Glass treads at the stairway allow light to travel all the way to the lower level. Photo: Jill Greer
Staircase - large contemporary glass u-shaped open staircase idea in Minneapolis

This staircase makes a bold design statement through restraint and precision. Thick squared-off white oak treads appear to float between dramatic, black-painted stringers, while horizontal 1/2" round bars create an open, minimal balustrade. The uniform open risers allow natural light to cascade down to the basement level, transforming the stairwell into a light-transmitting vertical shaft. The design thoughtfully responds to the surrounding spaces, connecting levels without interrupting sightlines or blocking light flow. The result is a staircase that feels almost sculptural in its simplicity, proving that sometimes less truly is more. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Living room and stair detail of a new construction home in the Berkeley Hills, CA. Open-riser floating walnut wood stair treads cantilevered from a black steel stringer rise against a white wall anchored by a custom full-height geometric laser-cut birch plywood panel. Glass stair railing with black steel balustrade and handrail. Large-format dark concrete tile flooring on the lower level transitions to walnut hardwood on the upper floor, visible through the open stair structure. Birch plywood ceiling panels with recessed linear track lighting. Floor-to-ceiling steel-framed sliding glass door opens to a cable railing deck with forest views beyond. Architecture by CB Architecture + Design in collaboration with Timbre Architecture.

design: Mark Lind / photos: Thomas McConnell
Trendy open staircase photo in Austin

This project blends warm wood with industrial style concepts for a result that transcends typical modern minimalism. Created with a visionary architect and builder, the four-level structure features thick solid oak treads with extended noses that float against finished poplar stringers. Open risers preserve light flow from the adjacent wall of windows. A horizontal stainless steel rod balustrade system flows from the lower-level recreation room to the fourth-level rooftop deck, creating visual continuity across the home's entire vertical span. The geometric design echoes custom millwork throughout the residence and connects the chef's kitchen and family room while celebrating natural light at every level. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This staircase makes a bold design statement through restraint and precision. Thick squared-off white oak treads appear to float between dramatic, black-painted stringers, while horizontal 1/2" round bars create an open, minimal balustrade. The uniform open risers allow natural light to cascade down to the basement level, transforming the stairwell into a light-transmitting vertical shaft. The design thoughtfully responds to the surrounding spaces, connecting levels without interrupting sightlines or blocking light flow. The result is a staircase that feels almost sculptural in its simplicity, proving that sometimes less truly is more. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Staircase - contemporary wooden u-shaped open and glass railing staircase idea in Baltimore

This staircase makes a bold design statement through restraint and precision. Thick squared-off white oak treads appear to float between dramatic, black-painted stringers, while horizontal 1/2" round bars create an open, minimal balustrade. The uniform open risers allow natural light to cascade down to the basement level, transforming the stairwell into a light-transmitting vertical shaft. The design thoughtfully responds to the surrounding spaces, connecting levels without interrupting sightlines or blocking light flow. The result is a staircase that feels almost sculptural in its simplicity, proving that sometimes less truly is more. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Twin solid black-painted stringers support thick oak treads in this contemporary Maryland home, creating a bold floating effect enhanced by the open risers. A horizontal blade railing system maintains the clean, modern aesthetic, topped with a wood handrail that matches the oak treads and landings. Metal posts anchor the structure at key points. Every element was carefully chosen to complement the home's unique lighting, wall colors, and trim. Together, the metal and wood create a beautifully bold architectural statement while seamlessly integrating into the home. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This staircase makes a bold design statement through restraint and precision. Thick squared-off white oak treads appear to float between dramatic, black-painted stringers, while horizontal 1/2" round bars create an open, minimal balustrade. The uniform open risers allow natural light to cascade down to the basement level, transforming the stairwell into a light-transmitting vertical shaft. The design thoughtfully responds to the surrounding spaces, connecting levels without interrupting sightlines or blocking light flow. The result is a staircase that feels almost sculptural in its simplicity, proving that sometimes less truly is more. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This staircase makes a bold design statement through restraint and precision. Thick squared-off white oak treads appear to float between dramatic, black-painted stringers, while horizontal 1/2" round bars create an open, minimal balustrade. The uniform open risers allow natural light to cascade down to the basement level, transforming the stairwell into a light-transmitting vertical shaft. The design thoughtfully responds to the surrounding spaces, connecting levels without interrupting sightlines or blocking light flow. The result is a staircase that feels almost sculptural in its simplicity, proving that sometimes less truly is more. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This staircase makes a bold design statement through restraint and precision. Thick squared-off white oak treads appear to float between dramatic, black-painted stringers, while horizontal 1/2" round bars create an open, minimal balustrade. The uniform open risers allow natural light to cascade down to the basement level, transforming the stairwell into a light-transmitting vertical shaft. The design thoughtfully responds to the surrounding spaces, connecting levels without interrupting sightlines or blocking light flow. The result is a staircase that feels almost sculptural in its simplicity, proving that sometimes less truly is more. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

