Design It
From fantastic marble helical flights to timber U-shaped designs, find here a selection of inspiring staircase ideas for your home renovation or self build project
Are you looking for staircase ideas? Investing in a staircase that meets your practical needs and ties in with your home’s design can really transform a space and how you move throughout it on a day-to-day basis.
Staircases often take pride of place in a floorplan, and in many cases, they’re the first feature you see when you walk through the front door. Not only do they have to serve a practical purpose in connecting one storey to another, but with careful planning and consideration, they can become an impressive focal point that defines the overall style of your property.
When it comes to gathering staircase ideas, there are lots of options as well as a range of materials that can be mixed and matched. Depending on your criteria, different materials suit different applications.
For example, natural stone stairs are extremely durable, easy to maintain and will last a long time. Timber is a versatile material , with many species and the option to stain or paint it to evolve with your home’s design. Steel is strong but can be moulded to form sturdy spiral staircase designs, and is ideal if you prefer an industrial aesthetic. Glass looks contemporary while letting in light for a bright space.
Straight, L-shaped and U-shaped staircases are classic designs that suit a multitude of spaces, often with the ability to incorporate extra storage underneath. If you’re looking for a more striking design, curved, spiral, cantilever and even bifurcated (where the staircase splits off into two) styles can add drama to a space, working particularly well in high-ceilinged entrance halls for a feeling of luxury. There are other details to consider, too, such as open or closed risers, balustrade style and handrails, and whether to fit storage under the flight.
Here, we’re taking a look at some excellent staircase ideas to inspire your project.
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1. Recycled Timber Staircase Ideas
Biscawon the Build It Award for Best Staicase at the 2023 Build It Awards. Described by one Awards judge as “pure sculpture”, their amazing, Recycled Timber Staircasewas completed for a barn conversion in Northumberland. The flight forms a dramatic focal point in the centre of the living space.
Finished to perfection, the helical stairs’ rustic character adds instant wow factor to the house. The white-painted support structure provides a contrast to the palette of natural timber.
2. Charming Oak Staircase
A popular choice for staircases, oak is one of the most characterful hardwood timbers you can choose for your design. An instant classic, it’s extremely hardwearing – ideal for high-traffic zones like stairs.
This bespoke oak staircase by Neville Johnson is traditional in style but still works well in its contemporary setting.
Learn More: Staircase Costs: How Much Should You Budget for a New Staircase?
3. Concrete Staircase Ideas
Concrete staircases look great in modern homes. They can be costly and, depending on whether they’re precast or cast in situ, tricky to install. But the material’s strong load-bearing capacity, low maintenance and virtually fireproof nature justify the price point.
Photo: Andy Stagg
Cast on site, this concrete stairway leads down to the lower ground floor of this Victorian renovation by Paul Archer Design.
4. Industrial-Style Steel Flight
Although typically more expensive than timber, steel is a long-lasting and cost-effective choice for those seeking to make a contemporary or industrial-style statement.
Photo: Brotherton-Lock Photography
Bear in mind it can be trickier to customise if you ever want to refurbish your interiors. This steel staircase was installed in a loft extension designed by Ciarcelluti Mathers Architecture.
5. Grand Stone Staircase
Like timber, stone stairways are timeless. They’ve been around for centuries and although typically traditional, they can easily form part of a modern design.
Photo: Will Layzell
Stone comes in at the top end price-wise, but this kind of flight will have outstanding longevity and become a feature that can increase your home’s value. In this project by Nash Baker Architects, the contemporary helical staircase is clad in stone.
6. Natural-Feeling Timber Staircase
Warm and characterful, timber is one of the most popular staircase materials. It’s just as capable of creating a contemporary design as it is a traditional one. Choose from options such as engineered pine (which can be painted or stained) through to pricier hardwoods like mahogany and walnut.
Photo: Vigo Jansans
This Havwoods timber flight, featuring metal balusters, was designed in collaboration with Aflux Designs.
7. Custom-Designed Staircase
Suzie and Sam Andrews’ focus for their self build project was creating a light-filled and open family home. Central to this plan was their bespoke L-shaped staircase from PM Large Joinery, which sits at the heart of their grand entrance hallway.
Photo: Adam Carter
The flight supports steel balustrades and leads up to a light-filled landing, adding a contemporary addition to the interior.
EXPERT VIEW Developing your staircase ideas
Gareth Betts, staircase designer at Neville Johnson, takes a look at the key things to consider when collecting your staircase ideas
How can you tailor your staircase design ideas to suit your home?
Base the materials in your design on both the environment and the aesthetic which surrounds your staircase. For example, if the hallway or landing has limited lighting, use glass to open up the space and keep the materials delicate so that they don’t weigh down the design.
