Architecture
Spiral Staircases Have Their Turn in the Spotlight
When space is at a premium, spiral staircases add a functional and sculptural twist to a room
Spiral staircases are like architectural sculptures. As they twist and turn from one level to another, the combination of materials and design can make for a stunning showstopper that’s hard to look away from – or for an elegant staircase that almost disappears into space. Either way, spiral staircases can prove to be a functional and practical option for a variety of reasons, so let’s take them for a spin.
The pros of spiral staircases
- Spiral staircases can suit indoor or outdoor spaces and can be built in any accessible corner, or even alongside a wall or balcony.
- They are ideal wherever space is limited, and don’t usually consume as much space as traditional staircases. Just be considerate of the size of the furniture that needs to go on the level above, or make sure there is a window that’s large enough for it to fit through.
- Depending on the materials, spiral staircases have a lightness to them and a sense of movement, making for an organic and sculptural feature.
The cons of spiral staircases
- Spiral staircases are steeper and often narrower than regular stairs. This can cause issues for people with less mobility and make moving objects or items up and down the stairs more difficult.
- As there is no enclosed space under the stairs, there’s nowhere to hide all those odds and ends that are typically stored under the stairs. Or unwelcome bespectacled nephews, for that matter.
Materials
Spiral staircases are often wood, metal or glass, or a combination of materials. Each material or combination will give a very different look to the final construction.
This spiral staircase in metal and wood has a lightweight look due to it’s open form, and it has an overall aesthetic that looks both industrial and Middle Eastern – an interesting combination that somehow works.
Spiral staircases are often wood, metal or glass, or a combination of materials. Each material or combination will give a very different look to the final construction.
This spiral staircase in metal and wood has a lightweight look due to it’s open form, and it has an overall aesthetic that looks both industrial and Middle Eastern – an interesting combination that somehow works.
This timber spiral staircase is actually a helical structure as it has no central column. This form creates a very organic looking staircase that appears to growing up and out of the floor.
This glass and metal spiral staircase almost disappears into the room, due to the fact that the materials and design of the stairs – set against the white, light-filled space – produce a great sense of transparency.
Planning a new staircase
Planning a new staircase
WHERE TO USE SPIRAL STAIRCASES
Outdoors
Outdoor spiral staircases can offer access to upper levels without visually or physically consuming additional space. Plus, the rounded forms are a great way to integrate architectural structure within a more natural environment.
Outdoors
Outdoor spiral staircases can offer access to upper levels without visually or physically consuming additional space. Plus, the rounded forms are a great way to integrate architectural structure within a more natural environment.
Corners
Spiral staircases can be installed in almost any corner, even if very little space is available. However, a tighter corner will reduce the radius of the stairs and therefore increase the steepness of the incline or decline.
Spiral staircases can be installed in almost any corner, even if very little space is available. However, a tighter corner will reduce the radius of the stairs and therefore increase the steepness of the incline or decline.
Narrow spaces
When space is restricted, spiral staircases provide transition between levels without taking up valuable floor space, as in this house, which is just three metres wide.
Read more about this sculptural staircase
When space is restricted, spiral staircases provide transition between levels without taking up valuable floor space, as in this house, which is just three metres wide.
Read more about this sculptural staircase
Loft spaces
In many cases, a loft is installed in a home because space is tight and natural light is at a premium. Spiral staircases can prove to be a practical solution to reach these spaces, as the stairs don’t consume a lot of space or restrict light.
In many cases, a loft is installed in a home because space is tight and natural light is at a premium. Spiral staircases can prove to be a practical solution to reach these spaces, as the stairs don’t consume a lot of space or restrict light.
PUT A SPIN ON IT
The following spiral staircases all bring a little something extra to a room. They have interesting colour, details, design, or material combinations.
In the room pictured here, the lightweight spiral staircase descends from a hole in the floor above into a room featuring rich, dark wood. The stairs are debonair and sophisticated, with interesting detail on the bannister.
The following spiral staircases all bring a little something extra to a room. They have interesting colour, details, design, or material combinations.
In the room pictured here, the lightweight spiral staircase descends from a hole in the floor above into a room featuring rich, dark wood. The stairs are debonair and sophisticated, with interesting detail on the bannister.
This staircase is perfect for a beach abode. The aqua tone absorbs shadows and reflects light, much like sky or water. Timber panels and rope on the bannister add a nautical touch.
Although the staircase is round and spiralling, the architecture of this space is very box-like, creating an abstract, almost cubist aesthetic. The wooden treads and column are a warm and natural contrast to the cooler, smoother blues and whites.
A narrow spiral staircase descends from the suspended loft in this London apartment. It creates the impression that the loft is being unravelled.
15 amazing staircase designs
15 amazing staircase designs
This helical staircase with blue glass treads descends like a waterfall and picks up the inviting colours of the water in the pool.
Here, the spiral staircase has an extra twist with an adjacent slide. It’s fun and whimsical and kids would absolutely love it.
Finally, when one staircase is not enough, why not have two? Each of the staircases seen here provides access to a mezzanine level on either side of the room, without interrupting the flow of the space.
TELL US
Do you have a spiral staircase anywhere in your home? Tell us about it or upload photos in the Comments section below.
MORE
How to Add Pizzazz to Your Boring Staircase
Hardworking Staircases Rise to the Challenge
This Just In: Peekaboo Stairwell, Fukuoka, Japan
Do you have a spiral staircase anywhere in your home? Tell us about it or upload photos in the Comments section below.
MORE
How to Add Pizzazz to Your Boring Staircase
Hardworking Staircases Rise to the Challenge
This Just In: Peekaboo Stairwell, Fukuoka, Japan
Spiral stairs take a circular form, with the treads winding around a newel, or central pole. They are typically steeper than a standard staircase and the combination of height and radius can serve to increase or decrease the steepness.
Dating back to medieval times, spiral staircases were installed as deterrents to armed intruders. They then became popular again in the 1970s when houses moved away from being so boxy, and they’re back today as an interesting addition to modern homes – and probably as the bane of furniture removers’ existence.