Modern stairs

Modern stairs

When looking for staircase ideas, your top consideration should be space. Not every type fits in every home: A double-sided stair design only works in large entryways, so for a smaller space, you’ll need to opt for a straight, U- or L-shaped one instead

If you’re set on achieving the look of a grand entrance, try to work in a curved design that will really showcase the railings and any other unique features. For homes that are really compact, spiral staircase designs will be the most efficient in terms of horizontal space; while they may not be the easiest to climb, they do give a quirky and fun feel. After determining function and shape, you can then narrow down the large selection of staircase ideas by style and material to achieve the overall appearance you’re going for.

What are the best materials for staircases?

The look of your stairs should coordinate with the rest of your house, so don’t try to mix two dramatically different styles, like traditional and modern. For the steps themselves, carpet and stone are popular traditional materials, while metal or floating wood steps are trendier options. The stair railings don’t usually get much love, but really are the perfect opportunity to let your creativity flow. While pairing two opposite styles is not recommended, subtly mixing up the rail and tread styles can make for a showstopping effect; for example, an industrial-style rail can help make wood treads contemporary, or an ornate metal railing can help enhance the Mediterranean feel of stone treads.