommended Tile: Damask Decor 14
Stair tile ideas
From Mediterranean-inspired tiled stair risers to contemporary wood effect tile stair treads, keep scrolling to discover our pick of the most uplifting stair tiles.
Striped stair tiles
Add a quirky touch to a staircase with striped porcelain tiles. Rectangular metro tiles are easy to fit and come in a vast range of colours and finishes to accentuate your stairs. You can use stripy tiles on just the stair risers or be inspired by the standout stairway below and line the whole staircase in stripes.
Image credit: @nataliealamein
Get the look: Habana Green / Habana White
Patterned tiles
The most popular tile choice for stair risers, patterned tiles enable you to add character and interest to your staircase.
All types of patterned tile will work well but we particularly like the use of larger, bold patterns.
Image credit: @dghpropertyservices
Recommended Tile: Damask Decor 5
Black and white tiles
One of the most iconic combinations, black and white tiles are timeless and will suit all types of decor. Black and white goes beautifully with natural wood, the warmth of the wood helping to balance the colourless neutrals.
Image credit: @elevation3design
Use this tile: Damask Decor 14
Blue and white tiles
Add a homely Mediterranean touch to your stairs with blue and white patterned tiles. If your staircase isn’t completely level or you’re renovating a very old staircase, tiles with different patterns are a wise move. Not only will they help to hide imperfections but it won’t be so noticeable if they need to be cut at slightly different heights or widths.
Image credit: @cornishbeachhouse
Recommended Tile: Damask Decor 12
Multicoloured stair tiles
The tiles you choose for your stairs can be as colourful and bold as you dare. Be inspired by bold, bright Mediterranean interiors and pick rainbow shades for your stairs. You can get clever with layout and creatively fit tiles to maximise the multicoloured effect.
Image credit: @aconsideredspace
Penny tiles
Retro penny tiles are usually reserved for floors but they make a striking addition to a staircase. So-called because the round or hexagonal tiles are penny-sized, these tiles are available in a wide range of materials from porcelain and stone to metal, glass and shimmering mother of pearl.
Image credit: @coastalkitchenandbath.361
Hexagon tiles
Miniature tiles can be a little trickier to fit than larger tiles, but they can take a staircase from
ordinary to extraordinary and they’re ideal if your staircase is a little less than perfect.
Hexagon tiles are extremely popular so you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of sizes
and colours to suit your style.
Image credit: @underthesycamore
Recommended Tile: Ava Blanco Plain
Spanish-inspired outdoor steps
Spanish style is known for its vibrant colours, detailed patterns and maximalist aesthetic. Take inspiration from this warm, welcoming design trend and choose bold, mismatched patterns and bright colours to invigorate your garden or porch steps.
Image credit: @spanishstyleliving_
Recommended Tile: Waxman Rustic Heritage
Moroccan style stair tiles
Bold colours, fluid lines and detailed patterns are key features of the eclectic Moroccan design mix. Pick a different tile design for each stair tread, mix and match contrasting patterns or keep it simple and stick to one or two designs.
Image credit: @tegelsoeryo
Recommended Tile: Waxman Grace Blue
Patchwork tiles
Add interest to a well-worn staircase with vintage-style patchwork tiles. Mismatched tiles are a clever idea on less-than-perfect staircases as they’ll help to disguise any wonky bits and can easily be cut to fit. You can also use slightly different-sized tiles on stair treads as you can patch up any discrepancies with grout, great if you’re on a budget and want to combine a few different tile types.
Image credit: @sheliaroston
Recommended Tile: Provenza Deco
Fully tiled stairs
Some tiles are just too good to be used for a small part of the stairs so why not tile the full staircase? Tiles are durable, hardwearing, easy to clean and when looked after, will easily outlast carpet.
Porcelain tiles are tough enough to be used outside and are ideal for pepping up porch, garden and front doorsteps.
Image credit: @homewithgrace
Recommended Tile: Damask Decor 3
Wood effect stair tiles
We’ve got a lot of love for wood-effect tiles. They look as good as the real thing and with no worry of warping, splintering or rotting, they’re a safe option for staircases.
Wood effect tiles usually have a grainy texture, helping to give them a grippier surface. You can combine wood look tiles with all other tile styles for maximum versatility.
Image credit: @creativebuildingfinishes
Recommended Tile: Naturae Wood Effect Hazel Anti-Slip
Is tiling stairs a good idea?
Stair tiles provide a raft of benefits, not only are they attractive, practical and durable, but they’re also one of the most effective ways to transform staircases.
If you’ve ever removed a stair carpet, you’ll have been faced with hundreds of nails and staples. Filling, sanding and painting isn’t only time-consuming, but if you’ve got an older staircase, it can be difficult to restore the stairs to their former glory. Tiles provide a cladding that’s not only aesthetically pleasing but practical too. Easy to fit and simple to clean, you can choose from a wide range of plain and patterned tiles to enhance your staircase and brighten up your home.
Stair tiles are also a great idea if you’re renovating your staircase on a budget. You can choose tiles from a cheaper range, look for end-of-line tiles or tile every other stair tread to get the luxe look for less.
What grout should I use for stair tiles?
Stairs will experience more movement than solid floors so it’s important to use a flexible grout to prevent cracking. Flexible grouts contain polymers to increase flexibility and provide an impermeable finish.
Are stair tiles slippery?
If you’re only tiling the stair risers, you won’t need to worry about how slippery the tiles are and can choose whatever tile style and finish you like. Tiles for stair treads need to be chosen more carefully. Check the tile’s R-rating before you buy; the higher the rating, the higher the slip resistance and the grippier the tile. Tiles with a texture, like wood-effect tiles, are a good choice for lining stair treads.
Atlas Ceramics stocks a large range of tiles that are suitable for staircases. Browse our selection yourself or call one of our helpful experts for advice.