Saving space: which staircases take up the least place at home?

When purchasing a staircase for the flat or house, a person usually takes into account a number of parameters. It is important that such a design should be reliable, safe and clearly fit into the planned budget. Another point that is important for many homeowners is compactness.

If the space allocated for the transition to the first floor is limited, then you should pay attention to some types of staircases that are considered the most compact. What options of staircase will be suitable in the arrangement of a small house, and what should be abandoned? Answers to all these questions you will find in this article because we have prepared a lot of useful information for you.

The most compact staircases and their characteristics

Helical staircase in a modern home, optimising space while providing stylish access to the upper floor.
The first thing that most buyers pay attention to is the external attractiveness of the staircase. It can be made of stone, wood and metal, decorated with precious stones. However, you should not focus only on the appearance of such products, as this may affect the practicality of the purchase. If we are talking about a house of a small area, the first priority is such a parameter as compactness. What kind of staircase takes up the least amount of space?
  • Helical staircase. A clear leader in the matter of saving space is the helical staircase, which can be placed even in the smallest house. Thanks to its special shape, the staircase moves upwards rapidly and does not limit a lot of space in the room.
  • Single-step staircase. One-step straight staircase with its diagonal design emphasises the height of the room and the availability of sufficient space even in a small house.
On the other hand, you should also consider other factors. For example, if your family members include children or elderly people, it may not be safe for them to use a spiral staircase.

Other selection criteria

Straight single-step staircase with wood and metal elements, perfect for small spaces and minimalist interiors.

As we said above, you can’t focus on just one parameter when you’re choosing a staircase for your home. Obviously, your main goal is to save free space. However, don’t forget about other factors that affect the safety and aesthetics of the staircase:

  • Material. The choice of materials affects the longevity and appearance of the staircase. Wood adds cosiness, metal adds modernity, and glass creates a sense of lightness. Of course, all materials also differ in cost. For example, natural oak is considered a more luxurious and expensive material than black metal. 
  • Lighting. Proper lighting of the staircase ensures safety and emphasises its design. Fitted lights or step lighting can complement the overall interior. The options with smart LED lighting can help you reduce your energy bills and provide a high level of security.
  • General room interior. The staircase should harmonise with the interior. The style, colour and shape of the staircase should match the overall design of the room, creating a cohesive look.

The first thing you need to do is to call a specialist to your home, who will take all the measurements and tell you what kind of stairs will be suitable in this or that case. The expert will tell you how to save space, what kind of balustrades are best to choose, and what materials to use for the staircase.

Where can I order a compact staircase in the UK?

Wooden spiral staircase leading to a loft area, demonstrating an efficient and attractive space-saving solution.
The V.P Stairs portfolio contains many compact staircase projects where all the main criteria, including safety and attractiveness, meet perfectly. We provide staircases on a turnkey basis, from primary consultation to finished installation. Our specialists will come to the site, take precise measurements, and choose the best options, taking into account the peculiarities of your room. We always put your wishes in the first place and listen to each customer. You can contact us in any convenient way to discuss details and start working on your project. Our experts know how to create the staircase of your dreams!