What’s that one area in your house that you would most likely pay the least attention to? That’s right, the stairs! What most people do not know is that they can do a lot of things with their stairs. In fact, for the rich and the famous, most of the focal point of their home is their stairs.
Placing the Stairs
If you are looking to make your staircase the centrepiece of your home, the first thing you should consider is where to place it. Whether you believe in Feng Shui or not, there are parts of your home where your stair should not be placed in. Of course, everything will depend on how big your space is and what kind of architectural stair design you would like installed.
Choosing the Stair Design
Straight Stairs
The straight stair is one of the most common types of stairs. It’s a straightforward design that is typically installed for functionality rather than for aesthetics. While you may not be able to play around with the design, you can put a twist on the railings and banister. One good example is the use of stringers for the railing. This gives the perception that the whole staircase is floating. If you want a more Zen look, you can use a combination of glass and wood to design the whole staircase. Most straight staircases are placed near the door. It occupies a lot of space, so you need to plan what you are going to do with the empty area underneath the staircase.
U-Shaped Staircase
For homes that tend to be narrow, a u-shaped staircase is the way to go. It can easily be placed in the middle of the home or the building with the landings leading to the left and right side of the home. It does not take up too much space, and it often leaves a lot of room underneath for a bookshelf or additional drawers. The only downside to this type of staircase is it can be harder to plan and build as it comes in three major parts—the two flights of stairs, and the landing.
Spiral Stairs
If you are looking for a stair design that would take up only a fraction of space, a spiral staircase is your answer. It can be quite attractive and provides a good balance between functionality and aesthetics. It’s also easy to install and does not need a lot of support, with the centre pole acting as its foundation. However, the spiral staircase is not without its problems. Carrying items up these stairs can also be a problem as the space is limited.
Ladders
If spatial efficiency is the issue, a ladder is the most compact design that you can get. It leans more on functionality rather than on aesthetics and is as straightforward as it gets. It is typically built for shorter distances and is not used as a primary set of stairs. Bringing objects with you can be a challenge as ladders require you to hold on the railings with both hands for stability.
A feature staircase is a great addition to any home improvement project. Its functionality and aesthetic appeal elevate your home’s design and overall value. No matter where you choose to place it or which design you settle on, make sure that it is suitable for your needs.
