Contenido patrocinado
5 Stylish Floating Staircases for a Next-Level Look
See how you can step up your interiors with a new take on an old standard
Contenido patrocinado
Looking for an unexpected architectural element that will turn heads? Take your style to new heights with a floating staircase. “It will awesomely bless your home,” says Brian Ellison, an independent designer in Florida. “I love floating staircases because they’re so versatile, and you get a lot of style without having to bring in a lot of elements.” Seemingly limitless ways to customize the layout, railings and treads allow you to tailor a floating staircase to fit your personal aesthetic. Read on for inspiration for your home, and pick up some tips along the way.
1. A Celebration of Wood
A backdrop of rich, dark maple frames this floating staircase as it descends into the living room, with light from above setting the handrails and treads aglow. “The finishes mean more when they’re on a floating staircase, because they stand out more,” says Ellison, who owns Brian Ellison Designs in Melbourne, Florida. “There’s a lot of power in the staircase, almost as much as the kitchen [has].” The maple treads used here provide visual flow, whereas concrete or glass would have brought an unexpected counterpoint.
Stainless steel cable rails paired with a matte black stringer and posts offer an industrial edge, contrasting the warmth of the wood. “If you’re not sure which style to go with, go with cable railings,” Ellison says. “They’re a good middle ground, not as thick as rods and not as modern as glass.” They do, however, need tightening every year.
A backdrop of rich, dark maple frames this floating staircase as it descends into the living room, with light from above setting the handrails and treads aglow. “The finishes mean more when they’re on a floating staircase, because they stand out more,” says Ellison, who owns Brian Ellison Designs in Melbourne, Florida. “There’s a lot of power in the staircase, almost as much as the kitchen [has].” The maple treads used here provide visual flow, whereas concrete or glass would have brought an unexpected counterpoint.
Stainless steel cable rails paired with a matte black stringer and posts offer an industrial edge, contrasting the warmth of the wood. “If you’re not sure which style to go with, go with cable railings,” Ellison says. “They’re a good middle ground, not as thick as rods and not as modern as glass.” They do, however, need tightening every year.
2. Modern-Farmhouse Marvel
A floating switchback staircase soars above the great room of this modern-farmhouse abode, zigzagging its way up to the top floor. “When I have a voluminous room, I like to do something unique,” Ellison says of his own projects. The staircase here matches the railings on the landing for a cohesive look.
The stairs’ sleek black rod railing and stringer stand out against the home’s white walls and match the front door and fireplace. The white oak handrails and treads add to the rustic yet fresh aesthetic. “Rod railings are awesome — they make a statement and are really versatile for transitional projects,” Ellison says. Unlike cable rails, which are available only in stainless steel, rods come in both black and stainless.
A floating switchback staircase soars above the great room of this modern-farmhouse abode, zigzagging its way up to the top floor. “When I have a voluminous room, I like to do something unique,” Ellison says of his own projects. The staircase here matches the railings on the landing for a cohesive look.
The stairs’ sleek black rod railing and stringer stand out against the home’s white walls and match the front door and fireplace. The white oak handrails and treads add to the rustic yet fresh aesthetic. “Rod railings are awesome — they make a statement and are really versatile for transitional projects,” Ellison says. Unlike cable rails, which are available only in stainless steel, rods come in both black and stainless.
3. A Statement in Glass
Transparent glass panels slice through the ends of thick walnut treads, putting them center stage in this contemporary-style floating staircase. The treads bring visual warmth to the room, contrasting the cool gray flooring and walls, metal stringer and stainless steel handrail.
Though the unit is in the center of the room, the materials don’t overwhelm the space. A clever system keeps all hardware hidden, and low-iron glass offers exceptionally clear views to the living room. “I love glass; it lets the light through, lets the texture behind it sing, and it’s great with lighting at night,” Ellison says. “It can stand on its own.”
Transparent glass panels slice through the ends of thick walnut treads, putting them center stage in this contemporary-style floating staircase. The treads bring visual warmth to the room, contrasting the cool gray flooring and walls, metal stringer and stainless steel handrail.
