Stairs to the second floor: design ideas (75 photos)
The interstory staircase is a fairly large structure, and therefore immediately becomes a significant part of the interior. A high-quality building for lifting should not only be comfortable and safe, but also aesthetic. Read about how to take into account all these parameters, as well as how to rationally use the space under the stairs in this article!
Types of stairs
The first thing you need to decide before installing a ladder is its design features. Based on this parameter, three large types can be distinguished: marching, screw and boltz.
Marching stairs
This type of stairs is most often found. It is convenient to climb and descend along the marching structure, which is not always possible to say, for example, about the screw. At the same time, the march ascent requires a large amount of space for installation.
In order for such a staircase to be as convenient as possible in operation, take into account several nuances: the angle of ascent is about 45 degrees, the number of steps without a span is from 3 to 15, the depth of the steps should be comparable to the length of a human foot (at least 25 cm), and the height is 16-18 cm.
Spiral staircases
As already mentioned, the screw variation is not very comfortable to use, but it is very compact and beautiful. As a rule, the structure is placed in a circle with the center in the support post and a radius equal to the length of the step.
If the length is 1 m, then the area occupied by this staircase will be one and a half times less than the main one. But even with a length of 1.5 m, the use of a screw structure is not entirely justified, since the necessary space is equated to a straight staircase.
Stairs on boltsy
Stairs on boltsy appeared relatively recently – in the second half of the twentieth century. They look modern and easy, but do not be deceived by the fragile appearance – such a design is reliable and durable.
The fence and steps are fixed with bolts on the wall, or held on a rod support made of steel. It is noted that each stage is able to withstand a weight of more than 1500 kg.
Another nice bonus is that wooden stairs with such a design do not creak. This effect is achieved due to the absence of contact of wooden elements with each other.
Staircase style and design
In order for the rise to look appropriate and become a logical continuation of the interior decoration of the house, it is necessary to select a structure in a single style.
Modern style
The staircase to the second floor in a modern style should correspond to the basic postulates of this trend in design. Clear and strict forms, basic color solutions, the absence of unnecessary details, modern materials – if all this can be said about the building, then it will definitely fit into this context.
Classic
In the case of a classic interior, almost everything works the other way around. Rounded and smooth lines prevail here, and decorative elements are also appropriate. Styles touch except in a calm color scheme and restraint.
Traditional stairs look beautiful in wood and stone design. It is worth giving preference to natural materials or their high-quality artificial analogues.
The spiral staircase with openwork railings will definitely not go unnoticed. You can also stop at the marching variation with forged railings and a grandiose mirror decorating the span.
Loft
Rough surfaces are suitable for industrial style. For example, you can choose a staircase made of black metal with large wooden steps that match the shade with the floor and other wood in the interior.
Scandinavian
Stylistic solutions that came to us from snowy Scandinavia are different. It can be both rustic and modern urban design.
In a country house, give preference to the usual flight of stairs on kosours, made in light colors. But for a modern two-storey apartment and a private house, a light construction on light wood bolts is suitable.
Sea
The nautical style has much in common with the Scandinavian. White, light shades, as well as wooden surfaces are also welcome here. But you can designate the style with the help of details. For example, ropes.
Materials
The staircase to the second floor is a global building that will remain in the interior for a long time. Therefore, it is important to choose reliable and high-quality materials that will fit into the overall ensemble of the environment.
Metal stairs
Metal staircase will perfectly complement the room, decorated in a modern style. The material itself has high strength and durability characteristics. So, the stainless steel staircase will last about 50 years.
But painted or chrome–plated versions of steel are not so durable – they are unlikely to be able to please the owner for more than 5 years. Among the not the most successful materials, brass and aluminum can be noted, since after a while they can darken and deform due to their softness.
Wooden stairs
Wooden stairs look warm and cozy. They fit most organically into the interiors of country cottages in rustic, Scandinavian and even classical style.
However, wooden steps can also be present in other stylistic solutions, of course, if there are already wooden surfaces in the room with which they can echo.
A large number of wood species are suitable for the construction of stairs: beech, maple, teak, walnut, ash. It is worth choosing individually, based on the budget and the desired characteristics.
Stairs made of stone
Stone is durable, reliable and beautiful. Granite, marble stairs become the central element of the composition of any interior – from democratic modern to aristocratic classical.
Stone surfaces do not require special care – wet cleaning is enough. They are not afraid of temperature changes and exposure to moisture. Among the disadvantages: price (can be replaced with artificial material); cold (it is enough to lay a carpet); weight (everything is fine if it is a house with a solid foundation, otherwise you can use a structure made of another material and install stone linings).
Stairs made of concrete
Concrete surfaces don’t look light and airy, they don’t seem to be trying to please us, and this is their charm. A staircase made of such material is suitable for a modern and loft interior. And with additional finishing, it will complement even the classic design (concrete can be disguised as marble).
With timely repair, concrete can serve for a very, very long time. The advantages should also include the fact that a concrete marching structure will cost less than a wooden and metal one. Moreover, such a staircase is not so difficult to build yourself. Among the disadvantages – the impossibility of dismantling and heavy weight.
Glass stairs
The staircase made of glass is an ideal continuation of the modern interior. It does not make the design heavier due to its transparency. On the contrary, the glossy surface reflects light, thereby visually increasing the space.
For convenience and aesthetics, such a staircase can be illuminated with an LED strip in the dark. And so that the steps do not slip, you can install rubber or wooden inserts.
The place under the stairs: we use it with advantage
So, we have already decided that the main staircase, and in a sense, the analogue on Boltsy occupy a considerable amount of space. Why not then figure out how to use the remaining space usefully? Here’s what can fit in here:
Storeroom. If someone in the house is fond of harvesting cucumbers or jam for the winter, then you can equip a pantry for appetizing stocks;
Laundry. Household appliances require space. It is in the staircase that you can build a washing machine and dryer, as well as take care of the placement of an ironing board, iron and household chemicals;
Office. A quiet corner is what you need for work and homework. It is only necessary to take care of high-quality lighting;
Dressing room. Shoes and clothes can be stored in the stairs. Large storage systems will keep things in order and clean;
Play room. Children are very fond of all kinds of huts and shelters, so you can give this useful space to them.
Where to place the ladder
It is necessary to decide where to place the ladder better at the design stage. The staircase to the second floor is a fairly large building that can affect the entire composition of the interior. The potential dangers you may encounter are cluttered spaces and a lack of natural light.
Therefore, in the case of a small room, it is better to install an easy option on a boltz or a spiral staircase. By the way, the latter can be placed even in the center of the room.
But for the rest, a place in the corner or along the wall is suitable. Of course, if we are not talking about a grand grand staircase in a large house. In general, it is most convenient to install a ladder in a walk-through room so as not to disturb the vacationing household.
Stairs to the second floor – photos of real interiors
We tried to highlight the main points that we have to face when designing stairs to the second floor. Even more ideas for the design and placement of a modern lift can be found in the photo collection below. Enjoy watching!