Want to give your stairs a new look? A good coat of paint can turn old, scuffed steps into a part of your home you’re proud to show off.
But picking stair paint isn’t just about finding a nice color – it’s about choosing something tough enough to handle daily use without peeling or fading.
Some of the best stair paints come from trusted brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams. Their paints might cost a little more, but they last longer and need fewer touch-ups. That means less work for you later on.
In this guide, I’ll share some of the top stair paints that look great and hold up well.
You’ll learn which colors designers love most, what to look for in a paint, and some helpful tips to make the job go smoothly.
By the end, you’ll be ready to give your stairs a fresh, strong, and stylish finish.
What to Look for in Stair Paint?
Choosing stair paint isn’t just about the color – it’s also about how well it will hold up over time.
Stairs are walked on every day, so the paint needs to be tough. Look for paints made for floors or high-traffic spots, as they’re built to last longer.
The finish you choose matters, too. Satin or semi-gloss finishes are easier to clean but not too slippery, making them safer for steps.
If your stairs get sunlight, pick a paint with UV protection so the color doesn’t fade fast.
Fast drying time helps if you need to use the stairs soon. Better paints also cover in fewer coats, which saves time and effort.
Since stairs are usually inside, choose low-VOC paint to keep the air cleaner while you work. It’ll smell less and be safer to use in closed spaces.
Best Stair Paints for Your Home
After testing dozens of options and consulting with professional painters, I’ve compiled this list of the best stair paints that deliver exceptional performance and great results.
1. Benjamin Moore’s Chelsea Gray (HC-168)
Chelsea Gray (LRV-23.33) is a medium, warm-toned gray that hides scuffs and dirt better than lighter shades.
It’s a favorite because it works well with both warm and cool colors, making it super flexible for different home styles. When light changes during the day, the color shifts just enough to stay interesting without being too bold.
Use it with Benjamin Moore’s Advance formula for a smooth, durable finish that levels well and looks clean even if you’re not a pro at painting.
2. Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray (SW-7029)
Agreeable Gray (LRV-60) is a soft mix of gray and beige, which keeps it from looking cold or too dull.
It’s perfect for stairs because it stays warm-looking even in low light, making the space feel more welcoming. It pairs really well with Sherwin-Williams’ Porch & Floor Enamel, giving you a tough, long-lasting surface.
Even if your stairs get a lot of daily use, you won’t need to touch them up often.
3. Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace (OC-65)
Chantilly Lace (LRV-90.04) is a bright, crisp white that works wonders on stairs, especially in places with little natural light.
It reflects light well and makes tight spaces feel more open without looking too harsh or blue. It holds up over time and doesn’t yellow like some other whites.
When used with the Aura formula, it stays clean-looking longer and is easier to wipe down when kids or pets are running up and down the stairs.
4. Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn (SW-7674)
Peppercorn (LRV-10) is a rich charcoal gray with a slight blue tone that adds depth and boldness without going full black.
It makes a big impact on stairs but still hides dirt and scratches well.
This color looks sharp with white risers or light-colored trim. It’s ideal for homeowners who want a darker color that doesn’t feel too harsh.
The Duration Home formula makes it easy to clean and hard to damage. It gives you a bold style without needing constant touch-ups.
5. Benjamin Moore’s Kendall Charcoal (HC-166)
Kendall Charcoal (LRV-14.61) sits right between a dark gray and a deep, earthy tone, giving your stairs a balanced and timeless look.
It has a slight green base that makes it feel natural without being too colorful.
It works especially well with wood floors and adds a grounded, calm feel to open-plan homes. It doesn’t fade fast and holds its look as it ages.
The floor and patio paint formula also makes it resistant to scrapes, foot traffic, and regular cleaning. If you want something dark but not too bold, this is a great pick.
6. Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black (SW-6258)
Tricorn Black (LRV-3) is a pure black with no extra tones, so it always looks rich and deep.
It makes stair treads stand out and creates a strong contrast when paired with white risers.
This color brings a modern edge to your space but doesn’t look flat or dull like other blacks. The All-Surface Enamel formula gives a smooth, strong finish that handles everyday use.
It’s a great choice if you want something sleek and bold that still works in most home styles.
7. Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray (HC-173)
Edgecomb Gray (LRV-63.09) is a soft beige that’s warm and cozy without being too dark or heavy.
It blends well with wood tones, whites, and both cool and warm colors.
This shade is great for connecting staircases that touch many rooms with different colors. It keeps the home feeling balanced and consistent.
The ADVANCE formula provides a hard surface that resists wear and levels well for a nice, even finish.
8. Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW-7008)
Alabaster (LRV-82) is a warm, creamy white that adds softness and calm to stairways. It’s more inviting than stark White, making it ideal for homes with many soft colors or wooden finishes.
It reflects light gently without glare, which helps in low-light stairwells. It looks especially nice in homes with classic or farmhouse designs.
