Open staircases provide more floor space for you to work with. Without additional material underneath, you can use the extra space for storage or other features.
If you want to upgrade your home with a unique feature, contact us for your open staircase installation. But before you do, take a look at our efficient open staircase ideas for inspiration.
Types Of Open Staircases
Various types of open staircases are available to choose from. Determine which design would blend well with the layout and interior of your home.
- Wooden Open Stairs: This combines the natural beauty and warmth of wood with a traditional or modern design, depending on your preference.
- Steel Open Stairs: Steel staircases are popular with homeowners for their industrial and minimalist look. This often includes a combination of glass or wood for a contrasting appearance.
- Glass Panel Stairs: This includes the installation of balustrades for a transparent and contemporary look. For a brighter and airy home, this is the perfect choice.
- Floating glass stairs: This design includes thick glass treads supported by hidden steel or structural elements to give the illusion of floating steps.
- Open riser stairs: Open riser stairs include gaps between the steps for a dynamic look. This allows for increased airflow and light distribution in your home.
Choose the Right Material
There are various types of materials you can use for your open-plan staircase. Each one adds its own unique touch, depending on your interior preferences.
Wood
Different wood species offer various aesthetics. For a stunning, traditional look, oak open-plan staircases are the perfect choice. This will create a focal point in your home, adding timeless character for years to come.
Ash is a strong wood option, perfect for balustrades, as it can hold screws very well, whilst maple offers a lighter, more contemporary appearance.
Glass
Glass is a popular choice for open-plan staircases. Many people opt for glass for floating staircases to create an open, eye-catching effect.
Tempered or laminate glass can be used for balustrades or staircase treads for a beautiful finish. This can be frosted or tinted for extra detail to achieve the desired aesthetic.
Steel
Metal spindles create an open and airy look for your home, and they’re less bulky than timber.
This is ideal for a modern or industrial home, creating a sleek and stylish look. These can be painted for a personalised touch or left alone to appreciate their natural beauty. Steel provides a stable structure for treads, handrails, and balusters.
Design Ideas and Inspiration
Now that you have chosen the type and style of your open staircase, we have included some design ideas to inspire your new look.
Greenery and Decor
Incorporating greenery into your home can breathe life back into the space, transforming a dull area into a positive space.
For this, install a vertical plant wall next to your staircase to maximise the use of the space underneath. Cascading vines will add depth and texture to your home.
You could add large potted plants to the bottom of the stairs for a grand entrance. For a welcoming atmosphere, choose colourful plants and flowers. The best homes include personal decor, so create a photo gallery leading up the stairs or hang up your favourite artwork.
Colourful Accents
If the colour of your interior and stairs blend together, why not add some dimension with a pop of colour?
Painted stairs are becoming more popular. For a stunning finish, many homeowners paint their steps with bright colours, such as coral, blue, and green. You could also paint the handrail or railing inserts for a unique touch.
If this isn’t your thing, why not opt for a beautiful runner or carpet? For a cohesive look, choose patterns or colours which match the scheme of your home.
Artistic Balusters
Artistic balustrades are a captivating way to elevate the design of your staircase.
Handcrafted balustrades designed by a skilled artist often include ornate scrollwork, floral motifs, or sculptural elements. If you have opted for a glass balustrade, these can be stained for an eye-catching look, or custom glass panels can be inserted.
If you’re a fan of the Art Deco era, metal balustrades can be designed to feature geometric shapes and bold lines for a timeless look.
Under-Lit Stairs
For a sophisticated and ambient look, illuminate your stairs with lighting. Not only do these add beauty to your stairs, but they provide safety during the night.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose between LED strips, rope lights, or recessed LED fixtures. For a contemporary home, choose cool light bulbs. If you prefer a cosy environment, warm light bulbs will provide this.
Lights could be placed underneath the steps, along the edge of the staircase, along the balustrade, or around handrails. The options are limitless!
Integrated Storage
Open staircases are a space-saving solution. Why not make the most of this extra space with integrated storage?
You could add staircase drawers, place cupboards or cabinets beneath the stairway, add open shelving, create a work office or toy storage… the list goes on!
If you want the storage hidden from sight, insert push-to-open mechanisms, hidden hinges, or removable panels. This will create a clutter-free environment and avoid interfering with your decor.