Straight Stairs
A straight stairway is the most basic and common type. Simple linear stair design makes them the easiest to build and install handrails. Most importantly, straight stairs are the most affordable type.
Stairs with Landing (Top & Intermediate Landings)
These are straight stairs with a small landing place in the middle or top. The resting part is advantageous when the stairs are frequently used to go up and down. On the other hand, building a straight staircase with a landing requires extra space and costs.
L-shaped Stairs
The L-shaped stairs are another version of straight stairs with a landing. They take up less space and can even be placed in the corner of the room. That’s thanks to their main feature of a 90-degree turn. Technically speaking, the L-shaped stairs need a support structure for the turn. Thus, L-shaped stairs are more expensive to build. Another disadvantage is transporting large items because the turn makes it difficult.
U-shaped Stairs
Two straight staircases with a 180-degree turn are known as the U-shaped stairs. A large landing area between the stairs is perfect when transporting large items. U-shaped stairs are fancy and visually appealing without taking up lots of linear space. But on the other hand, they are pricier and more challenging to build.
Tower Stairs
In the contemporary setting, a stair tower embodies a staircase enveloped by one or more walls of windows, crafting a tower-esque ambiance. Diverse designs exist, but the stair tower’s primary purpose is to infuse more natural light, not only illuminating the staircase but also spilling into adjoining spaces. Moreover, stair towers often incorporate elements reminiscent of rooms rather than mere corridors. Envision comfy seating areas, opulent chandeliers, and other adornments.
Scissor Stairs
If you’ve exited an apartment building via the stairs, you’ve probably used scissor stairs. They look like a pair of scissors and save lots of space. Most importantly, they are cost-effective. However, scissor stairs are not the safest anymore. Both flights of stairs in one enclosure provide two ways out in case of an emergency. The two different directions (upwards and downwards) can easily make people clash.
Winder Stairs
Winders are turning stairs in which the turning part is hexagonal, pie-shaped, or triangular. Winders are perfect for small and sustainable interior decor, so they’re also becoming popular in modern stair design. A winder stair takes less space, but it is challenging to transport items due to the edge-shaped turn.
Ladders Design Stairs
Ladder stairs are the best for tight spaces. They’re built in different styles, like fixed wooden ladders between beds or ladders designed with wheels (often used in libraries). A ladder is affordable but less safe to use than other stairs.
Glamorous Arched Stairs
A curved staircase is a bent flight of stairs that doesn’t form a circle or spiral. Arched stairs are considered a classy element in modern and traditional interior decor. Curved stairs can be used with contemporary designs and DIY ideas to add a personal touch.
Turned/Circular Stairs
These turned stairs are named circular because of their single center of curvature and large radius, which visually seems to form a circle. It’s perfect for office buildings, residences, and commercial places. The only disadvantages are the ample required space to build circular stairs and the high costs of getting suitable materials and professional workers.
Floating Stairs
A cantilever or a floating staircase is just a new straight stair with treads attached to the wall to imitate a floating look. These stairs are perfect for modern decor and open spaces. Because it creates an empty space underneath the staircase, a floating stair is less safe for old people and kids.
Spiral Stairs
In a spiral staircase, the central turn has soft, turned treads. It’s also easy to install because its landing and center pole support the stair structure. They’re typically built to create a dramatic look in interior decor. Spirals are preferred for beach houses, city lofts, or tight-space office buildings.
Bifurcated Stairs
These grandiose stairs are composed of two pairs of stairs with wide steps. Bifurcated stairs are mainly placed in the entryway of a house. They help create privacy points between the first and second floors. A potential drawback is that they require solid architectural support. Thus, it’s among the most expensive types of stairs.
Alternating-tread Stairs
Alternating tread stairs are visually appealing and fun since they make you jump the steps from one side to the other. Homeowners use them mainly as an alternative staircase for reaching the attic, basement, or other spaces where a standard staircase wouldn’t fit. They’re comfortable, safer than ladders, easy to use, and affordable. Alternating stairs are uncommon, so you need some practice properly climbing them.
Top 5 Trending Stairway Ideas for 2023 & 2024
Floating Staircase
The idea of climbing stairs with no railings on the sides gives the feeling of safely walking up in the air. In other floating stairs, the risers don’t rest on wall studs but are attached to a metal structure inside the walls.
Spiral & Helical Staircases
Curvy, spiral, and helical stairs will always stay in style. They’re the best for a grandiose entrance or to turn a place into a charming, luxurious space.
Metal & Glass Staircases
The trending combination of materials is metal banisters or railings with glass-made steps (probably with LED lights). This is a modern stairs design often used for penthouses and office buildings.
LED Staircase Lighting
Yes, low lighting for cozy vibes won’t come from the antique lamps on the corners anymore. Installing LED lights on treads and stair walls is one of the rising trends in 2023. That’s because lighted stairs look modern and are helpful to safely move around the house. This type of stairs is best for families with young children and elderly people.