177,934 Staircase Design Photos

How do I choose a new staircase?

In terms of renovation, replacing staircases is a big decision and must be considered as carefully as replacing a structural wall. If your current staircase is badly positioned or prevents a better configuration of your space then it may be worth the investment in a new flight. A standard straight staircase can be bought virtually out of the box, but for real wow factor you may want to look into bespoke staircase options. This could certainly be the case when it comes to loft stairs as you’ll need something that fits with your loft area and space below. Storage staircases can offer amazing hidden storage – drawers or doors can pull out from the side of the staircase, utilising the space under it, or the stairs themselves can serve as drawers and cubbies. Spiral staircases are a clever way of saving space and can make a stunning feature – choose a winding spiral staircase for smaller spaces or a sweeping one if you have the room for dramatic appeal. Glass staircases are ideal if you have a preference for light and spacious interiors. If you have a more traditional wooden flight of stairs already in place, then you can add a more modern feel by opting for a sheet glass balustrade. Open stairs, an alternating tread staircase or a floating staircase are beautiful additions to any home but may be out of the question if you have small children.

How should I decorate my staircase?

Despite the fact that the stairs can be one of the most frequently used areas of your home, they are often overlooked when it comes to a home redesign. Your staircase, much like your hallway, can be an opportunity to inject some colour or personality into your overall design scheme and an update can be as simple as a lick of paint or stripping off the worn carpet to reveal the beautiful hardwood stairs beneath. If you want to keep some cushioning to your stairs, then stair runners are a popular design choice for staircases, as they draw the eyes upward and add a flash of colour or pattern whilst offering plenty of grip. That said, ensure stair runners are properly fitted to avoid any missteps! A nice touch to connect staircases to the hall they lead to is choosing a complementary carpet, rug or floor runner that echoes the colour scheme of the stair runner. If your staircase is alongside a wall, make the most of that space with attractive wallpaper, framed pictures and artwork. Stair spindles are a decorative element in their own right but you can jazz them up by painting them in a multi-tonal palette of complementary colours or graduating between dark and light. A chandelier over a staircase can add a final, dramatic touch; if you prefer a more subtle way to illuminate your stairs, consider recessed floor-level lighting for an atmospheric glow.

How should I install loft stairs?

Loft stairs are subject to the same regulations as normal stairs, with some slight differences, but chances are you will probably need to fit them into a smaller space. Luckily, there is no minimum width for staircases, but if you have loft conversion stairs that are less than one metre wide then you should have a handrail on at least one side. If you’re wondering about how steep your loft stairs can be, then the maximum rise of a step according to Building Regulations Part K is 220mm and all steps should be the same size and level. If you’re worried about crowding your hallway below your loft, there are loft stairs options that are light and ladder-like so not much space is used, but they will still be more sturdy and safe than normal ladders. You must have two metres headroom at the top of your loft stairs, too, to ensure entering the lost space is not dangerous. A spiral staircase may be the best option when you’re stuck for space, but remember that the steps will be narrower and could be more dangerous for young children or older users.The building regulations for spiral staircases are slightly different – if you’re going to use a spiral staircase as loft conversion stairs and it’s only a secondary staircase leading to one room, then the steps themselves must be 60mm wide and no more than 145mm in length.