skip to main content
Photos
Photos
Advice
Stories From Houzz
Houzz Discussions
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
  1. Staircase
  2. Type: U-shape

Straight and U-shaped Staircase Ideas and Designs

All Filters (2)
Refine by:
1 - 20 of 55,883 photos
Item 1 of 3
The Scenario House
The Scenario House
YES Glazing SolutionsYES Glazing Solutions
Tucked away in a row of terraced houses in Stoke Newington, this Victorian home has been renovated into a contemporary modernised property with numerous architectural glazing features to maximise natural light and give the appearance of greater internal space. 21st-Century living dictates bright sociable spaces that are more compatible with modern family life. A combination of different window features plus a few neat architectural tricks visually connect the numerous spaces… A contemporary glazed roof over the rebuilt side extension on the lower ground floor floods the interior of the property with glorious natural light. A large angled rooflight over the stairway is bonded to the end of the flat glass rooflights over the side extension. This provides a seamless transition as you move through the different levels of the property and directs the eye downwards into extended areas making the room feel much bigger. The SUNFLEX bifold doors at the rear of the kitchen leading into the garden link the internal and external spaces extremely well. More lovely light cascades in through the doors, whether they are open or shut. A cute window seat makes for a fabulous personal space to be able to enjoy the outside views within the comfort of the home too. A frameless glass balustrade descending the stairwell permits the passage of light through the property and whilst it provides a necessary partition to separate the areas, it removes any visual obstruction between them so they still feel unified. The clever use of space and adaption of flooring levels has significantly transformed the property, making it an extremely desirable home with fantastic living areas. No wonder it sold for nearly two million recently!
Project Aery
Project Aery
CCASA ArchitectsCCASA Architects
Vertical timber posts that allow for light but also allow protection. Nice design feature to give personality to a stair balustrade.
Colourful Georgian Townhouse, Cheltenham
Colourful Georgian Townhouse, Cheltenham
Completion Interior Design & ArchitectureCompletion Interior Design & Architecture
The Coach House
The Coach House
McLean QuinlanMcLean Quinlan
The main staircase was repositioned and redesigned to improve flow and to sit more comfortable with the building’s muted classical aesthetic. Similarly, new panelled and arched door and window linings were designed to accord with the original arched openings of the coach house.
West End, Glasgow Full house refurbishment
West End, Glasgow Full house refurbishment
Karen Parry ArchitectKaren Parry Architect
Stairway
Lake Front Country Estate
Lake Front Country Estate
Markalunas Architecture GroupMarkalunas Architecture Group
Lake Front Country Estate Front Hall, design by Tom Markalunas, built by Resort Custom Homes. Photography by Rachael Boling.
LED Outdoor Deck Lighting
LED Outdoor Deck Lighting
DEKOR LightingDEKOR Lighting
Stair treads are illuminated with DekDot™ stair lights by DEKOR® This outdoor LED recessed stair light kit allows exterior steps and stairs to be illuminated for both safety and ambiance. Perfect for decks, docks, patios, and embedding in concrete walkways or steps. The lights have a 30° light angle and become directional simply by turning the housing. Turn them upside down for soffit or under-deck lighting.
Turtle Creek Art Collector's Residence
Turtle Creek Art Collector's Residence
Lee Lormand DesignLee Lormand Design
Entry way with a collection of contemporary painting and sculpture; Photo by Lee Lormand
Meydenbauer Bay Residence
Meydenbauer Bay Residence
Urban RestorationUrban Restoration
Lake House New Construction
Lake House New Construction
Leighanne LaMarre InteriorsLeighanne LaMarre Interiors
Osprey Landing
Osprey Landing
Josh Wynne ConstructionJosh Wynne Construction
Ryan Gamma
421_Interior Renovation on the Lake
421_Interior Renovation on the Lake
AeH Designs, LLCAeH Designs, LLC
Barry Elz Photography
Weston Modern
Weston Modern
The Lagasse Group, LLCThe Lagasse Group, LLC
Main stairwell at Weston Modern project. Architect: Stern McCafferty.
Little Red Chapel on Capitol Hill Unit B
Little Red Chapel on Capitol Hill Unit B
OPaL Design BuildOPaL Design Build
Cove House
Cove House
J Christopher ArchitectureJ Christopher Architecture
Locust Remodel
Locust Remodel
Lisa Hatley DesignLisa Hatley Design
Updated staircase with new railing and new carpet.
Minnesota Lake Home
Minnesota Lake Home
Big Wood Timber Frames, Inc.Big Wood Timber Frames, Inc.
Ravenswood 2-flat to single family conversion
Ravenswood 2-flat to single family conversion
Omar Gutiérrez, ArchitectOmar Gutiérrez, Architect
Converted a tired two-flat into a transitional single family home. The very narrow staircase was converted to an ample, bright u-shape staircase, the first floor and basement were opened for better flow, the existing second floor bedrooms were reconfigured and the existing second floor kitchen was converted to a master bath. A new detached garage was added in the back of the property. Architecture and photography by Omar Gutiérrez, Architect
Derby House Kids Wing
Derby House Kids Wing
Laura Design CompanyLaura Design Company
Renovated staircase including stained treads, new metal railing, and windowpane plaid staircase runner. Photo by Emily Kennedy Photography.
Westlake Contemporary New Construction
Westlake Contemporary New Construction
Laura Burton InteriorsLaura Burton Interiors
An Indoor Lady

