That's a gorgeous staircase - full of character. I wouldn't paint it at all, just put down a runner possibly with a darker border - then you will see the difference and have a better idea. If you really want to paint, try just the bannisters (the upright sticks - not sure what they're called) in a darker colour like dark grey or black to accentuate the pine as a feature. Also I'd beware of too many pastel shades as this can look nervous and indefinite and that's a very 'positive' staircase - whereas a strong colour - e.g. very dark blue, like deep navy blue - on the back wall will match it for impact and lessen any stand-out chunkiness. Dark grey is also still on trend but for how long? But of course, a wall can always be repainted.

Perhaps the wood could be stripped and 'silvered' to make it look weathered or stripped and oiled if you don't like the 'orange pine' look.

Thanks for your reply Daphne! That’s very interesting, you’re not the first person to say keep it as is. Maybe it’s just us who think it’s too much - all our internal doors are knotty pine also (Ivory architraves)and while I’m not a fan, they do give a natural feel and I’d be reluctant to neutralise things too much. However… if you had to choose Ivory to match trim or taupe for walls, which do you reckon would sit best in this space?

Ok :) - to answer your specific question, I would say definitely taupe, to match the walls, so it sinks into the walls rather than stands out against them and you already have beiges and browns on the floor tiles so it will continue this.

Thanks! We’ve just gotten a mahogany baby grand piano so this has become the new dominant feature of the hall so the disappearing taupe might do the trick

Have a look at Farrow & Ball Purbeck Stone. A really lovely taupe. I would paint the staircase and all the pine doors.

That’s a lovely shade Sonia. We’re tied in with Colourtrend as using in rest of house. Love their warm taupe, just hope it’s not too dark 🙈

I'm split on this. I see why you want to paint it but on the other hand I like it as it is. You could try repeat the dark and light colours in the scheme. For example, a runner with a dark brown stripe?

Another vote to leave the staircase! Have ypu considered painting the risers? Painting them white could break up the boxiness of the steps.

Interesting idea Wumi, that definitely takes the blockiness off! I’ll have to give this painting staircase idea more thought before we commit 🤔

Ivory

Love the pale risers! talking of blockiness you could put "acorn" or ball shaped finials on the newel posts to add some elongation...

Have you thought of staining them a lighter colour thus keeping the woodiness but toning down the colour. Of course it could involve stripping sanding staining and finishing which would be a beast of a job!

Yes indeed Chloeloves until I read about what’s involved 🙈 If they were any other kind of wood I wouldn’t dream of touching them with paint. Pine is just so… meh.

Grabs some lining paper cut to size and blu tack them to the risers to test out paint colours before committing to anything!

Very elegant. Great choice.

Looks good! Doesn't dominate the room and the carpet softens it further.

Hey! Well done! We really loved your decision!

Lovely!!!