October 19, 2023
Staircases have been an integral feature of houses ever since we started constructing above the ground floor level. While serving a practical purpose, staircase ideas also provide homeowners the opportunity to showcase good design.
Changing levels in a home can be a challenging task, and designing a staircase is far from being a straightforward problem to solve. However, when executed correctly, today’s staircase ideas can elevate home décor to new heights. Whether it’s a conventional or cutting-edge design.
Through this article, we will provide the essential do’s and don’ts of staircase ideas. From spiral to floating, loft, modern, wooden, metal, and glass staircases, there are several designs to choose from to fit your space and style. So, buckle up and get ready to elevate your home with these inspiring staircase ideas!
Fulham Roble 16,5cmx150cm (Available in-store)
To comply with UK law, there are strict regulations that govern stairs. These regulations are designed to promote health and safety and impose certain common-sense limitations on staircase design. Due to the high incidence of accidents on UK stairs each year, practical considerations must take precedence over aesthetic preferences. The following criteria are among the most critical but are not an exhaustive list of the relevant regulations:
►Note: You will not be able to design a staircase on your own. Even for qualified architects, it’s a head-scratcher. What you can do, however, is collect images and information to help you design in collaboration with an experienced professional.
Homeowners choose the spiral staircase because it occupies the smallest footprint of all staircase configurations. Of all the different stair options, it is also among the most sculptural. Like a piece of modern art but with a function. Nevertheless, the most typical use of spiral staircases is when space is an issue.
There are two different types; one where the steps rotate around a central pillar or column. The other is simply circular in plan and has an independent handrail on both sides. We think of spiral stairs in historical settings (like castle turrets) but they are a popular and practical choice, and great for saving space.
One of the most visually impacting developments in contemporary design staircases is the floating stairs. This refers to a structural innovation which allows the tread to be cantilevered from a structural wall.
There is often a gap between the threads adding a degree of transparency. Thus, the steps (or treads) look like they are floating over one another. The visual impact of this design is both striking and very modern.
Nevertheless, there are strict rules about overlap (the distance each tread should sit under the tread immediately above) and handrails. Therefore, caution must be exercised when implementing this design. We suggest that you make an appointment at our shop to consult with our experts. They will provide you with advice on the design’s needs and possibilities.
Nowadays it’s very common in UK homes to convert the loft for houses with attic spaces. Loft staircase ideas make use of the space underneath the roof. You can use this space to create a master bedroom, an ensuite, a playroom, or a home office. The absolute limit for a stair to a habitable room is just shy of a 42° angle.
However, a pulldown stair (or ladder) can sometimes be the solution. The stairs are cleverly designed. They are integrated with attic doors that drop down when opened. They can be folded back into place using a special pole.
►Note: There are fire implications for loft conversions, especially for two-storey houses. Therefore, we recommend consulting an architect or engineer before embarking on any conversion project.
Like anything else related to design, the staircase is subject to changing trends and shifting fashions. Modern staircase ideas tend to be highly practical and not so decorative. That said staircase ideas for UK draw on the knowledge and traditions of the past which include some of the following features.
Timber has always been the classic choice for staircases and continues to be popular in UK homes. Timber is malleable, decorative and structurally very strong.
The timber staircase is the most standard and therefore there are many different configurations to choose from. Carpentry workshops can produce high-quality staircase installations at very competitive costs. In addition, simple wooden staircase ideas stand the test of time and never look dated.
In comparison to wood, the metal staircase has a very different aesthetic. The structural qualities of metal allow less material to do more structurally. Metal stairs are suited to the industrial or loft look. Less is more.
However, not all parts of the stairs must be made from metal. The composite approach recognises that some parts of the metal staircase need to be tactile and warmer. The handrail and treads, for example, can be finished with other materials.
No material compares to glass when it comes to creating the ‘wow’ factor in home décor. With the developments in glass technology over recent years glass has become safer as well as more affordable.
The great advantage of the glass staircase is the way light can be filtered from the first floor downwards. Especially if there is a skylight over the staircase. The look is quintessentially modern and offers distinct advantages over traditional options like wood and metal.
To create a glass staircase in your own home, you’ll need both metal and glass, joined together with specialist screws and fixings. Usually, two metal beams join the two floors, and metal trays with glass inserts form the treads.
To enhance the transparency of the staircase, open risers are an excellent option. A metal or glass handrail and bannister complete the look of your glass staircase. It makes it a stunning focal point in your home.
The open staircase simply means a more minimalist approach. Unlike the traditional built-in traditional staircase, the open staircase puts all the integral parts of a stair on display. These include the structural supports, glass or timber balustrade, open treads, and a slim-line handrail.
The overall effect is of transparency which from certain angles almost disappears and takes up less space, visually. The look can be achieved with any material, including glass, metal or traditional timber. We recommend the open staircase for open-plan layouts and dark areas that can benefit from additional light.
► Get the look
The illustrated staircase is situated within a lightwell, or atrium, with a roof light overhead. The balustrades and partition walls are glass panels while the staircase structure is metal. The only solid elements are the treads, finished in wood which provides a more tactile and warmer look, and the stringers. The atrium and the stairs are perfectly integrated into a seamless expression of materials and light.
Sometimes traditional design cannot be improved upon. UK staircase ideas often include a feature stair in the entrance hall to access first-floor bedrooms, a more private part of the home. Because these traditional stairs have been produced over time immemorial there is a lot of skill and craftsmanship in their making. We understand how these stairs work and there is something comforting in their familiarity.
Depending on the layout of the entrance hall the staircase configuration can be divided up in such a way as to create a space. The bottom three stairs can be perpendicular to the main stairs’ run allowing for a landing. This is a great opportunity to add furniture, create a reading corner or just a place to sit in the home entrance or hallway.
No matter what the material or design you choose, two of the most important considerations are the handrail and the bannisters. They provide a tactile experience and contribute to the safety of using the stairs.
Both are subject to strict building regulations. Nevertheless, they allow for creative expression and can add to the overall design. These elements can be customised to suit individual home décor. Here are a few options to consider for staircase railings:
Whatever the configuration most staircases include an opportunity to create a feature wall along the length of the stairs. These staircase wall ideas recognise the special opportunity and potential of the double-height space of the stairwell, unique within the home. Like a blank canvas, we recommend these ideas to customise your staircase:
Designing a staircase can be a complex and challenging task, and it is best left to the professionals. Get it right however and not only will you add value to your home but you will benefit from having an extra useable space.
Make an appointment online to talk to our professionals at your nearest Porcelanosa showroom. They can advise and inspire you with a world of possibilities.
Trendbook file