Staircases can be built in more shapes and sizes than you’d imagine, so there shouldn’t be a stumbling block in creating one for a small space when thinking through the design options for your home remodeling project.
Let’s say you’re adding a spacious second story or even a partial loft area to your home. There hasn’t been a need for second floor access before, but now you want to be able to reach the newly created upstairs rooms without sacrificing a lot of space on the main floor. When tight space is a factor, here are several terrific staircase styles you might consider.
Staircase Styles for Tighter Spaces
Always keep an open mind when about to begin home remodeling. Even if you’re convinced there is no way to accommodate a nifty new staircase where none exists, especially in close quarters, you’ll be amazed by the options. Here are some ideas to keep you from climbing the walls!
- Spiral staircase – This design uses vertical space and has a small footprint (usually the size of the center support rail), which makes it perfect for small areas. Spiral staircases also soften angles in a relatively tight square or rectangular space and lend the appeal of a flowing curve. Open designs using steel or other metal railings have a more open and less dense feel and also don’t block architectural sightlines or the available light from nearby windows or fixtures.
- Steep staircase – This particular design is commonly seen in attics but can also work well for tighter areas in an everyday living space. Solid wood steps can be added at 45-degree angles from the walls; each step sits facing the opposite direction of the step directly below. This creates an overall angular staircase with interesting and unusual visual appeal. Stairs that more closely resemble actual ladders are also sometimes appropriate in extra tight spaces.
- Floating staircases – Here is a staircase design that may look strange at first, but is ideal for smaller areas the area under the steps is not blocked off and the negative space helps to create a more open feeling. Floating stairs typically extend out from a wall and have no vertical boards or frame supports, and therefore seem to defy gravity when you first see them and are extra intriguing from an engineering standpoint.
- Stairs with storage – If such a design fits well into your home remodeling scheme, install a staircase that provides useful vertical space, rather than just closing off an area. Large, sturdy cubes arranged to create steps along the top provides cubbies that function as a bookcase or a way to display special objects and collections. When dealing with reduced space, every inch counts, so why not make the most of it?
Ingenious Stairs are Home Remodeling Attractions
Remember, you don’t have to sacrifice style and practicality by trying to fit a bulky staircase into a small space. Whether wood, metal, glass or a combination of materials, when coming up with the right look for your new compact stairs, always opt for simple lines and forms. Increase the space on the tread without increasing the dimensions to make a great functional staircase with dramatic impact. When overseen by a team of innovative and skilled home remodeling experts, your new staircase is sure to be an eye-catching feature.
Greg Nelson
Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.
Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Nelson Construction and a clickable link back to this page.
"Reliable, Licensed & Insured Building Contractor"
For A NO Obligation Design Consultation
Contact Us
Loading 
I would hire Nelson CR again in a heartbeat. No construction new project and/or renovation is without issues. However, if you want a company and a team that will resolve those issues to your satisfaction then NCR is that company. The thoughtfulness, professionalism, quality of work, communication and a resolution oriented team are the best... 
