Step It Up: 9 Staircase Designs That WOW
Elevate your staircase to new splendid heights with these jaw-dropping, statement-making ideas
Whether a spiral, curved or library ladder type, a staircase is perhaps regarded by many as just a practical feature, allowing one to move between floors. Or, it can be turned into quite the focal point of a home. Check out these inspiring staircase ideas and step up your own design game!
2. Orange swirl
Most spiral staircases are usually conceptualised to be space savers, but this one has been visualised as a prominent sculptural piece in the living room. Made of a double shell of mild steel set with timber treads, its overall diameter is a generous 10 feet. Painted in burnt orange to contrast with the large swathes of polished grey kota stone (a fine-grained variety of limestone), the staircase is designed in a way that completely negates the need for risers. This was done by anchoring both ends of the solid teak treads in the steel shell, giving the structure a feeling of lightness.
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Most spiral staircases are usually conceptualised to be space savers, but this one has been visualised as a prominent sculptural piece in the living room. Made of a double shell of mild steel set with timber treads, its overall diameter is a generous 10 feet. Painted in burnt orange to contrast with the large swathes of polished grey kota stone (a fine-grained variety of limestone), the staircase is designed in a way that completely negates the need for risers. This was done by anchoring both ends of the solid teak treads in the steel shell, giving the structure a feeling of lightness.
See more of this house
3. Wooden spine
Mansi Desai has designed a staircase that manages to be fluid and angular at the same time. A helical wooden block runs through the underside, acting like a spine that connects all the treads as it spirals upward. The whole structure appears to float unsupported in front of an accent wall, while spherical fixtures at different heights make for a dynamic element that accentuates the volume of the design.
Tip: To add more safety to the structure, consider glass railings.
Mansi Desai has designed a staircase that manages to be fluid and angular at the same time. A helical wooden block runs through the underside, acting like a spine that connects all the treads as it spirals upward. The whole structure appears to float unsupported in front of an accent wall, while spherical fixtures at different heights make for a dynamic element that accentuates the volume of the design.
Tip: To add more safety to the structure, consider glass railings.
4. See through
Who would’ve thought that a transparent staircase could make your jaw drop. Here, r+d Studio gives this contemporary space an airy feel while boosting sunlight levels with a classic combination – floating timber treads, white walls and a frameless glass balustrade.
Tip: A glass balustrade allows natural light to go further into the landing, whilst balancing the heaviness of wooden slats. Do make sure the glass is sturdy and aptly installed for a safe flight of stairs.
Read how to be safe and sturdy with glass in your home
Who would’ve thought that a transparent staircase could make your jaw drop. Here, r+d Studio gives this contemporary space an airy feel while boosting sunlight levels with a classic combination – floating timber treads, white walls and a frameless glass balustrade.
Tip: A glass balustrade allows natural light to go further into the landing, whilst balancing the heaviness of wooden slats. Do make sure the glass is sturdy and aptly installed for a safe flight of stairs.
Read how to be safe and sturdy with glass in your home
5. Zigzag
Studio Nishita Kamdar shows restraint with this minimalist staircase. The wood and concrete structure, paired with metal railings and lights, forms a sculptural backdrop to the living room while also serving a functional purpose. Exposing the underside of this staircase creates a pleasant zigzag pattern, as well as creating a play of light and shadow when sunlight hits the surface.
Take a tour of this house
Studio Nishita Kamdar shows restraint with this minimalist staircase. The wood and concrete structure, paired with metal railings and lights, forms a sculptural backdrop to the living room while also serving a functional purpose. Exposing the underside of this staircase creates a pleasant zigzag pattern, as well as creating a play of light and shadow when sunlight hits the surface.
Take a tour of this house
6. Timber yard
At first glance this staircase appears to be a monolithic structure cast from a block of wood. However, on closer inspection, it resembles slats stacked on top of each other like in a timber yard. Staying clear of the cliched cantilevered staircase design, SPASM Design Architects refines this timber form with a touch of luxe elegance by adding a handrail crafted in rosewood and brass along one side.
Take a tour of this house
At first glance this staircase appears to be a monolithic structure cast from a block of wood. However, on closer inspection, it resembles slats stacked on top of each other like in a timber yard. Staying clear of the cliched cantilevered staircase design, SPASM Design Architects refines this timber form with a touch of luxe elegance by adding a handrail crafted in rosewood and brass along one side.
Take a tour of this house
7. Bare bones
It’s always a bonus when a design pulls off double duty. But that usually comes at a price – making the structure bulky. Here however, 3dseekers showcases a pared-back staircase that is not only easy on the eyes but also manages to squeeze in some storage and a work station all built into one. The grain of the wood softens the starkness of the design as well as giving texture to the space.
It’s always a bonus when a design pulls off double duty. But that usually comes at a price – making the structure bulky. Here however, 3dseekers showcases a pared-back staircase that is not only easy on the eyes but also manages to squeeze in some storage and a work station all built into one. The grain of the wood softens the starkness of the design as well as giving texture to the space.
8. Light show
OB Architecture adds a simple feature to the stairs in this contemporary, airy space. Recessed lighting along the sides gives the wood an ethereal glow, making it look like an art installation rather than just a flight of steps.
OB Architecture adds a simple feature to the stairs in this contemporary, airy space. Recessed lighting along the sides gives the wood an ethereal glow, making it look like an art installation rather than just a flight of steps.
Tip: Runners are not a common feature in Indian houses, but it’s time this feature found a place in the home. So, go bold – geometric, graphic or just a plain bright colour to liven up the room.
Tip: However, do ensure the runner or carpet is heavy and well-settled on the steps and holds its position under movement.
Tip: However, do ensure the runner or carpet is heavy and well-settled on the steps and holds its position under movement.
9. Patchwork tiles
Moroccan or Rajasthani tiles aren’t just for feature walls. Here, Technoarchitecture Inc shows us a great example of how they can be used to add some whimsy to risers. A patchwork of ceramic tiles in various patterns and colours keeps things interesting in this otherwise conventional staircase design.
Tip: Besides colourful tiles, a quirky wallpaper that may be a little too much for a whole wall could be just right to make a design statement with risers.
Read more:
8 Railings That Magically Transform Staircases
Gorgeous Lights Bring a Shine to These Staircases
Tell us:
Do you have a staircase that stands out from the crowd? Share your ideas in Comments below.
Moroccan or Rajasthani tiles aren’t just for feature walls. Here, Technoarchitecture Inc shows us a great example of how they can be used to add some whimsy to risers. A patchwork of ceramic tiles in various patterns and colours keeps things interesting in this otherwise conventional staircase design.
Tip: Besides colourful tiles, a quirky wallpaper that may be a little too much for a whole wall could be just right to make a design statement with risers.
Read more:
8 Railings That Magically Transform Staircases
Gorgeous Lights Bring a Shine to These Staircases
Tell us:
Do you have a staircase that stands out from the crowd? Share your ideas in Comments below.
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The fluid shape and wooden deck-like treads of this staircase by Wright Inspires make it the piece de resistance of this Bangalore house, while the open risers give it a stepladder-like feel. Also note how the sturdy metal railing adds a subtle touch of industrial bling to this otherwise predominantly brown space.