Though the unit is in the center of the room, the materials don’t overwhelm the space. A clever system keeps all hardware hidden, and low-iron glass offers exceptionally clear views to the living room. “I love glass; it lets the light through, lets the texture behind it sing, and it’s great with lighting at night,” Ellison says. “It can stand on its own.”
4. Light and Airy
A stainless-steel-and-white-oak staircase infuses this otherwise transitional home with fresh modern style. Its natural elements blend with the floors, the rods play off the kitchen’s silver fixtures, and the dark stringer complements the blue island base.
The staircase’s structure has a light and open effect, allowing for clear sightlines from the kitchen to the dining area and beyond. The rod railing, which Ellison recommends for transitional designs, all but disappears into its surroundings. “That’s the wonderful thing about floating staircases: Even a partial one can open up and elevate a space,” he says. “A floating staircase brings in a there-but-not-there aspect. It’s not just another wall with treads; it’s this open moment.”
A stainless-steel-and-white-oak staircase infuses this otherwise transitional home with fresh modern style. Its natural elements blend with the floors, the rods play off the kitchen’s silver fixtures, and the dark stringer complements the blue island base.
The staircase’s structure has a light and open effect, allowing for clear sightlines from the kitchen to the dining area and beyond. The rod railing, which Ellison recommends for transitional designs, all but disappears into its surroundings. “That’s the wonderful thing about floating staircases: Even a partial one can open up and elevate a space,” he says. “A floating staircase brings in a there-but-not-there aspect. It’s not just another wall with treads; it’s this open moment.”
5. A Vision in Silver
Silver powder-coated aluminum and thick white oak treads make an entrance in this open-plan home. “Thick treads show off more material and feel more sturdy,” Ellison says. The wood adds warmth to the home’s gray, white and blue color palette; a stainless handrail, another option, would have had a cooling effect. The staircase’s zigzag shape brings visual movement to the otherwise simple entryway. Curved and U-shaped options are available, but the switchback suits the smaller space.
The durable rod railing makes for easy cleaning — dusting and wiping prevent grime from building up. “Rods are the lowest-maintenance railing option,” Ellison says. In terms of the safety of a floating staircase, he says: “Once you have it in your home, that concern disappears. Your feet can’t slip through it; it just has that open appearance. It’s very safe.”
Look to the materials in your home to guide your imagination. “You have to choose a direction and go with it — don’t be shy,” Ellison says. “You’ll never regret a floating staircase. You’ll fall more and more in love with it.”
More: To learn more about the floating staircases pictured in this story, visit Viewrail’s website.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Silver powder-coated aluminum and thick white oak treads make an entrance in this open-plan home. “Thick treads show off more material and feel more sturdy,” Ellison says. The wood adds warmth to the home’s gray, white and blue color palette; a stainless handrail, another option, would have had a cooling effect. The staircase’s zigzag shape brings visual movement to the otherwise simple entryway. Curved and U-shaped options are available, but the switchback suits the smaller space.
The durable rod railing makes for easy cleaning — dusting and wiping prevent grime from building up. “Rods are the lowest-maintenance railing option,” Ellison says. In terms of the safety of a floating staircase, he says: “Once you have it in your home, that concern disappears. Your feet can’t slip through it; it just has that open appearance. It’s very safe.”
Look to the materials in your home to guide your imagination. “You have to choose a direction and go with it — don’t be shy,” Ellison says. “You’ll never regret a floating staircase. You’ll fall more and more in love with it.”
More: To learn more about the floating staircases pictured in this story, visit Viewrail’s website.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Combining the highest quality materials with innovative design, Viewrail is a stand-out manufacturer of simple... Leer más
Combining the highest quality materials with innovative design, Viewrail is a stand-out manufacturer of simple... Leer más
I'm the worrier. Small dogs could lose their footing or even get bumped off the sides of the treads. Same with small children. I'd have to say no.
Francoise Meissner 3 questions: 1) why bring the glass down below the steps; 2) how was the wall reinforced to be able to cantilever the steps like that and 3) is this in Europe; the gap between steps would never meet code in the US where the gap can't exceed 4 inches at any point.