Stellar Staircases

Designing a staircase can bring a lot of challenges in terms of both function and form. That said, with the right approach and know-how, you can create one that works perfectly while also adding some wow-factor. Here are some tips for doing just that: 

1. Figure out the function: Before you start designing, consider how the staircase will be used. Is it a main staircase that will have to withstand a lot of footfall, or is it a secondary staircase? This will help you determine the size, number of steps, and the materials you’ll need to use (though see also step 8 ‘Consider Safety’ below, to help guide your design). 

2. Choose the right materials: The materials you choose can have a big impact on the overall look and longevity of your staircase. Consider using natural materials like wood, stone or metal for a warm, inviting feel. Glass and steel can lend it a more modern feel, while concrete is the perfect partner to an industrial aesthetic. Read more on material choices for handrails – the ‘statement necklace’ of a staircase – later.

3. Pay attention to lighting: Proper lighting can highlight the beauty of your staircase while also making it safer to use. You could use natural light through a well placed window or skylight, perhaps a collection of oversized pendants hanging dramatically in a two storey void created by your stairwell, or maybe a uniform series of wall sconces to lead the way. Consider also a recessed LED strip light under a custom timber handrail for a sleek and contemporary solution.

4. No natural light? No need for despair. If the staircase is located in a central part of the house, away from an exterior wall, consider a skylight to add drama, beauty and of course, well-lit safety, but all using the mood-boosting loveliness that is unique to natural light. Do however remain aware of changes in tone of fabric and timber finishes under regular direct sunlight – you may need to investigate drapery options to safeguard against this.

5. Make it a focal point: A staircase can be a great way to create a focal point in your home. Use a combination of materials, unique shapes and eye-catching details to make it stand out. Some of my favourites definitely add serious drama to something that could just be ho-hum functional! I sometimes dream of an enormous house with a deliciously curved white spiral staircase sweeping up into a great void which channels the light from an overhead custom round skylight back down into the ground floor.

6. Incorporate storage within the stairs: If space is limited, consider incorporating storage into your design. Open shelving, closed cabinets or drawers, or custom joinery such as  a reading or study nook can all help to make the most of an often awkward space. And yes, there are staircases where the risers in the stairs (the vertical bit) are made into drawer fronts, with the drawers themselves sliding underneath each stair. Clever, hey?

7. Use the space beneath: The entire staircase structure generally has that triangular space underneath it, which needn’t be awkward to use.  Think about: 

i)  An extra feature that this floor might really need, which usually comes from something you might be struggling with. Could you do with a powder room on this floor? Are you short on coat-hanging/shoe-stashing space? What about a study or reading nook, away from the hustle and bustle of the kitchen or living room area? The possibilities are endless – with a bit of clever thinking you can solve many of these niggling issues. 

ii) A joy-inducing feature which you simply have the space for now. Who said wants couldn’t become needs? If you’re looking beyond just utility, celebrate this space with a lovely display area. Those personal treasures and family photos aren’t going to put themselves on display! Your home is your own personal sanctuary – take care to create little pockets of joy and inspiration wherever you can and I promise it will lift your spirits every time you wander past. 

8. Consider safety: Safety should always be a top priority when designing a staircase. Make sure the steps are the right size, have enough traction, and are well lit. Here are the basics of legal stair design to bear in mind:

– As a rule, your staircase must have no fewer than 2 risers or have no more than 18 risers without a 750mm2 landing or rest area.⁠

– A staircase should have no more than 36 risers without a change of direction.

– Risers must be between 115-190mm high and Goings or Treads (the horizontal bit) must be 240-355mm deep.⁠

– Stairs themselves can’t be less than 600 mm wide measured between the inside edges of the handrails.

9. Handrails also come with a wealth of choice in terms of size, style and everything in between. Traditionally, they are composed of a bannister (the horizontal bar) and balusters (the vertical bars, sometimes also called spindles, which repeat all the way up), both of which combine to make a balustrade. Some more contemporary designs deviate from this slightly and, as with the rest of your staircase, the design and materials you choose will depend on the look you are going for, how it fits with the rest of the surrounding scheme and also, of course, practical considerations. So:

• • Wood, as a longtime favourite handrail material, adds that typically warm and inviting touch. More classic designs feature wooden balustrades with curved edges and forms; these look great in period homes or rustic schemes and can be updated quite easily with a lick of paint. 
• • More contemporary timber handrails tend to have squarer, more angled edges or balustrades containing a mixture of wood and metal parts, for example in cable-railing which remains a popular choice among more industrial or minimalist schemes. 

• • Still trending at the moment is, of course, the vertical-cable design, particularly when fully embraced with full floor-to-ceiling baluster cables.  Not only does this look complement more contemporary or industrial schemes perfectly, the floor-to-ceiling choice is also a great safety feature with children since there is no climbing or falling off any bannisters, as they have been omitted entirely.
• • Glass panels in place of balusters add a very clean and contemporary feel and are often a good choice when you are keen to showcase points visible from the staircase which might otherwise get obscured by wood or metal details. While this can add a chic look to airy beachside dwellings, for example, do consider the practicality of cleaning glass if small children or pets are around. 
• • Custom metal balusters can add serious impact to  contemporary scheme and give a wonderfully crisp look. 

10. Finally, add personal touches: This can make your staircase truly your own. You can add artwork, family photos, or even plants to create a warm, inviting space.

Remember, designing a staircase is about finding the right balance between function and aesthetics. By considering these tips, you can create an impactful, well-designed staircase that is both beautiful and functional.

If you would like some help with your forthcoming renovation or interiors project please feel free to reach out – we’d love to help you!