Updated June 2025
If you’re planning to upgrade your stairwell with wallpaper, you’re not alone. Homeowners across the Denver metro area and throughout Colorado are embracing stylish, durable wallpaper designs to turn transitional spaces into design features. But stairwells are tricky — they’re high-traffic, high-impact zones that require thoughtful choices in both material and placement.
In this expert guide, you’ll learn how to choose the right wallpaper for staircases, which types to avoid, and how to ensure a long-lasting, professional result.
Durability is critical in stairwells. These materials perform best in Colorado homes:
✅ Vinyl wallpaper — Washable, impact-resistant, and perfect for high-traffic areas.
✅ Commercial-grade wallpaper — Used in hotels and restaurants, this is ideal for families or rental properties.
✅ Wood veneer (vinyl-backed or real) — Adds a textured, premium look while withstanding scuffs.
✅ Heavy-duty non-woven wallpaper — Combines easy installation with excellent stain and scratch resistance.
✅ Textured vinyl — Mimics fabric or natural materials but offers vinyl’s strength.
📌 Pro tip: These wallpapers hold up well against bumps, friction, and Colorado’s dry climate.
Not all wallpapers are stairwell-friendly. Avoid these materials in Denver-area homes:
❌ Peel-and-stick wallpaper — Prone to bubbling and tearing, especially on uneven walls.
❌ Grasscloth and natural fibers — Gorgeous but fragile, and easily damaged by pets or kids.
❌ Thin paper wallpaper — Doesn’t hold up to daily contact or temperature fluctuations.
❌ Fabric-backed wallpaper without coating — Can absorb dust and oils without protection.
🔗 Learn more: Problems of Installing Vinyl Wallpapers on Textured Walls
Cats and dogs are part of the household equation. Textured or woven wallpapers may tempt cats to scratch. We recommend:
Smooth or coated finishes
Vinyl or laminated materials
Avoiding open-weave textures near floor level
🔗 Related: Taking Care of Wallpapers and Decorative Plasters
Murals make stunning focal points in stairwells — but location matters.
✅ Install murals above touching height (6–8 feet up)
❌ Avoid low areas — where furniture or hands can damage delicate surfaces
🔗 Explore: Wallpapered Ceiling Ideas
Stairwell walls take a beating. Before installing wallpaper, ensure the surface is ready:
Patch holes or dents
Sand and smooth surfaces
Prime the wall
Use strong adhesive suited to Denver’s dry air
🔗 Check: The Importance of Properly Preparing Walls Before Wallpaper Installation
Your stairwell is a vertical canvas — connect it with the home’s overall aesthetic.
✅ Use wallpaper to:
Add height or flow
Match surrounding rooms
Create a cohesive visual transition between floors
❌ Avoid mismatched colors or overwhelming patterns in narrow spaces.
🔗 Read more: Accent Wall Ideas for Denver Metro Area Homes
We install only trusted brands that perform well in Colorado’s climate:
These brands offer the right blend of visual beauty and long-term resilience.
Enjoy The Wall serves homeowners throughout the state, with a primary focus on the Denver metro area, including:
Denver
Aurora
Lakewood
Centennial
Castle Rock
Boulder
Colorado Springs
Looking for service near you? 👉 View our full Service Area
Yes — it’s durable, washable, and ideal for high-contact zones.
We don’t recommend it — it peels easily and doesn’t withstand impact.
Priming and smoothing walls. Poor prep leads to failure, especially in corners and seams.
Ready to upgrade your stairwell walls with stunning, durable wallpaper? We’re here to help you make it perfect — from material selection to flawless installation.
