135+ modern design of stairs for home & commercial setup

Stairs are a very crucial component of any multistorey building project, residential or commercial. Stairs are the building feature that allows communication between different floors. They don’t just help us to move from one point to another but the design of stairs in your home or office can elevate the whole space in terms of function and aesthetics. More and more homeowners and buyers are selecting homes with unique but functional modern stair designs that add value to the building. Due to the high demand, the style and design of staircases have evolved so much, ranging from standard staircases to spiral and more complex designs. There are almost endless staircase design combinations.

The different architecture of buildings plays a vital role in the design of the staircase. The designs of stairs depend upon the space available and the type of elevation of the building. Moreover, each different design can impact the visual aesthetic of a building immensely. Apart from the architectural design of the staircase, there are a variety of styles in the risers themselves, ranging from standard to open risers for a more spacious appeal. The materials used for the modern staircase design like wood, metal, glass, and stone can also create a difference visually. 

Modern staircase designs

Design #1 – Straight run staircase

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Straight-run stairs are the most common and classic staircase design for residential and commercial setups. These are one linear flight of stairs with no change in direction. Straight-run stairs are the easiest to use and also have a simple installation process because there is no requirement for an intermediate post. Another perk of the straight-run staircase is that they are one of the most affordable and simple designs of stairs, thus perfect for your home. Many builders use pre-fab metal for such stairs to reduce the building cost even more. However, this modern design of staircase requires abundant linear space and this type also leaves no privacy between floors of a home.

Design #2 – Spiral staircase

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The modern spiral staircases are compact in design and usually circle one common post in a home. These kinds of stairs are perfect for small residences and compact city lofts. The spiral staircases look visually aesthetic and can be installed with varied beautiful handrail designs. Spiral staircases are easy to install as they just need a central post and landing for the general structure. However, due to their spiral & compact design, only one person can cross the staircase at a time, making them ideal for a home setup. Also, spiral staircases can be pretty steep and uneasy for the transportation of large items. 

Design #3 – Quarter-turn staircase

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Also commonly known as L-shaped staircases, these are linear stairs with sharp changes in direction to left or right. There is a 90° turn after landing making an L shape. Unlike straight-run stairs, these provide visual privacy between floors. The station from where the stairs change direction also makes for a good resting stop between flights of stairs. The quarter-turn staircase also somewhat reduces the number of threads. This design is more appealing and space-optimising than the straight-run stairs. However, the construction of L-shaped stairs may require a little more budget than a classic staircase. 

Design #4 – Egress staircase

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The egress staircase design is very commonly used for fire escapes in a modern home or building. The stairs are in continuous and unobstructed paths towards the exit. Egress design staircases have occupant loads ranging from 500 to 1000 persons. However, the egress staircase does not always have to be enclosed and must have at least three linked exitways. The installation of these stairs needs to be done by professionals and should be periodically tested for safety and functionality. 

Design #5 – Straight run landing staircase

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This design is very similar to the straight landing staircase just with an added landing between flights of stairs without any change in direction. The landing stations provide a resting stop between flights of stairs. Commonly found in commercial buildings, these staircases are built in longer lengths. The simple design makes them easier to build and maintain and also affordable. But these too require large liner space for the construction. 

Design #6 – 90° Winding staircase

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As the name suggests, these winding stairs make a 90° turn in an upward direction, allowing the user to change direction. The architecture of these winder stairs is narrow in start and end and the stairs that change angle known as kite winders, are broader and bigger. These are space-efficient in design but might look a little cramped up. However, this staircase design is popular in modern homes as it makes a seamless transition to floors.

Design #7 – 180° Winding staircase

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The winding staircase design has a sharp 180° turn in a direction upwards to the next floor. Since these do not have a landing station, they are compact and space-efficient. The winding staircase is easy to climb and gives an interesting appearance to your entryway. However, this design makes the installation of a handrail difficult. Their design adds to its safety feature, the sharp change of direction helps break a fall. Commonly made up of wood, winding staircases give a beautiful traditional look. 

Design #8 – Circular staircase

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As the name suggests, circular stairs are styled with a flowing arch with a single curvature. These add interesting and open appeal to the space, thus great for commercial settings like showrooms, museums, and galleries. Also, these suit well in luxury residences like bungalows and villas. Unlike spiral staircases, these are not very compact or attach to a single central post. These look graceful and inviting but need more space compared to the spiral staircases and are expensive to build. Hence, a circular or round stairs design is a perfect option for those with a spacious home or a large building.

Design #9 – Three-quarter turn staircase

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This design of stairs changes its direction to 270° as it reaches the next floor. Designed using three right angles and three different directions, it makes a well-like formation. Three-quarter turn design staircases are used for buildings with greater vertical distance but narrow lengths. Usually, one of the three-directional flights will have a lower number of rises to provide a resting stop during ascension. 

