A Well-Designed Staircase
A staircase design is often overlooked and viewed only as a structural feature, but it’s more than that. A well-designed staircase optimizes the space around it, maximizing its functionality. When you move beyond the practicality of the staircase and reflect on the design, it allows you to think of it as more than just a staircase.
Choosing a staircase for your home is influenced by several factors, including design, style, budget, functionality, and the amount of space you have available for a staircase. The amount of space helps determine what type of staircase to install, but it also opens the floor for further discussion on other important questions.
- How will the staircase integrate with the rest of your home?
- Does the staircase provide the right type of flow?
- How will the staircase impact the flow and functionality of your living space?
- What staircase style and shape best suit your space and existing architecture?
- Should the staircase be a focal point or understated yet elegant?
- Considering the structural needs and your design preference, what materials make the best choice for the staircase?
If you’re ready to see your staircase as more than just a way up or down, now’s the time to think creatively and bring your vision to life.
Types of Staircase Designs
Types of staircase designs include:
- Straight
- L-shaped or Quarter Turn
- U-shaped or Half Turn (Switchback)
- Spiral
- Curved
- Bifurcated or Split Staircase
- Open or Floating Staircase
- Winder
- Circular
When looking at staircase designs, space matters. Space determines which type of staircase you choose. If you have a limited amount of space, you may need to choose a straight, spiral, helical (like a spiral but without a central pole for support), curved, L-shaped or floating design. If your space is moderate to ample, you can select U-shaped, bifurcated (also known as split staircase, where one wide flight of stairs splits into two narrower flights that ascends in two opposite directions), curved and winder design.
Staircase Materials
The staircase materials that you choose not only affects the aesthetics but also the functional performance of the staircase.
Wood
Wood brings warmth as well as texture and natural beauty to the staircase. It's a material that can translate as traditional, farmhouse and rustic, to name a few.
Maintenance: needs to be sealed; clean up spills right away; vacuum or sweep regularly; address dents and scratches as you see them
Durability: moderate to high (depending on wood type)
Concrete
Concrete appears matte and solid, yet also thoroughly modern and industrial. It also adds texture, especially when the concrete has been mixed with stones or pebble to produce stairs with exposed aggregates.
Maintenance: seal to protect it from moisture and stains; sweep and clean regularly
Durability: very high
Metal
Metal shows strength and sleekness in strong, modern lines. It can also create an industrial feel with minimalist vibes.
Maintenance: apply rust-resistant coating; clean with mild detergent and water regularly; dry promptly; avoid excess moisture
Durability: very high
Glass
Glass staircases focus on transparency and are light-reflective. They're contemporary and have an open and airy feel.
Maintenance: clean regularly with soft, lint-free cloth; use a specialized glass cleaner
Durability: moderate
Marble/Stone
Both marble and stone have a high-end, luxurious look. They convey elegance and class.
Maintenance: clean with a soft cloth and pH-neutral cleaner regularly; address spills immediately
Durability: high
Creative Staircase Ideas by Styles
Modern minimalist staircases are characterized by clean lines, floating treads, open risers and simple shapes. They avoid ornamentation and elaborate details. They focus on functionality, using materials like glass, steel and light-toned wood.
Traditional staircases feature the hallmarks of classic architecture: warm, rich wood tones; decorative, richly detailed newel posts; elegant, curved handrails; and turned spindles. Traditional staircases incorporate flowing lines and curves, often seen in the stair railing. The balusters are typically ornately crafted from turned wood or wrought iron. The overall look of traditional staircases is one of grandeur and can create a dramatic focal point for the home.
Rustic farmhouse staircases feature heavily in natural materials, especially wood, and encompass design features like white risers, traditional balusters and chunky wood treads. Materials include reclaimed barn wood with wrought iron railings.
Contemporary staircases are characterized by minimalist aesthetics and clean lines. Common features include natural wood treads, open risers and glass or metal railings. The look blends form with function and aesthetic appeal, often integrating seamlessly with the overall home design. Floating stairs make excellent use of contemporary design.
Classic elegant staircases feature rich details, symmetry and a sense of grandeur. Key elements often include intricate handrails, ornate curved balustrades and iron railings along with dark hardwood that’s often stained or painted. Marble is sometimes used for its sophisticated look.
Craftsman staircases feature handcrafted qualities and natural materials. It's rooted in functionality, simplicity and clean lines. Natural wood tones are favored over dark hues. Box newels posts, square balusters and handrails, and integrated millwork all lend themselves to the beautiful artistry of craftsman style.
Eclectic staircases are characterized by a bold mix of various design styles, colors, materials and patterns. There’s a purposeful integration of traditional and modern elements in a way that’s visually cohesive and artistically engaging. Eclectic staircases often introduce unique light fixtures, like chandeliers or lighting in the risers, that are both functional and artistic, to heighten the visual appeal. Above all else, this style celebrates individuality, so you’ll see a curated mélange of everything.
Industrial chic staircases feature an industrial, edgy look with exposed metal framework and a focus on raw, functional design. Reclaimed wood treads often feature on industrial chic staircases as does mesh.
The Staircase: Thinking Outside the Box
When you think of a staircase as we know it, it’s the means we use to get up and down. However, if you think outside the box, there’s more to the staircase than meets the eye. For creative enhancements, if we think of the staircase as a multifunctional space, there’s so much more we can do with it. We can also make enhancements without breaking the bank.
- Create an expanded landing and provide seating to design a lounge area complete with a couple of comfy chairs and perhaps a small table. When you’re in no hurry to get upstairs or downstairs, have a seat and rest a while.
- Create an expanded landing and build a reading nook. Install a small bookcase and stock it with old favorites and new books to read.
- Turn the stair treads into extra storage space.
- Transform the space under the stairs into a compact workspace complete with a desk and chair.
- Create under-stair storage space by adding drawers or bookshelves. It wouldn’t take much to turn the space into a cozy reading nook.
- Create statement lighting by mounting LED strip lights under the treads or along the risers.
- Curate your own art gallery. Make use of the empty wall space next to the flight of stairs and showcase your artistic eye.
Continue to challenge yourself with new ideas; sometimes a staircase can be more than just a staircase.
Plan for a Great Staircase
A staircase isn’t just a structural necessity. It’s more than about getting from one floor to another; it’s about how you choose to make the journey. Whether you’re building a staircase from the ground up (as a DIY project or hiring a professional), building a staircase from a kit or renovating an existing staircase, remember a well-designed staircase starts with a plan. Start planning a staircase that reflects your style and make every step count.