Types of Stairs: Which One Suits Your Space?

Whilst you might have a particular staircase design in mind for your home, certain styles may be better suited for your space. For example, glass stairs can open up a hallway to allow more natural light in, whereas steel stairs and dark oak staircases can become the focal point of any room.

We’re here to guide you through the best materials to use for different types of stairs and their benefits, so you can make the right choice when renovating your staircase.

Renovating your staircase

If your existing staircase is structurally sound, there’s no need to replace it. Instead, you could renovate your existing stairs to achieve a completely new aesthetic.

A carefully-considered staircase renovation includes replacing newel posts, handrails, base rails, and spindles. Whether you have a small staircase or more room to work with, replacing the cosmetic components can entirely transform your hallway, with no mess and no building work.

Choosing the right materials

The materials, colour and finish you choose for your staircase renovation can give it an entirely new look. For example, wooden stairs can be designed in a traditional style to suit older properties, whilst dark oak or painted wooden stairs will add a modern twist to a more classic design.

Steel straight stairs can bring a contemporary, industrial feel to your interior, whilst glass panels or spindles help brighten up the space. Open plan stairs are another popular style for modern homes and can help tie together multiple floors, such as a gallery landing.

The different types of staircases

Consider which area the stairs are situated in and how this might impact the rest of the space. For example, a central staircase is more of a stand-out feature than a corner staircase, so you might want to make a bold statement with the colours, materials and finish. These are some of the most popular staircase designs to help you identify which type you have.

Straight stairs

Straight stairs are a favourite in many homes, thanks to their space-saving design. Straight wooden stairs can complement period features in traditional properties, whilst straight steel stairs add a modern aesthetic to any hallway or living room. Alternatively, replacing the existing spindles for glass panels can open up the space surrounding a straight staircase.

Curved stairs

Curved stairs offer an impressive entrance to your home. This fluid design can be adapted for modern or traditional interior styles, depending on your preference. For example, curved wooden stairs can be renovated to match the existing features of a period property, whilst steel curved stairs offer a contemporary feel.

Glass panelling can be added to curved stairs to introduce more light into the space. The curved design will dissipate light in unique ways throughout your hallway or living space.

L-shaped and U-shaped staircases

The angled configuration of L-shaped stairs allows you to showcase unique balustrade designs in steel or wood. If you’re looking to bring more light into your hallway from the upper floors, add glass panels to your L-shaped stairs.

U-shaped staircases, or ‘double winder staircases’ work in the same way, but have a full 180-degree turn at the half landing. Incorporating glass into U-shaped stairs is recommended since the balustrade is more closed off. Steel and timber can create a very artistic design but tend to make the stairs feel darker.

Imperial staircases

Imperial stairs typically incorporate a central staircase with two adjoining flights. They’re the most spacious staircase design and create a grand entrance to larger homes or mansions. Imperial staircases are typical of period properties, so wooden styles are most popular.

Bifurcated staircases

Sometimes known as split stairs, bifurcated staircases have a central flight which splits into two narrower staircases. These adjoining staircases head in opposite directions and reach the same level, much like imperial staircases but on a smaller scale.

At Neville Johnson, we offer bespoke staircase renovation s. Our expert design team can help you achieve a unique, made-to-measure staircase for your home. Request a brochure for more information on our staircase transformations or book a free design visit.