Small Space Staircases

Staircases for Small SpacesAlthough we have a LOT left to renovate (ahem, the kitchen) in this house… I can’t help but get excited about the possibility of adding on. We’ve pretty much been talking about it since moving in. Obviously we’re still in the dreaming and saving stage, but all of my design decisions are influenced by the future add-on. We’ve already made the plans (see them here), and as we jump from one project to another, it feels more and more likely. With the kitchen reno around the corner, one big decision we have to make is in the laundry room. Ideally, this space is where a staircase would live in the add-on, but we’re not to that point yet. Part of me wants to floor plan the laundry and back entry around a staircase that will eventually lead to a second story. Otherwise, we’ll have to redo the entire space when the addition becomes a reality. All of this to say, I’ve been prematurely researching small space staircases to solve our dilemma, and it’s looking just as promising as it is gorgeous. Click through for more!

I’ll start this post by saying I have always wanted a spiral staircase, or a tiny staircase that leads up to a room with beautiful architecture. I know, I know… some people love them and some hate them. I happen to love them.

StaircasesI’m not going to lie… I agreed to buy our last home solely based on a gigantic attic space that we never used for anything besides storage. I begged Emmett to install a little staircase up to the attic, and turn the room into a studio. It had a beautiful pitched ceiling with three half moon shaped windows and although it was filthy and hot, I could only envision the potential. Sadly, we never did it. Our budget ran out, the staircase never happened, and the attic was filled with Christmas decor and untapped potential. I think that’s why I’m so jazzed about the idea of adding on and getting my dream second story. That space has always been the one that got away.

Anyway, back to the stairs… I don’t want to renovate our kitchen that is open concept to the laundry room, only to have to redo it in a year to come. I’d rather install leave a space for a small staircase and move forward. I found a website with the space saver staircases (they’re made in Italy, but ship to the states) and I thought you guys would appreciate them too. I’ll share my favorites and the possibilities for our house below:

Small Space Staircases01: techne linear // 02: oak70 space saver stairs // 03: oak90 space saver stairs

I’m pretty much sold on the green one. That’s right- a GREEN staircase. I’m all about it. Imagine that view from my kitchen and breakfast nook. Pretty charming, if you ask me. Doesn’t a spiral staircase sound romantic? Maybe I’ve just romanticized the idea of having one for so long, that I can’t envision anything else. I know they’re not the most practical and feel like loft living, but I’m still itching for one.

WorldMagsObviously I don’t know if this longterm plan is even going to happen, but a girl can dream and I’d love to know your thoughts! Metal vs. wood, the practicality aspect, I want to hear it all…

images: domino | architectural digest | pinterest (if you know the source, please let me know!)

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6 Comments

  1. Kim @ Yellow Brick Home says:

    This is oddly timely for us! Scott and I have been on the HUNT for a spiral staircase that’s super skinny for our little lake house, but it seems the standard is a minimum of 42″ wide. Believe it or not, we need something even skinnier, which is probably not even possible due to safety reasons. We might have to nix the spiral staircase idea, but we have a few other plans that could work instead… in any case, thank you for the eye candy!

    1. I’ve also noticed that standard size. We’re pretty far out on having to make the decision just yet, but it got my wheels turning. Good luck finding an option for the lake house!! I can’t wait to see what you two come up with. xo

  2. kddomingue says:

    I love the way spiral staircases look. There’s just such a romantic element to them and they’re so very, very visually pleasing to the eye. I’ve lusted after one for years even though it would be highly impractical for a woman with bad knees. Not to mention the fact that I have a one story house with no attic, lol! I think it’s quite forward thinking of you to include a future staircase in your remodeling plans so there’s no ripping stuff out to add one in later on down the road. But, much as I love a spiral staircase, they are space hogs whereas an ordinary staircase (if designed properly) offers scads of storage opportunity. The underside can be turned into pantry storage, a small laundry area, a roomy coat closet, storage for out of season items, christmas tree/holiday stuff, office/desk area, bookshelf/reading nook. I’ve seen under stairs used for built in dog/cat crates where they weren’t taking up floor space in other areas. I’ve seen it used as a daybed nook with a trundle under the daybed thus creating a “guest room”, a napping spot or reading area. I’ve seen the area outfitted with deep pull out drawers creating tons of storage for bulky items like comforters, sleeping bags, extra linens and curtains and slip covers.

    Anywho, just thought I’d float those ideas by you in case the idea of storage or a nook offered more appeal in the long run than the the visual loveliness of a spiral.

    1. I totally agree. They’re definitely not the most practical, but they’re so gorgeous. So funny you brought that up… that’s another option: creating built-in dog crates or feeding station for the fur babies!! Thanks so much for the feedback ands suggestions! xo

  3. I have to say that I’m a total nay-sayer when it comes to spiral staircases. They are almost always erring on the side of at least slightly wobbly/rickety and are just plain uncomfortable to use if you’re tall (ask my 6’8″ son who almost crippled himself on a particularly tight example!). I agree with the previous commenter that a more ‘normal’ staircase to a second storey would be a much better long-term choice if at all viable in your space available.

  4. First let me say I’m in love with the wood staircase at the very top! That one is saved now in mine one of 20ish staircase Pinterest boards! Yes I’m obsessed with different types of staircases as well!
    Next is this a daily (or occasional) used staircase?
    Overall, I would absolutely go with my dream! Because if you don’t do exactly what your heart wants you will never stop wishing you had when given the chance.