Interesting Ideas for Designing Your Staircase

A staircase can be much more than a functional way of getting between floors in your home or workplace. With a bit of creativity and the right inspiration, a bespoke design can be a stylish focal point to transform any entrance hall, lobby or outside area.

Although a staircase is a major feature in any space, the impact of its design can often be overlooked, particularly in older-style houses. This article looks at a few clever ideas to inspire you, whether you are looking to renovate or replace an existing staircase or adding a new one to access a newly converted loft room, for example.

Before you embark on any project, it is important to remember that replacing stairs can have similar implications to removing a structural wall. You should consult an architect or specialist building firm to seek advice on your plans and the building regulations involved.

1. Floating Staircase

A floating staircase uses a cantilevered design to give the illusion that the treads are defying gravity. This dramatic look is achieved by fully supporting the treads from the wall on one side, so a structurally sound wall is needed to house and conceal the supporting framework. Finishes for the steps can include timber, glass or stone to have a really stunning minimalist impact. The finished effect can really open up a space, making it feel larger and allowing light to flow more naturally through the space than a solid staircase.

2. Spiral Staircase

The flowing curve of a helical staircase leads the eye upwards and makes a show-stopping feature. This can work equally well as the statement centrepiece in an elegant hallway or as a beautiful but functional feature of a very compact space. Bespoke designs can include different materials for both treads and balustrades to create the perfect look for your project - for example, a stainless steel and glass staircase can be very stylish.

3. Traditional Style

Elegant timber or stone staircases can be an architectural feature with timeless appeal. This look can be achieved using steel balustrading complemented with a wide variety of timber or stone, such as limestone from France and the UK.

4. Period Staircase

A period look can be achieved by replacing chunky modern components - for example, slim spindles fabricated from black metal can really add character and help create a lighter, more spacious effect.

5. Tactile Finish

Combining contemporary and classic elements can work very well in both older and more modern properties. The chic look of a glass staircase can be achieved using a glass baluster or laminated glass panel, or other interesting textures such as leather, fabric and limestone can be used.

6. Statement Details

Metal fabrication can be used to form beautiful designs and patterns that can be intricate or minimalist to suit your design theme. A balustrade made of laser-cut steel, for example, can create a beautiful effect that transforms the space and lets light pass through naturally. Details and materials from other features in your home can also be picked out and echoed in your staircase design.