Straight and U-shaped Staircase Ideas and Designs

A beautiful staircase can serve a purpose far beyond the functional, with many homeowners transforming the stairs of their home into an architectural centrepiece. Statement staircases will wow your guests – less of a staircase than a showcase – and you may only need to keep the stairs clean and balustrades and newels polished to have a focal point to your decor. For a real talking point, modern staircases make use of non-traditional materials like glass and steel. Planning a new stair can be big projects, but if you’re undergoing a loft conversion, loft stairs are an essential part of your renovation and you’ll need to think carefully about how they will fit into your home. Browsing through inspiring photos of staircases and find pictures who will help you to choose the right design.

How do I choose a new staircase design?

In terms of renovation, replacing staircases is a big decision and must be considered as carefully as replacing a structural wall. If your current staircase is badly positioned then it may be worth the investment in a new flight. A standard straight staircase can be bought virtually out of the box, but for real excitement you may want to look into bespoke staircase design, including ideas custom handrails. This could certainly be the case when it comes to loft stairs as you’ll need something that fits with your area and space below. Storage staircases can be a great option for a small room – drawers or doors can pull out from the side of the staircase, utilising the space under it, or the stairs themselves can serve as drawers and cubbies. Spiral staircases are clever and can make a stunning feature in every room – choose a winding spiral staircase for smaller rooms or a sweeping one if you have the room for dramatic appeal. Glass railings are ideal if you have a preference for light and spacious interiors. If you have a more traditional wooden flight of stairs already in place, then you can add a more modern feel by opting for a sheet glass balustrade. Open stairs, an alternating tread or a floating staircase are great additions to any home but may be out of the question if you have small children.

How should I decorate my staircase?

Despite the fact that the stairs can be one of the most frequently used areas of your home, they are often overlooked when it comes to a home redesign. Your staircase, much like your hallway, can be an opportunity to inject some colour or personality into your overall design scheme and an update can be as simple as putting a lick of paint on the spindles or stripping off the worn carpet to reveal the beautiful hardwood treads beneath. If you want to keep some cushioning, then stair runners are a popular design choice, as they draw the eyes upward and add a flash of colour or pattern whilst offering plenty of grip. That said, ensure stair runners are properly fitted to avoid any missteps! A nice touch to connect staircases to the hallway they lead to is choosing a complementary rug or floor runner that echoes the colour scheme of the stair runner. If your staircase is alongside a wall, make the most of that space with attractive wallpaper, framed pictures and artwork. Stair spindles are a decorative element in their own right but you can jazz them up by painting them in a multi-tonal palette of complementary colours or graduating between dark and light. Putting a nice chandelier over a staircase can add a final, dramatic touch; if you prefer a more subtle way, consider recessed floor-level lighting for an atmospheric glow.

How should I install loft stairs?

Luckily, there is no minimum width for staircases. If you have a loft conversion stair that are less than one metre wide then you should have a handrail on at least one side. If you’re wondering about how steep your steps can be, then the maximum rise according to Building Regulations Part K is 220mm and all steps should be the same size and level. If you’re worried about crowding your foyer below your loft, there are options that are light and ladder-like so not much space is used, but they will still be more sturdy and safe than normal ladders. You must have two metres headroom at the top of your loft stairs, too, to ensure entering the lost space is not dangerous. A spiral staircase may be the best option for a small room, but remember that the staircase will be narrower and could be more dangerous for young children or older users.The building regulations for spiral staircases are slightly different – if you’re going to use a spiral staircase as loft conversion stairs and it’s only a secondary staircase leading to one room, then the stair treads themselves must be 60mm wide and no more than 145mm in length.
1
123456789Next Page
Ireland
Tailor my experience with cookies

Houzz uses cookies and similar technologies to personalise my experience, serve me relevant content, and improve Houzz products and services. By clicking ‘Accept’ I agree to this, as further described in the Houzz Cookie Policy. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking ‘Manage Preferences’.