Inspiration: The Floating Staircase
Stairways to Heaven (or Just the Second Floor)
Stairs are one of those architectural elements that are easily overlooked. Their function is clear, to allow movement from one floor of a home to another. However, I can't tell you how many homes I've been in where the stairs appear to be an afterthought, with little design or style. The idea of the floating staircase is one which brings a whole new look and feel to the stairs. Light as air and visually minimal, floating stairs present an opportunity to instill true style to this often forgotten part of the home.
"Tread" lightly. This is definitely not a staircase for anyone even remotely afraid of heights. Glass treads, glass handrail almost completely disappear these floating stairs. The use of minimal materials in a rather complicated form make for an interesting architectural feature.
Actually suspend the stairs for great effect. Like something out of an M.C. Escher painting, this suspended steel staircase epitomizes floating stairs. The space between the floor and the first step creates an interesting negative space and a visual break between the stone floor and steel treads. Simple steel cables complete the elegant and straightforward design.
Infuse color into the stairway. If you're going to go through all the trouble of engineering a floating staircase, why not bring some color into the design? The white "gallery" walls are a perfect backdrop to the stair sculpture and other artwork in the space.
Use the stairs as sculpture. Like the above staircase, but in reverse, these white metal stairs extend out from the lime green wall and seemingly float in mid air. The simplicity of the handrail only adds to the illusion of this structure.
Bring light in to the middle of the home. The walls of windows behind this staircase would be completely cut off from view had these stairs been constructed with a traditional structure. Light spills around, through and under these stairs, allowing what would likely be a dark part of the home to shine.
Use space beneath stairs as a special retreat. With treads nearly the size of trees, this substantial set of floating stairs meld beautifully into the side wall. In this setting, the cantilevered stairs leave open a sitting area underneath the stairs, a perfect little hideaway to read a book.
Cantilevered stairs are possible by tying in some type of structural support (typically steel) into the framing of the house. The stair tread is then attached to this support allowing the stairs to be supported on only one side.
Cantilevered stairs are possible by tying in some type of structural support (typically steel) into the framing of the house. The stair tread is then attached to this support allowing the stairs to be supported on only one side.
Incorporate surrounding elements into the structure. Floating stairs are more commonly found in modern homes. However, this sculptural floating stairs can be found in a European-inspired custom home in Washington state. With a rough-hewn stone step anchoring the structure, these stairs rise up in a graceful S-curve, mirrored by the whimsical chandelier lighting the space.
Provide adequate lighting. Like a road map, the lighted handrail leads the way up and down these spectacular stairs. The solid structure provides the base, while the floating treads lift you effortlessly to the higher level.
Use with any style. The chunky nature of these log treads would be completely lost sitting on top of a solid stair structure. With a wrought iron handrail and balusters, these stairs in the country are a perfect example of how to bring this idea to a distinctly un-modern space.
Find more staircase photos and ideas
Find more staircase photos and ideas