If your staircase leads up to a wide stretch of landing, avoid chunky detailed spindles on the balustrade. Keep it minimal by using specialised materials such as laser-cut panels to show texture without overwhelming the overall look.
How can you ensure the design of your staircase has longevity?
A staircase will be a lifetime investment, so think about the long term when deciding on your design. The key is to stick to what you like as opposed to following a trend. Complement the staircase with the decor, but ensure it can adapt to change with your personality and creativity if you think your style might change over time.
Often the elements around a staircase can be redecorated to flex with your interior, depending on its style and the materials used. For example, the inner and outer string and apron can be refinished with paint, or stained if made from timber. Create feature steps by using contrasting colours on treads and risers. Carpet runners are also a great way to incorporate colour and pattern, as well as protecting your stairs from scuffs and marks. These can be easily swapped out to change with the times.
What should you consider when deciding on the size, location and placement of your staircase?
Often a staircase is the main focal point to an entrance hall. Therefore, the design should work in a way that leads you into the home and guides you through the ground floor areas, as well as the first floor. Your staircase should be as open as possible for ease of access.
In a tight space, remember to use smaller newel posts and slimmer handrails that are proportional to your staircase. Thin spindles in lightweight materials such as steel or clear glass work well to not overpower a compact area. You can also afford to add colour, detail and texture that you wouldn’t necessarily incorporate into a normal staircase, such as contrasting tones and intricate newel post details. Make the most of any space under the stairs by building in a cupboard, for instance.
What should you consider in terms of safety when gathering staircase design ideas?
Your staircase must comply with Building Regulations Part K. It covers protection from falling, collision and impact and contains key guidance on designing a staircase. So, make sure you consult this before altering an existing flight, or if you’re installing a new one, ensure it meets these requirements. Bear in mind that the staircase styles you see on social media from around the world don’t always fall within UK regulations, so it’s strongly advised to seek professional advice when choosing a design.
8. Sleek Spiral Staircase
When collecting your staircase design ideas, think about how you can arrange a scheme to not block out any essential daylight or views.
Photo: Peter Landers
Cake Industries worked with Chris Dyson Architects to design this semi-spiral staircase made up of a hollow circular spine in rolled steel, solid oak treads and a brass handrail. The spiral design and delicate spindles allow light from the tall window to fill the interior.
9. T-Shaped Walnut Flight
This standout T-shaped staircase was pivotal to the success of Colin White and Annette Siddle’s renovation project, bringing a focal point to the home while providing an effective connection to the rooms on the upper level.
The steel stairs arrived in sections, with a local joiner and cabinetmaker completing the American walnut clad joinery.
10. Wow Factor Marble Staircase Ideas
Gathering staircase ideas is an important part of designing a home, as this structural addition can take up more space than you’d expect. Therefore, ensuring the flight fits your scheme will be key to success, helping to enhance and blend with any distinctive features or colours.
Designed in collaboration with architectural practice D-Raw, this helical staircase has marble treads and risers and a plaster balustrade that sits beautifully in the home’s white interior scheme. Bespoke Bisca staircases start from £30,000.
11. Stacked Timber Spiral Staircase
Bisca supplied this bespoke spiral staircase as part of a comprehensive renovation project to connect the kitchen and basem*nt. The pale timber block treads are supported with a central core, providing a distinctive and stacked look.
12. Striking Timber Flight
This timber staircase has cantilever-style treads and contrasting steel spindles. A Complete Stair System design in any hardwood costs approximately £6,000-£10,000.
13. Focal Point Staircase Design
A bifurcated flight will certainly make a wow-factor focal point. This stately timber staircase by David Smith St Ives oozes opulence, boasting intricate newel posts and spindles with a red carpet runner for a regal finish.
14. Contemporary Staircase Design
Mata Architects opted for a straight staircase made from folded steel in this new build home. Its slim design allows it to sit perfectly in the centre of the kitchen/living space without taking up too much room.
Photo: Anna Stathaki
15. Statement Flight Ideas
The ribbon-like newel posts on this helical staircase by Max-Stairs make for a truly statement design.
The glass balustrades appear almost invisible, letting in lots of light and giving the flight a bold contemporary touch that works well alongside the rich timber.
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16. Create an Art Deco Look
The steel spindle design on this timber U-shaped staircase by Neville Johnsongives it a luxury Art Deco feel.
17. Curved Oak Staircase
This cantilevered staircase byBiscais central to the design of the oak frame self build home. Featuring raised grain oak treads and a concealed mild steel structure, the flight twists around a curved wall – and is beautifully finished with a low-iron glass balustrade and oval oak handrail. A similar design would cost around £65,000
Get the combination of wood flooring and timber stairs right:
