Design Your Perfect Staircase
The staircase in your home is not just a functional element, it is a focal point that can enhance your living space. Whether you are renovating or building a new home, designing the perfect staircase requires thoughtful consideration of various factors, from style and materials to safety and functionality. By incorporating these key considerations into your design process, you can create a staircase that not only enhances your homes appeal but also reflects your lifestyle and meets your practical needs.
In this blog we will touch on functionality, location, materials, styles and safety.
Functionality
To start the design phase you firstly have to consider what functions you are wanting your staircase to provide.
Do you want to embrace the original architecture?
Do you want to create a minimalistic feel?
Are you lacking storage?
Will your staircase be used for multiple floors?
Incorporating bespoke under stairs storage solutions such as cupboards or drawers allowing storage of shoes, coats, bags or cleaning supplies such as a hoover and mop could be very beneficial for homes that do not offer much storage options.
Location
The next element to consider is the location.
The location of a staircase can impact the layout and flow of your entire home. Be careful when positioning your staircase.
The placement of a staircase should not only provide convenient access between the different floor levels but should be based at the heart of the home, connecting key areas such as entryways, hallways, living spaces and bedrooms.
Consider the available natural light. This is very important, by placing a staircase near windows or skylights can maximise the available daylight and provide pleasant views which will enhance the overall ambiance of the space.
Materials
The most popular materials used to create your masterpiece will be either wood, metal or glass. Below we discuss the materials and things you may wish to consider in your design.
Wood
When selecting wood for staircases, you’ll want to consider both durability and aesthetics.
Hardwoods like Oak, Beech or Walnut are popular choices due to their strength and beauty. Oak in particular is commonly used for its durability. There is also the option of manufactured woods like plywood or MDF.
It is a common approach in staircase construction to use MDF for the base of the stairs to provide a sturdy foundation and a different wood for the bolsters and rails. This can be a cost effective option and with proper installation and maintenance still provide a functional beautiful design.
Metal
Using metal in your staircase design will introduce a sleek and contemporary aesthetics, whilst offering durability and structural integrity.
You could consider:
Metal Railings: replace the traditional wooden balusters with sleek metal railings or decorative steel panels.
Metal Staircase Treads: Incorporating metal treads into your staircase design embraces the industrial aesthetics. Metal treads can be combined with other materials like glass or wood adding to a unique and modern look.
Floating staircase: If you are opting for a floating staircase design consider incorporating metal supports. The metal provides excellent structural support whilst adding to the contemporary and open feel.
Glass
Adding glass to your design not only offers a stylish solution but will also make your space feel bigger and brighter. Especially if you are battling with a small and dark hallway.
Glass can be seamlessly incorporated with metal and wooden materials.
Floor to ceiling safety panels: If you really want to have that WOW factor, consider using transparent floor to ceiling safety panels
Framed glass balustrades: Ideal for a modern home, framed glass balustrades are easy to keep clean and can be framed using a variety of materials. This design is strong and durable and offers a secure solution.
Frameless glass railings: As the name suggests, this design has no surrounding frame. It is the same as stated above minus the frame, allowing more of a minimalistic design. The glass that should be used for this concept would be tempered glass, which is four times stronger than regular glass and is less likely to shatter.
Safety Measures
Safety should be a top priority when designing your staircase, especially if you have children or elderly family members.
To help reduce the risk of accidents incorporate features such as handrails, balustrades and non-slip treads.
There are many types of handrails to choose from. Listed below are a few examples of the
- Grooved/ ungrooved handrails – Grooved handrails are fully integrated on top of the spindles or glass panels. Ungrooved handrails are designed to be fitted to metal or wooden spindles or glass panels via brackets and clamps.
- Wall mounted handrails – typically used where a staircase is fully enclosed with a wall both sides or on wider staircases.
- Mop stick Handrails – are cylinder shaped railings that are designed to be wall mounted. You can dress the handrail in different end cap designs to enhance the aesthetics of the overall room.
*Please note adhering to building regulations is essential to guaranteeing a safe and secure staircase design.
Styles
It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different staircase styles available.
Below is a list of some of the most popular styles and a brief description of each.
Straight Staircase
A straight staircase is the most basic of the styles. This style consists of a single linear flight of steps with no change in direction. This is a very popular design but it does come with one negative. This style does not utilise the space available efficiently. However there is the ability to install under stairs storage within this design, in turn providing a substantial storage solution.
Spiral Staircase
This contemporary design features a central post with steps that spiral upwards to floor level. This style can be used inside or outside of the home. With its space saving abilities this is a favourite to consider in small homes however manoeuvring furniture can be fairly tricky and it isn’t designed with small children in mind.
Curved Staircase
This type of style has more of a complex design. A curved staircase has a sweeping curve along the wall echoed by a curved banister. With the complexity of the design and build, comes a more expensive price tag.
Open staircase
Open staircases also commonly called floating staircases, create a modern feel to your home. The staircase features treads with no risers, meaning the space between each step is open. This design is often mounted to a wall and provides more of a minimalistic look.
Switchback staircase
A switchback style staircase is also known as a halfback, half-turn or U-shaped staircase.
This style consists of two flights of stars that go opposite directions with a landing that connects the two parallel flights of stairs.
Quarter turn or L-shaped staircase
This is similar to the switchback style but the landing connects the two flights at a 90 degree angle rather than the 180 degree angle.
Winder Staircase
This is similar to the quarter turn staircase except there is no landing. The steps continue and wind the corner with larger wedge steps, this takes up less space than a full landing. This type of style is commonly seen in traditional homes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, designing the perfect staircase involves consideration of multiple elements. By understanding the interplay of the factors discussed above, you can create a staircase that not only serves its practical purpose but also mirrors your style and expresses your imagination.
If you would like a little more inspiration, feel free to visit our staircase gallery where you will find a wealth of images.