Design #10 – Z-shaped staircase

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Z-shaped staircase is a unique design that is not as common as others. These are specialised stairs designed to fit into the awkward architecture. The thread follows a zigzag line in a continuous rise. Unlike the L-shaped stairs, this modern design has two intermediate landings, one near the upper floor and one near the floor below. Z shape has easy navigation but requires a large area to be built thus, this can be a costly affair.

Design #11 – Bifurcated staircase

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Bifurcated stairs, also called split stairs, consist of wide-standing run stairs splitting into two narrow flights of stairs in opposite directions. Usually, these stairs connect a single platform to both directions stairs. This design of stairs can be used in grand public buildings or your home interior for glamorous and imposing entrances and walls. This design requires elaborate architecture for the support thus, very expensive. Bifurcated stairways are not just visually impressive; these are also very comfortable to use and provide appropriate privacy between floors. 

Design #12 – Half-turn staircase

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Half-turn staircases are two flights of stairs designed at 90° of each other making a U shape. Therefore these are also called U-shaped staircases. These are space-saving non-linear design staircases with landings located in between the two parallel flights of stairs. This type is very commonly found in office buildings. Half-turn stairs, also known as the modern switchback design staircase. The large resting stops between flights provide relief from the exertion of climbing multiple floors. Half-turn staircases are a common feature in older building apartments.

Design #13 – Sculptural staircase

These staircases showcase the art of the artisans involved in making them. Different materials like wood and steel are moulded in a particular way to give the stairs a unique design and theme. A sculptural staircase is an impressive architectural marvel in addition to serving its functional purpose of connecting one portion of the house to another.

Design #14 – Staircase with storage

In this modern stairs design, the space underneath the stairs is converted into storage with drawers or cabinets. This storage space can also be used for other purposes like storing shoes.

Design #15 – Contemporary staircase

Contemporary staircases are designed to function as the focal point of your entire home. Due to this combination of styles, there are a lot of scopes for personalization in these designs. Therefore, contemporary staircase designs are striking, original, and highly inventive. These staircases provide a home’s interiors with a new dimension while also improving practicality.

Design #16 – Transitional staircase

Some people admire classic stair designs for their homes but want to incorporate some modern elements into them. Transitional staircases combine the aesthetics of traditional as well as modern staircases. We may learn from infamous stairs and how they have been constructed to capture the architectural style of a building. To improve the transition between spaces, carry over these ideals of primary importance into the context of your own living spaces.

Design #17 – Angular staircase

Angular staircase design for home is for those people who prefer crisp and minimal designs over flashy ones. The shades used in these staircases are usually lighter to soften the angular look. Thus, to give your room a clean, crisp, and minimalist style without making it feel dull and detached, you can add angular stairs. In addition, to give the space more visual interest, use L-shaped stairs. To preserve a charming touch that softens the sharp angles and adds a pop of colour, use glass or painted rails.

Design #18 – Industrial staircase

Industrial staircases are usually made up of metals like steel and aluminium for a sturdy and robust feel. Their shapes also differ according to the preferences of the users. These staircases can give your home a sophisticated and unique look. Often used in residential buildings, commercial halls, and industrial settings, these stairs come in a variety of modern designs, including straight, floating as well as spiral staircases.

Design #19 – Natural stone staircase

This modern stairs design in your home is among the most luxurious and elegant options in the market. These stairs can draw the attention of your guests due to the solid feel and versatility of natural stone. The type of stone finish, along with the stone’s colour and size, is one of the most crucial considerations when choosing this design of stairs for your home, whether it be an indoor or outdoor staircase.

Design #20 – Floating staircase

Floating staircases are built in such a way that each stair is separate from the other. Rather, one or more stair stringers run beneath the treads or along the side/sides to connect them. A floating staircase is distinguished by its open risers between the steps, which give the staircase the appearance of floating. A cantilever staircase is another name for such a stairway. With an open-plan floating staircase design, you can let light pour into the basement or through the rooms while also making a statement.

Style #21 – Dog-legged staircase

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If you’re on a tight budget and limited space, then dog-legged staircases are the perfect match for you. A dog-legged staircase has two flights parallel to one another and a landing where the direction of the flight changes, thus it uses space effectively. In elevation, a dog-leg staircase resembles a dog. The angle between a dog’s legs and the slope of the stairway are comparable.

Style #22 – Open newel staircase

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Open newel stairs are ideal for larger homes and can be a good choice for homes with a modern or contemporary design. These types of stairs have a central post or newel that is open, allowing for a more open and spacious feeling. With their chic and contemporary look, these stairs make a bold statement in your home.

Style #23 – Crossover stairs

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Crossover stairs are meant for industrial usage and are commonly used to get up and over pipes, dike walls, conveyors, and other workplace obstructions safely and efficiently. These stairs contribute to a safer work environment by reducing the risk of accidents and injuries associated with navigating obstacles on the ground.

