Nothing comes to mind more quickly than a staircase when it comes to design components that are the ideal union of form and function. Unfortunately, more attention is paid to setting up the actual apartment than to designing the staircase. A staircase is the first representative element in a building and can exude a very special charm. Residential staircases now offer designers and homeowners alike the option to add architectural interest, personality, and fun to areas big and small. Over the years, they have evolved beyond their purely functional appeal.
There are countless ways to add aesthetic interest to your staircase, whether you are building a home from scratch or remodelling an existing one. From pictures and wallpaper to colours and different materials – the staircase should also be decorative and beautifully designed, because the way to the next floor is increasingly part of the living space thanks to open architecture. However, there are a few key terms and principles you should be aware of before you begin brainstorming ideas on how to beautify your stairs. We will go over the fundamental structure of a staircase, along with all the other ways you can express your personality through the design, in this article.
What Makes a Staircase? Staircase Functional Parts 101
Staircases have a very large number of parts, making them one of the architectural features and designs of a home that may be the most complex. To communicate your staircase decoration plans and ideas effectively to designers and contractors alike, make note of the terms listed below.
Stringer
The support board that goes down each side of a staircase is known as a stringer. It serves as a point of connection for additional components like the treads and risers, as well as offers the entire staircase the essential structural stability. The outer stringer is typically on the side of the staircase that is visible, whereas the inner stringer is typically attached to a wall on the opposite side. The layout of the house and the staircase’s design, however, can change this in creative and, perhaps, unexpected ways we’ll cover in this article.
Treads
The simplest definition of a tread is the surface you step on to climb a staircase. For convenient and careless usage of the stairs, these horizontal components are normally a standard depth— anything around 280-425 mm.
Risers
Risers are the vertical surfaces in-between the treads of a staircase, where your toes kick as you are walking up the stairs. While risers offer both stability and a spot for a decorative upgrade, they can also be left completely open to give the staircase a breezy “floating” effect. Like treads, risers are most often seen at a standard height – 150-170 mm – to make walking up a staircase second nature.
Handrail
A handrail, also known as a bannister, is what you can hold onto as you or any of your family members or guests climb or descend the staircase. It provides security and much-needed stability and can be placed on one or both sides of a residential staircase.
Baluster or Spindle
A baluster is the term used to describe the vertical poles that the handrail is attached to on a staircase. They nearly serve as a “guard rail,” keeping people (and things) from going off the stairway’s side. Balusters, also known as spindles, are a perfect spot to add a decorative element to your staircase so that it better reflects your personality or the design of your house.
Newel
A newel is a thicker support piece that serves as an effective end to your handrail and balusters at the top and bottom of your staircase and is typically located at ground level to secure the staircase into the rest of your house.
So now that we have gone through what makes a staircase from its functional and structural standpoint, it is time to consider what can be done about your staircase to make it another staple of your style and make it work in harmony along with the rest of your house?
The staircase presents many homeowners with an unrealized potential for design customization. The proper aspects in your staircase design can instantly improve not only your foyer or hallway, but also your entire home. Here are a few entertaining methods to level your staircase as part of your upcoming renovation:
Include a Runner
Staircase runners, also known as carpet that trails down your steps, are not only a functional way to reduce slipping and sliding, but they may also provide a decorative aspect. Choose enduring sisal to bring a classic texture to your room, or play around with colour and pattern to make a real impact. You can try putting down contrasting monochrome patterns to spice the runner up, like a graphic grey and white motif in the stairs above to lend a subtly modern touch.
Splurge on Decorative Balusters
There is no requirement that the staircase balusters you choose must be dull as long as they pass inspection. If you want to bring a touch of tradition to your home, choose an elaborately turned wood design, or go with forged iron for a style that combines traditional methods with cutting-edge sensibilities. You can take inspiration from anything you can put vertically: ropes, branches – you name it!
Choose Ornate Risers
Go ahead and look at your stairs from the front and make note of what catches your attention. What have we covered is the part of the stairs that you are most likely to hit with the top of your foot as you are walking up the stairs? The risers, of course, and they are an excellent spot to add a little funk because they are likely the place that draws the most of your attention when you are first approaching the staircase.
You can really have a lot of fun with your alternatives because the majority of design modifications you make to your risers will not affect the structural integrity of your staircase. Add some of your favourite paint to make them uniquely yours, or for a touch of old-world charm, add ornamental tiling. Another excellent choice would be to use
