Last week I finally tackled a little project that I have wanted to do ever since we moved in. I installed decorative stair brackets and trim to the staircase. I’ve always found stair brackets to be so charming, so I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to get around to installing them. For such an inexpensive and quick project, they sure have added so much charm!
What are stair brackets, you may ask. They’re a decorative trim that you can add to the exposed side of the treads of your steps. They’re usually about 1/4″ thick and come in different types of wood species depending on your staining or paint needs.
We ordered 5 of these paint grade – poplar brackets from Stair-Parts.com. In order for them to fit our treads properly, I did cut an inch or so off of each end, using a saw. You simply use a little wood glue and a couple of finishing nails to attach them to the treads. Fill any cracks or holes with a little wood filler and then paint. It’s as easy as that!
After attaching the brackets, I installed a simple 1/2″ trim piece that ran across the top of the bracket and under each step. This gives the staircase a more finished look. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. They look original to the house, don’t they?
Here’s a couple of photos of stairs that have decorative brackets. I’ve had them saved for quite some time. These staircases really inspired me to start this project.
Our next project will be to install a runner that I recently purchased. I’m really excited to get started on that and share the process with you. I will say, it may have taken a few years, but the foyer is finally coming together like I envisioned!
Just for a little fun, here is a look back at the staircase the day we purchased the house.
Sometimes I can’t believe just how far we’ve come in five years. Tackling each project ourselves has been trying at times, but so incredibly rewarding. We’ve learned so many invaluable lessons while renovating this house. I would choose to do it all over again in a heartbeat. You can see the full before & after of our home HERE.
This was truly such an easy update. This is a great beginner project, even if you are not the most handy. It’s an inexpensive detail that really makes a big statement!
What projects are you working on this spring? Are you spring cleaning as well? I’ve been decluttering slowly and I’ve made a few changes to our dining room that all started with a new/antique table I recently found. Josh would probably say most of our projects all started with “___” that I found, ha! You just never now what’s going to spark the imagination.
I hope you have a great rest of your week and I look forward to sharing our new runner with you soon!
Amanda!! Your stairs have completely transformed!! They look AMAZING!! I love this idea!! You 100% right! It’s the little details that all together have huge impacts! That little piece of trim makes such a big difference!
Where do I order these from? They look fantastic!
Thank you Sue! I linked them towards the top of the post, but they’re from Stair-parts.com.
Aww thank you so much Aliya! I couldn’t agree more. Those little details can be easily forgotten, but boy do they make such a big difference!
Totally love the new look! However, my home has an oak staircase and not looking to add any more oak………..so if the staircase ever gets painted, and I doubt it, will definitely keep this gorgeous enhancement in mind!
This looks great!!! Your “before” house pics are so cringey. haha! All I can think is how could anyone live in a house with stairs that filthy? Yikes!! It’s amazing to see how far you’ve come. I look forward to every update!
Your entryway looks gorgeous! Where is the picture/mirror from that is above the table by the stairs?
Thank you so much, Diana! That mirror was a DIY project. Here is my tutorial for it -https://sincerelymariedesigns.com/diy-vintage-wreath-mirror-for-fall/
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this detail. I’ve been thinking about doing this for so long. I had no idea where to purchase the brackets. You really have done so much in 5 years!
I found your site through pine and Prospect home. Your style is everything I love. I enjoy seeing how you incorporate antiques into your space. I have many that were in my family
I’ll be subscribing! Thank you
Thank you so much Tracey! I apologize for the late response. I was taking a long summer break. I’m so glad this post was helpful. I hunted for them for quite some time before I found the perfect ones. They were worth the wait though! Good luck on your staircase and I’m so happy to have you as a subscriber! I look forward to chatting in the future about all things antique 🙂