Styles & Designs for Staircases

Straight

• A straight staircase is probably the most common style for home stairs. As the name implies, the staircase forms a straight line, so it has a traditional, understated look. There are ways, though, to augment the look of this design. You can incorporate landings to create two straight flights of stairs that combine to form an L-shaped staircase. You may also use three flights to create a U-shaped staircase, or a T-shaped staircase that has exits in two directions at the top.

Spiral

• Because it's so compact, a spiral staircase design is ideal for a smaller space. It provides a unique, decorative look for a room as well. A spiral staircase curves in on itself, following the radius of a circle. A pole is placed in the center of the radius, and the treads surround it as they ascend to the next floor. A spiral staircase design typically features several turns around the center before it terminates. While it has an eye-catching look, this style of staircase isn't a good fit for areas where you routinely carry items between floors, since it's on the smaller side. As a result, it isn't recommended to serve as the main staircase in your home.

Circular

• While similar in appearance, a circular staircase is not the same as a spiral design. Like a spiral staircase, it's centered on the radius of a circle, but there's no center pole that the treads are attached to; instead the entire staircase curves around the center point. A circular staircase has a grand look, so it works well with formal décor. This design can be modified by basing the shape on tangent arcs so the staircase curves away from the center and creates a winding look.

Elliptical

• An elliptical staircase draws upon principles from straight and circular staircase design. It's similar to a circular staircase in structure, but the design creates an ellipse shape in the center. It also features multiple radiuses, while a circular staircase has only one. Because it has a more-elongated shape, an elliptical design is an attractive option for a smaller home.