The stairwell that becomes a poster gallery
How do you dress a stairwell with posters? Heights, alignments, sizes. Our Brunelia guide to transforming this passage.
Key points
- 12 posters in the Entryway and hallway posters collection, all in the table below.
- From $21.00 in A4, up to $74.00 in A0, 5 sizes for each poster.
- Printed in the United States on demand, free delivery from $69.
The table
The 14 posters at a glance
The staircase, an often forgotten wall
In most homes, the stairwell is a space you walk through without lingering. Yet it offers the largest vertical wall surface in a house, often wasted on a bare white wall. A poster arrangement turns a simple climb into a moment of daily discovery.
The rule of lining up with the stringer
Rather than hanging posters at random heights, align the top edge (or the bottom edge) of each one parallel to the handrail or stringer. This subtle geometry creates a guiding line that structures the whole wall, even when the sizes vary.
Mixing sizes boldly
On a staircase, the eye moves up or down and doesn’t rest long on any one piece. So you can allow yourself a much freer mix than in a living room: A4, A3 and A2 combined, some landscape, others portrait, all work as long as the palette stays cohesive.
The thematic thread
A staircase calls for a narrative. A travel theme (different cities), a nature theme (seasons, landscapes), or a theme built around a passion (jazz, sports, food) tells a story that unfolds step by step.
Spacing between posters
Tighter than in a living room: 4 cm between each piece, so the whole reads like a fresco. Too much space makes the pieces look isolated, lost on a large wall.
Safety and lighting
Opt for lightweight frames (thin aluminum, wood molding) with reinforced fixings (screw and wall anchor, never just a nail). A wall sconce aimed at the arrangement makes all the difference in the evening.
Standard staircase layout
For a standard straight staircase, plan on 7 to 10 posters across 2 floors. For a spiral staircase, stick to 5 to 6 pieces lined up along the outer vertical of the stairwell.
The paper template trick
Before drilling, cut kraft paper to the size of each poster, tape the sheets to the wall in your chosen layout, and live with it for 48 hours. On a staircase, where every trip goes past the wall, you quickly find out what bothers you or pleases you.
The staircase gallery wall, the forgotten space that transforms everything
Staircases are the most neglected spaces in a home’s decor. The wall is often empty, sometimes just painted off-white, because of the difficulty of hanging things and the height. Yet a well-composed staircase gallery wall is one of the most beautiful visual effects in a home. Here is how to create a diagonal gallery wall that follows the slope without becoming chaotic.
The principle of the diagonal gallery wall
3 to 6 frames aligned along the slope of the staircase, with a constant 8 cm gap. Consistent subjects (city views, coastal landscapes, Belle Époque portraits). Variable height but a stable imaginary axis.
The right size for a staircase
A3 or A4, preferably portrait. Avoid A1, which needs a viewing distance the staircase doesn’t offer. Identical frames for consistency.
The thematic subject that works
3 French cities in a series (Marseille + Lyon + Bordeaux). 5 coastal landscapes (Brittany + Cassis + French Riviera). 6 Belle Époque portraits. A common theme gives narrative unity.
The right frame for a staircase
Identical frames are a must, with slim 1.5 to 2 cm molding. Light wood or matte black depending on the overall style. 5 mm ivory mat to give the posters room to breathe.
How to hang them in a stairwell
Mark the slope with a light pencil line, then mark the center position of each frame. Drill in a staggered pattern or use Command strips for renters. For no-drill techniques, see our guide to hanging without drilling.
Pitfalls to avoid in a stairwell
Frames that are too large and need a viewing distance. Mismatched subjects that break the unity. Inconsistent hanging height. Choose geometric rigor over whimsy, which shows immediately in a stairwell.
For a staircase wall: Poster of Tours cathedral and the banks of the Loire, Poster of a Lyon bouchon, checkered tablecloth and wine pitcher, Poster of a three-master moored at the foot of the Saint-Malo ramparts. Also discover our French cities collection.
For general layouts, see our 15 compositions guide.
Also in the Journal: 15 compositions, 7 golden rules, dressing up the living room wall.
Build this wall
3 posters from this article, at true scale
All 3 posters: $106.00
Frequently asked questions
You often ask us
How many frames should a stairwell have?
3 to 6 frames lined up along the slope, with a constant 8 cm gap. Heights can vary, but keep a steady imaginary axis.
What size works for a staircase wall?
A3 or A4, preferably in portrait orientation. Avoid A1, which needs more distance than a staircase allows.
What subjects work for a staircase wall?
3 French cities as a series, 5 coastal landscapes, or 6 Belle Époque portraits. A shared theme creates unity.
What frame suits a staircase wall?
Identical frames are a must: a thin 1.5 to 2 cm molding in light wood or matte black, with a 5 mm ivory mat.
How do you hang frames in a stairwell without drilling?
Use Command 3M Velcro strips, which hold up to 4 kg with 6 strips. Ideal for renters.
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