When you have a building with multiple floors, stairs are inevitably necessary. It serves the practical function of bringing people from one floor to the next. And, if done accurately, your establishment’s stairs can also serve as an accent, focal point, or finishing touch to the design aesthetics and interior of your apartment or commercial complex.
As interior design evolves, it follows that there are now many different designs of stairs to choose from. Each have their respective pros and cons, so it’s really up to you to select according to your building’s interior. Here, the focus is on a modern minimalist look, which means your stairs have to be clean, streamlined, simple, and fuss-free. The least space it takes, the better.
With that in mind, here are six types of stairs you can choose from to compliment a modern minimalist look in your residential or business building.
1. Spiral Stairs
The spiral stairs are very common in industrial, modern, and minimalist homes. It’s okay if you’re short on space, as the spiral stairs won’t take a lot of space in your place. But if you have young children in the vicinity, the spiral stairs aren’t advisable, as it may pose a danger.
Spiral stairs are great for areas with less foot traffic. These include your rooftop area and attic, for instance. Spiral stairs are quite exquisite and unusual.
2. Metal Stairs
When you’re after a modern, minimalist look, there’s no other type of stairs that speaks closest to that design theme than a metal staircase. And exterior metal stairs commercial buildings sometimes have are very functional. Metal stairs achieve a sophisticated and elegant appearance, as it takes up less space. It’s simple and fuss-free.
Metal stairs also come in a variety of design and materials, like the combination of glass railings and metal steps, for instance. It’s up to you as the building owner and your architect to experiment on which one resonates the best with your structure’s design.
Why choose metal stairs? Here are some convincing reasons:
- It’s durable and long-lasting: If you envision yourself living and staying in the same home complex for many years, then you’ll certainly want to opt for materials in your housing that are proven to be long-lasting. Stairs, among all other parts of your building, go through quite a lot of foot traffic every day. This is another reason why you should make it a point to prioritize choosing a durable material for your stairs. Metal stairs allow you to achieve just that.
- It’s easy to install and maintain: For any building owner, ease of maintenance is another tempting advantage. Metal stairs are easy to clean.
- It’s safe and secure: While metal stairs may look stiff and intimidating, it’s actually one of the safest kinds of stairs there is. Metal stairs aren’t as slippery as glossy wood, or tiles. With the right railings, your metal stairs have more support to avoid slip-and-fall accidents.
3. Straight Stairs
If you have the space for it, straight stairs are, as its name implies, straight and moving only in one direction. There’s no curve or twists and turns, which is evident in more classic-style apartment buildings. Straight stairs are very versatile to have, which makes them great for modern, minimalist commercial or residential structures. It’s also very simple.
There are many areas in your home building where you can have your straight stairs. If the space permits, you can have a straight staircase in the middle of your lobby. Or, you can make it more subdued by taking the usual route of brushing the straight stairs all the way to one side of the room. This is another technique to bring out more space in a small, minimalist space.
4. L-Shaped Staircase
An L-shaped staircase is one that’s perfect for smaller spaces. You can maximize a corner in your housing structure to hold your L-shaped staircase, so it doesn’t take a lot of space. The bend is usually at 90 degrees, so you’re simply following the corner shape.
Apart from its minimalistic look, it can be easier to navigate because of its wider landing. If you’re the type of building owner who values privacy, an L-shaped staircase is suitable. Guests on the first floor of your complex will have little opportunity to peek through where the stairs go to, especially if the stairs land directly going to open dormitories.
5. U-Shaped Stairways
U-shaped stairways are also known as switchback stairs. These require more space, so it’s better for bigger buildings. These consist of two staircases which make a complete U-turn. To make it more of a focal point, many owners can choose to put lighting features on the space directly below the stairs, a water feature, or plants.
Aesthetically, however, u-shaped stairs are more visually-appealing in a modern minimalist home than straight stairs are. It’s easy to incorporate in whatever architectural plan your team may have in mind for your project.
6. Winder Stairs
The winder stairs are more complicated than its cousin, the L-shaped stairs. This type of stairs works best if you aren’t concerned about the space your stairs will take up. Given its slight turn, it’s a great way to add a few spirals and curves to what would otherwise be a flat middle landing. When the railings are glass, winder stairs add an element of understated elegance to your commercial structure.
The winder stairs can serve as the focal point of an elegant and minimalist lobby. It makes the space look grander.
Conclusion
The list of stairs above isn’t exhaustive. As you search for more options, you’re going to come across a whole myriad of stairs. It’s up to you to discuss your preferences with your architect and your contractor. For a modern, minimalist structure, the key is to select stairs that have the least bulkiness.
While serving its function of taking people from one floor to another, your stairs can be a sight to behold in your apartment complex. It’s up to you now to choose the type of stairs that can complement and add to the overall charm and beauty you want your building to have.
