Step it Up: Staircase Designs That Save Space and Add Impact
Planning a two-storey build on a tight footprint? These staircase solutions save space while stepping up the style
With the move towards tiny houses and small-space living, the need to go up rather than out is definitely increasing. Thinking outside the square with staircase design can not only save you space, it can add visual interest and a designer touch to your home.
Another staggered-step design can be seen in this London mezzanine. The way the treads have been painted gives the staircase a sculptural elegance.
And this staggered-step design takes things to the next level, incorporating book shelving with every rise.
Tip: It helps to know your step terminology before you start planning your staircase. While risers are the vertical part of a stair, treads are the flat part you step on. The rise is the height the staircase runs, nosing is the front edge of the tread, and stringers are the sides that support the treads and risers. If your staircase adjoins a wall, concealed stairs are possible; the stringer is hidden underneath the treads and risers, allowing them to butt right up to the plaster.
There’s nothing worse than a rise that is too steep or a tread that is too shallow; as well as being annoying, it’s possibly illegal. Check out the Australian regulations for stairs here.
Tip: It helps to know your step terminology before you start planning your staircase. While risers are the vertical part of a stair, treads are the flat part you step on. The rise is the height the staircase runs, nosing is the front edge of the tread, and stringers are the sides that support the treads and risers. If your staircase adjoins a wall, concealed stairs are possible; the stringer is hidden underneath the treads and risers, allowing them to butt right up to the plaster.
There’s nothing worse than a rise that is too steep or a tread that is too shallow; as well as being annoying, it’s possibly illegal. Check out the Australian regulations for stairs here.
Goes both ways
The open stairs leading to this loft bed are reminiscent of a ladder, but provide extra stability and safety, while the climbing wall on the right is a fun-filled alternative route.
Note: Stairs can be open or closed. Closed stairs have a solid riser, and you can’t see in through the staircase, while open stairs mean the risers, or part of the risers, do not exist.
The open stairs leading to this loft bed are reminiscent of a ladder, but provide extra stability and safety, while the climbing wall on the right is a fun-filled alternative route.
Note: Stairs can be open or closed. Closed stairs have a solid riser, and you can’t see in through the staircase, while open stairs mean the risers, or part of the risers, do not exist.
The variation on a ladder in this children’s space is fun and functional.
In a spiral
Spiral staircases are a traditional solution for small spaces. And don’t worry, they need not be old-fashioned…
Spiral staircases are a traditional solution for small spaces. And don’t worry, they need not be old-fashioned…
It takes two
Considering split mezzanines to maximise space, but concerned about access? Take inspiration from this Philadelphia penthouse and add two spiral staircases for easy access to both sides.
Considering split mezzanines to maximise space, but concerned about access? Take inspiration from this Philadelphia penthouse and add two spiral staircases for easy access to both sides.
For the ultimate use of space take a look at this stunning Parisian example…
Ups and downs
The numerous wooden landing pads on this staircase extend to create additional display and seating spaces. What a natural beauty.
The numerous wooden landing pads on this staircase extend to create additional display and seating spaces. What a natural beauty.
Barely there
Small-space staircases are not only small in footprint, but can have low visual impact as well. The staircase in this Israeli home is so discreet you may need to pop your glasses on to spot it.
Note: In Australia balustrades must be constructed wherever the difference in height between one floor or surface is greater than one metre from an adjoining floor or surface. In the case of many of these staircases, a simple glass balustrade would keep the aesthetic the same while conforming to Australian safety requirements.
Small-space staircases are not only small in footprint, but can have low visual impact as well. The staircase in this Israeli home is so discreet you may need to pop your glasses on to spot it.
Note: In Australia balustrades must be constructed wherever the difference in height between one floor or surface is greater than one metre from an adjoining floor or surface. In the case of many of these staircases, a simple glass balustrade would keep the aesthetic the same while conforming to Australian safety requirements.
Painted in simple white, the beauty of this London loft staircase lies in its simplicity.
Divide and conquer
The staircase in this Melbourne home has been cleverly hidden by American-oak battens that work as a room divider.
The staircase in this Melbourne home has been cleverly hidden by American-oak battens that work as a room divider.
Statement stairs
But, of course, staircases don’t always need to fade into the background – they can be fun and functional, as this playful Parisian example shows. Just make sure you watch your step.
Tell us
Do you have a small-space staircase solution? Tell us about it or post a picture in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like this story, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
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Browse more compact spaces with stairs
But, of course, staircases don’t always need to fade into the background – they can be fun and functional, as this playful Parisian example shows. Just make sure you watch your step.
Tell us
Do you have a small-space staircase solution? Tell us about it or post a picture in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like this story, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
More
Browse more compact spaces with stairs
So, we all know what a staircase looks like, right? Well, think again. While a traditional staircase consists of wide, flat treads, a staggered-step design such as the one seen here is a practical alternative in tight or infrequently used spaces. “You get used to it very quickly,” says Tom Scott, who lives in this converted artist’s studio. “We can run up and down it now!”
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