How to Design a Feature Staircase

Looking for some staircase ideas? Whether you are looking for a luxurious timber spiral staircase, a flowing helical staircase with metal balustrades or a double stone staircase with metal balustrades and timber handrails, Haldane UK has been manufacturing staircases that exceed even the wildest ideas.

So How You Create a Stunning Staircase?

Designing your dream staircase can be a little daunting, however, we are delighted to share a few of our insider secrets for creating stunning feature staircases.

Haldane UK has been at the forefront of the handrail and staircase market for the last 25 years, during which time it has established a growing portfolio of royalty, movie stars, sports stars and celebrities.

So as you start to build your ideas, check out a few of our tips and don't forget to check out our extensive gallery of stunning staircases.

1. Add Shape to the Stair 

Let's face it, straight staircases are a little boring. They can also be a bit clunky when they feature the traditional newel post to newel post approach. And whilst a spiral and helical staircase certainly adds the wow factor, they can be impractical and take up a large amount of floor space.

Straight flights can be transformed into feature staircases by incorporating aspects such as flared treads or double bullnose treads.

Or why not consider using curves to provide some shape to the staircase; for example, a fantail staircase provides a subtle yet stylish design which is guaranteed to make an impact.

2. Open Up the Space with Cut Stringers

The stringer section of a staircase traditionally provides some structural support to the treads. However, rather than using a standard closed stringer which rises past the treads, why not use an open stringer where the balusters sit directly on the treads?

This can transform the look and feel of the staircase, making it lighter and less of a solid structure.

3. Choose a Handrail Profile with Style

Most staircases tend to feature either a standard circular handrail or a fairly standard profiled handrail, both of which are available in most DIY places or timber merchants. They try to tell you that's all that's available. But the truth is that's all they can manufacture.

But if you approach a handrails specialist, the options are endless. Why not consider elliptical handrails, which look stunning on curved staircases or profiled handrails, which offer a bit more character. To get a few ideas for your handrail profile, Check out just a few of the handrail profiles offered by Haldane

4. Combine Materials & Finishes

Combining different materials such as glass, metal, and different timbers and finishes can transform the look and feel of your staircase.

Metal and glass balustrades can bring a contemporary feel, especially when combined with timber handrails and treads, which soften the staircase and brings warmth to the overall feel.

We are also seeing more enquiries for staircases featuring ebonised handrails to create a fantastic contrast between materials and even handrails wrapped in leather.

5. Invest in the Finishing Touches

As with most aspects of interior design, the devil is in the detail when it comes to designing your staircase.

Removing newels posts and using transition components such as ramps, bends and goosenecks to provide a continuous flow can transform the overall staircase.

By incorporating features such as volutes, wreathed volutes, and scrolling drop ends, you can add a stunning finishing touch that accentuates the entrance to the stair.