The client approached us an idea and an open space. We took the idea and created a beautiful open riser stairs with lots of details. 3" thick Walnut treads, custom made wood trim for the landings, and a custom wood handrail help complete the entire stair project. Customers vision came to life. Great clients.

Twin solid black-painted stringers support thick oak treads in this contemporary Maryland home, creating a bold floating effect enhanced by the open risers. A horizontal blade railing system maintains the clean, modern aesthetic, topped with a wood handrail that matches the oak treads and landings. Metal posts anchor the structure at key points. Every element was carefully chosen to complement the home's unique lighting, wall colors, and trim. Together, the metal and wood create a beautifully bold architectural statement while seamlessly integrating into the home. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This staircase makes a bold design statement through restraint and precision. Thick squared-off white oak treads appear to float between dramatic, black-painted stringers, while horizontal 1/2" round bars create an open, minimal balustrade. The uniform open risers allow natural light to cascade down to the basement level, transforming the stairwell into a light-transmitting vertical shaft. The design thoughtfully responds to the surrounding spaces, connecting levels without interrupting sightlines or blocking light flow. The result is a staircase that feels almost sculptural in its simplicity, proving that sometimes less truly is more. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This staircase makes a bold design statement through restraint and precision. Thick squared-off white oak treads appear to float between dramatic, black-painted stringers, while horizontal 1/2" round bars create an open, minimal balustrade. The uniform open risers allow natural light to cascade down to the basement level, transforming the stairwell into a light-transmitting vertical shaft. The design thoughtfully responds to the surrounding spaces, connecting levels without interrupting sightlines or blocking light flow. The result is a staircase that feels almost sculptural in its simplicity, proving that sometimes less truly is more. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Twin solid black-painted stringers support thick oak treads in this contemporary Maryland home, creating a bold floating effect enhanced by the open risers. A horizontal blade railing system maintains the clean, modern aesthetic, topped with a wood handrail that matches the oak treads and landings. Metal posts anchor the structure at key points. Every element was carefully chosen to complement the home's unique lighting, wall colors, and trim. Together, the metal and wood create a beautifully bold architectural statement while seamlessly integrating into the home. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This staircase makes a bold design statement through restraint and precision. Thick squared-off white oak treads appear to float between dramatic, black-painted stringers, while horizontal 1/2" round bars create an open, minimal balustrade. The uniform open risers allow natural light to cascade down to the basement level, transforming the stairwell into a light-transmitting vertical shaft. The design thoughtfully responds to the surrounding spaces, connecting levels without interrupting sightlines or blocking light flow. The result is a staircase that feels almost sculptural in its simplicity, proving that sometimes less truly is more. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This staircase makes a bold design statement through restraint and precision. Thick squared-off white oak treads appear to float between dramatic, black-painted stringers, while horizontal 1/2" round bars create an open, minimal balustrade. The uniform open risers allow natural light to cascade down to the basement level, transforming the stairwell into a light-transmitting vertical shaft. The design thoughtfully responds to the surrounding spaces, connecting levels without interrupting sightlines or blocking light flow. The result is a staircase that feels almost sculptural in its simplicity, proving that sometimes less truly is more. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company