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10 Staircase Designs for Small Spaces

Have a look at these compact staircases that are functional, beautiful and fit neatly into a tight space

Shristi Nangalia
Shristi Nangalia20 November 2017
Houzz India Contributor, Architect, Architectural Writer and Content Writer. Painting, craft work, pets and good food are my getaways. Cultures and colours always inspire me. Email: shristi012@gmail.com, Business profile: @decoretteindia.
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The standard staircase design with a dedicated stairwell is not easy to fit into many small duplexes and small homes. However, a smart staircase with a low square-footage can. Check out these ten staircases that save space and create a beautiful impression in tiny areas.
Shabnam Gupta
1. A spiral staircase is a long-established solution for covering vertical distances within a small space. It is also a great way to create a strong focal point within a home. The staircase in this picture looks as if it is emerging out of the wood floor itself. The curving soft-brown wood staircase warms the modern setup.

Most Popular Staircase Designs on Houzz India
Prachi Damle Photography
2. Open stairs (where the risers are absent) lighten the visual weight of the staircase and add to the sense of spaciousness in this compact area. The colour of this curving staircase is reiterated in the tints of the large Buddha sculpture and the decorative art pieces, softened by leafy indoor plants.

Click here to see more spiral staircases
Chitra Vishwanath
3. This single-flight open staircase is reminiscent of a loft ladder. Loft stairs are space-efficient and visually light; these positives make them a practical way out for tight spaces.
Haptic Architects
4. An undemanding and unique hanging staircase leads to the upper level in this open-plan kitchen area. The minimal white stairs, suspended by sturdy metal frames, do not take up an inch of floor space. I particularly like how the first three steps of the staircase blend with the seating area along the windows.
Vishal J Professional Photography
5. The spatial efficiency of this staircase aptly combines both form and function. The provision of under-stair cabinets utilises the space well, while the black-and-white palette makes a modernist statement in this bedroom. The thin wire railing offers safety without adding visual weight to the staircase.

8 Railings That Magically Transform Staircases
Studio Nishita Kamdar
Studio Nishita Kamdar
6. This double-height yet narrow living room accommodates a low-footprint, custom-made staircase made of metal, wood and cement. Slim width and high risers create space-saving steps.
James Wagman Architect, LLC
7. A smooth swirl saves space and adds a sculptural element to a closely packed living room. The staircase’s smooth white finish, which matches the surrounding walls, lends a touch of formal elegance to the room. The textured brown treads and risers add depth to the cool Scandinavian frame.

Here are more helical staircase designs
Gregory Phillips Architects
8. Although a staggered tread design is not user-friendly for children and the elderly, they do guarantee maximum utilisation of space. An alternating tread or staggered-style staircase can be made comfortable by affixing a sturdy solid balustrade and closed risers like here. Small-space staircases can also have a low visual impact with the use of understated hues. See how, in the picture, the sense of openness is mainly created through the extensive use of white.
Stair Lab / Rintal USA
9. Here, the narrow alternating steps are cantilevered, supported axially with a slender batten. Such light, modest stairs are great for maximising on space and floor area.
Zephyr Interiors
10. This stylish, space-efficient staircase fronts a full-wall display unit. Rich textures and dramatic lighting takes the attention away from the tightness of the space, crafting a cosy setting.

Note: Though there are no regulations applied for internal ladders, the width of the staircase, height of the risers and width of the treads must be compliant with General Building Requirements by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India or the National Building Code of India. It is always best to consult a certified designer while designing functional elements in a home.

Read more:
How to Live Large in a Small Apartment
12 Efficient & Creative Built-In Furniture Pieces For Tight Spaces

Tell us:
Do you prefer small-space living? Share with us more space-saving staircase solutions in Comments below.
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