When used with Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, it forms a strong, washable surface. It keeps your stairs looking fresh with less effort.
9. Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy (HC-154)
Hale Navy (LRV-8.36) is a deep navy blue that feels rich and classy but still calm. It adds color without being too bold and works great with wood or white accents.
Use it on treads or railings to make the stairs stand out in open spaces. It’s a great choice for homes that want a design feature without going bright or trendy.
With the Floor & Patio formula, it stays sharp even in busy homes. It doesn’t wear down easily or fade over time.
10. Sherwin-Williams Snowbound (SW-7004)
Snowbound (LRV-83) is a soft white with a slight gray base that makes it feel clean but not too bright. It keeps the space light without looking too shiny or cold.
It’s perfect for homes that don’t get much natural light and need a paint that reflects well.
Snowbound looks good with both metal and wood railings. The ProClassic formula gives it a smooth, hard finish that holds up well on stairs, even in homes with pets or kids.
11. Benjamin Moore’s Simply White (OC-117)
Simply White (LRV-89.52) is a warm, clean white that gives staircases a bright and airy feel. It looks great with all types of wood, from light to dark, and works in both modern and traditional homes.
The warmth keeps it from feeling harsh, especially in areas with little sunlight. It’s great for making tight stairways feel more open.
With the ADVANCE formula, you get a strong, smooth finish that doesn’t chip easily and stays bright over time.
12. Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray (SW-7015)
Repose Gray (LRV-58) is a light gray with a bit of warmth that keeps it from feeling too cool or flat.
It’s one of those colors that works almost anywhere and still looks polished. It connects rooms without stealing attention, so it’s great for stairways that pass through many parts of the house.
With Porch & Floor Enamel, the finish becomes strong, smooth, and easy to clean. This combo keeps your stairs looking new longer.
13. Benjamin Moore’s White Dove (OC-17)
White Dove (LRV-83.16) is a soft, creamy white that feels calm and classic.
It’s not too bright, so it doesn’t cause glare, and it highlights trim details beautifully. It’s great for stairs with turned spindles or custom woodwork.
The color doesn’t fade or yellow easily, even with age. The Floor & Patio formula adds protection, giving you a clean look that holds up well through everyday use.
14. Sherwin-Williams Naval (SW-6244)
Naval (LRV-4) is a dark navy that adds strong color and feels formal yet timeless. It’s great on treads or as an accent, especially when paired with lighter risers or trim.
This color adds focus and weight to staircases in open floor plans. It brings depth without making the space feel closed off.
The Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel makes it scratch-resistant and long-lasting. The bold blue stays strong, even in busy homes.
15. Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White (OC-149)
Decorator’s White (LRV-83) is a clean white with a hint of coolness that makes spaces feel sharp and fresh.
It’s often used in modern designs where light and contrast matter. This color works well with metal, glass, or other high-end materials in stair designs.
It brings out the shape of your stairs without looking too clinical. With the ADVANCE formula, the finish stays smooth, easy to clean, and free from yellowing, even in low-light spaces.
Tips for Choosing and Applying Stair Paint
Painting stairs takes more than just picking a color. It’s about getting the right look, using the best tools, and making sure the paint lasts.
- Test Before Committing: Try sample swatches on multiple walls and observe them at different times of day.
- Proper Preparation is Essential: Clean surfaces, repair any damage, and use primer if needed for a smooth finish.
- Choose the Right Tools: Use quality brushes or rollers suited for your wall texture and paint type.
- Perfect Your Technique: Apply even coats, work in sections, and avoid overloading your brush or roller.
- Consider a Two-Tone Approach: Use a lighter shade on top and a slightly deeper tone below for added depth and interest.
Conclusion
Painting your stairs with the right color can totally change the look and feel of your home.
The paint options we covered give you plenty of choices – whether you like soft, clean whites or deeper, bolder colors that really stand out. There’s something here for every style and need.
But painting isn’t just about picking a color. It’s also about doing it the right way.
Be sure to clean and prep your stairs well, and always test samples in your space before making a final choice.
The lighting in your home and the way the color looks on the steps can make a big difference. Using good tools and quality paint will help your hard work last a long time.
I’d love to know what you think. Have you painted your stairs recently? Did you use any of these shades or find a favorite of your own?
Share your ideas and photos in the comments below. Your tips and experience might help someone else take that next step with confidence.
With a Master in Architectural Studies from University of Pennysylvania, Marwa Haydar has pioneered living spaces since 2005. Her expertise, initially honed in a prestigious architectural firm, is evident in her approach to creating environments. Marwa became part of our team in 2019 and has since been a driving force in our home improvement section, known for her practical yet stylish solutions. She’s been spearheading our design workshops since then, infusing her passion for teaching into her work. In her leisure time, Marwa enjoys exploring historic architecture and is an enthusiastic pottery hobbyist, further enriching her understanding of form and texture.