Style #24 – Scissor stairs

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Scissor stairs are composed of two different flights of stairs providing two separate paths of climbing or descending located within one stairwell enclosure. Scissor stairs save space and the cost of building a second staircase enclosure. In addition, visually striking appearances can be created with scissor stairs by arranging the building materials in different degrees of opacity, reflectivity, and texture.

Style #25 – Curved stairs

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By design, curved staircases take up more space and thus, are suited for larger homes and bigger commercial spaces. A modern curved wood staircase is a classic design that never goes out of style; it pairs beautifully with both modern and vintage interiors. Almost similar to spiral staircases, they carry their charm!

Unique staircase design lookbook

Vastu in staircase designs

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Considerations for the staircase in Vastu include factors like directions, colours, shapes, and a lot more. Here are a few things you must consider:

• Direction: According to Vastu principles, either the South or the West is the right direction for the stairs. The staircase should ascend from the North and descend either in an East-to-West or South-to-North direction.
• Colour: Ideally, light colours should be used to paint staircases. According to Vastu, the best colours for a staircase are pastel yellows, pinks, off-whites, and blues. On the other hand, red and black should be avoided.
• Position: Vastu says that the staircases should always be placed along the side of the house and not in the centre to avoid a drain of energy.
• Spiral design: According to Vastu, spiral staircases should be avoided because they are irregular and can affect the energy inside a home.
• Space around the staircase: Since Vastu considers staircases a disruptive structure, always set up your staircases around the corner.
• Orientation: The staircase must be oriented clockwise because an anti-clockwise staircase can impede growth.
• Shape: Square, as well as rectangular shapes, are considered the best for staircases as they allow a seamless flow of energy.
• Storage under staircases: According to Vastu, only items that have no significant value in your life should be stored beneath staircases.

The modern possibilities in the design of stairs are just so immense that no list ever can be exhaustive. Any multistorey building needs to get the staircase checked regularly by the municipal body for safety reasons. We have an abundance of materials available for modern staircase construction from wood to the latest prefabricated setups, but the material quality should never be compromised for staircase construction.

FAQs

How to calculate the number of stairs you need?

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If you are renovating your home or undertaking the building and design of stairs for a commercial site, calculating the number of stairs can be an overwhelming task. So, we have arranged a simple guide here that you can follow to achieve the exact number of stairs that you need for your project. But first, there are a few things that need to be followed. In the table, we have recommended some measurements for designing a functional and efficient flight of stairs. 

*Note: These are standard measurement recommendations; the final measurements will depend on the type of building as well as estimated footfall on the staircase structure.

 Steps for calculating the number of rises & treads:

1. Note down the distance between the ground floor and the first floor.
2. Then, choose the riser size.
3. Now, to get the total number of risers, divide the riser size by the distance between the floors.
4. For the number of treads required, just reduce one from the number of rises and you have the number of threads.
5. To get the size of the treads, divide the width of the stairs by the number of treads.

What is the Indian standard for a staircase?

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With the advent of escalators and elevation lifts, staircases in commercial buildings have taken a secondary position. However, stairs are still the number one preference for residential homes & safety exits. The National Building Code of India underlines all requirements of a safe exit for commercial buildings with different occupancies. All multistorey buildings have to have a minimum of two enclosed design exit staircases, opening into corridors that lead to exit doors. 

The NBC advises to not build the exit staircase near the lift shaft. The minimum width of the staircase is 1 metre, and the inclination angle can not exceed 45° however, following the measurements laid out by NBC for all ranges of building occupancy is a must. The headroom above the stairs should not be less than 2.2 metres. According to the regulations of NBC, the staircase should be in a continuous flow from the ground to the terrace. 

Which stairs take up the least space?

It is necessary to use styles that are intelligently designed to maximize the amount of space available for the stairs. So, circular stairs, alternating tread stairs, and spiral staircases take up the least possible space.

Which type of staircase is best as per Vastu?

According to the staircase Vastu, square or rectangular stairs are preferred for both internal and external staircases. This curve in the steps creates a healthy flow of positive energy throughout the house. Also, they are easy to design. You get exhausted every time you use a stairway that is too steep like spiral staircases. Therefore, Vastu experts do not recommend spiral staircases design in your home.

What is the 18 rule for a staircase?

The 18 rule states that the rise plus run (r+R) of staircases should be equal to 18 inches. On most stairwells, that is what most people consider a comfortable stride. You can go a bit up or down, but below 17” and more than 19” will result in steps that require strides either too big or too small for most people.

What is the standard size of residential stairs?

Indoor stairs should have a riser of 0.12 m to 0.18 m and a tread of 0.28 m to 0.35 m.

What is the standard for a commercial staircase?

The minimum staircase width for commercial, industrial, and assembly buildings, such as auditoriums, cinemas, hotels, and educational institutions, should be between 5 and 7 feet, with a 1-foot tread width. The riser height for commercial buildings should be 6 inches.

*The featured image used in this article is from behance.net 

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