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  1. Staircase
  2. glass railing

U-shaped Staircase Design Ideas

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Herne Bay, Stairwell Screen
Herne Bay, Stairwell Screen
FoderaFodera
Fodera custom designed and manufactured the internal stairwell screen. Fodera took inspiration from the client’s love of mid century pattern. Ply with a paint finish.
Contemporary Staircase
Contemporary Staircase
This is an example of a contemporary wood u-shaped staircase in New York with open risers.
Butterfly House
Butterfly House
ethan allen construcionethan allen construcion
Joe Fletcher
Photo of a contemporary wood u-shaped staircase in San Francisco with open risers.
Larkin Street Residence - John Maniscalco Architecture
Larkin Street Residence - John Maniscalco Architecture
John Maniscalco ArchitectureJohn Maniscalco Architecture
Modern u-shaped staircase in San Francisco with glass railing.
Noe Hill LEED Platinum-designed Full Remodel and Addition
Noe Hill LEED Platinum-designed Full Remodel and Addition
EAG StudioEAG Studio
Photo of a contemporary wood u-shaped staircase in San Francisco with wood risers and glass railing.
Cocoplum
Cocoplum
DESIGN SOLUTIONSDESIGN SOLUTIONS
Photo of a large contemporary u-shaped staircase in Miami with glass railing.
Terraced House Refit
Terraced House Refit
TG-StudioTG-Studio
TG-Studio tackled the brief to create a light and bright space and make the most of the unusual layout by designing a new central staircase, which links the six half-levels of the building. A minimalist design with glass balustrades and pale wood treads connects the upper three floors consisting of three bedrooms and two bathrooms with the lower floors dedicated to living, cooking and dining. The staircase was designed as a focal point, one you see from every room in the house. It’s clean, angular lines add a sculptural element, set off by the minimalist interior of the house. The use of glass allows natural light to flood the whole house, a feature that was central to the brief of the Norwegian owner. Photography: Philip Vile
Cantilevered Stair
Cantilevered Stair
AGENCIE Architecture & Engineering P.C.AGENCIE Architecture & Engineering P.C.
Photo of a contemporary wood u-shaped staircase in New York with wood risers.
Irvine Cove
Irvine Cove
geoff sumich designgeoff sumich design
The steps of the staircase are mirrored by the horizontal ledges of the wall. Moroccan lamps light up the base of the staircase.
Design ideas for a contemporary u-shaped staircase in Orange County.
CONTEMPORARY - LOS ALTOS
CONTEMPORARY - LOS ALTOS
Bayon Design Studio Inc.Bayon Design Studio Inc.
Custom staircase with wood cap, stainless handrail, LED lighting at each tread.
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped staircase in San Francisco with open risers.
Lorel Park Residence
Lorel Park Residence
Nicholas Design CollaborativeNicholas Design Collaborative
Photography: Andreas Nicholas
Design ideas for a contemporary wood u-shaped staircase in Chicago with wood risers.
Luxury Living at Jade Ocean PH
Luxury Living at Jade Ocean PH
Pfuner Design - Miami Interior DesignersPfuner Design - Miami Interior Designers
Pfuner Design, Miami - Oceanfront Penthouse Renata Pfuner pfunerdesign.com
Photo of a large contemporary marble u-shaped staircase in Miami with marble risers and glass railing.
Steel and Glass Guardrail
Steel and Glass Guardrail
Living Design Studios, IncLiving Design Studios, Inc
Inspiration for a contemporary wood u-shaped staircase in Denver with wood risers.
The Lantern
The Lantern
Fraher & Findlay Architects LtdFraher & Findlay Architects Ltd
Jack Hobhouse
Contemporary wood u-shaped staircase in London with wood risers.
Gupta's Residence
Gupta's Residence
SPACES ARCHITECTS@kaSPACES ARCHITECTS@ka
Mr. Bharat Aggarwal
Inspiration for a contemporary u-shaped staircase in Delhi.
Contemporary Residential Staircase
Contemporary Residential Staircase
Susan Knight InteriorsSusan Knight Interiors
Metropolis Studios Photolux Studios Design First Interiors Roco Homes
Contemporary wood u-shaped staircase in Miami with wood risers.
King's Castle, Oakville, Master and Ensuite
King's Castle, Oakville, Master and Ensuite
Robyn Huether Architect Inc.Robyn Huether Architect Inc.
This is an example of a large contemporary wood u-shaped staircase in Toronto with open risers and glass railing.
City Beach 2 Residence
City Beach 2 Residence
Tascone DesignTascone Design
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary wood u-shaped staircase in Perth with wood risers.
Port Locksleigh Custom
Port Locksleigh Custom
Patterson Custom HomesPatterson Custom Homes
Jeri Koegel
Photo of a beach style wood u-shaped staircase in Orange County with painted wood risers.
Entry and Staircase
Entry and Staircase
Orbit HomesOrbit Homes
Orbit Homes
Photo of a contemporary wood u-shaped staircase in Melbourne with open risers.

U-shaped Staircase Design Ideas

A staircase isn’t just a structural element that links two floors – it can also help define your style, make a statement, and turn your entryway into a grand entrance. There are a growing range of materials and staircase designs to cater to your personal style and the size of your space. Here are some quick tips to consider while browsing images of staircase designs on Houzz.

What type of staircase works best for me?

The first consideration when planning a stair design is space. A double-sided staircase, for instance, will only work in a large area; whereas an L-shaped staircase or straight staircase are more compact options. The next step in the stair design is deciding on a style. Elliptical or curved stairs offer elegance, while spiral stairs can appear more urban. If you want a contemporary design, floating stairs are a great way to circulate light.

What balustrade and handrail options are available?

Balustrades and handrails are important for safety but also allow you to get creative with your stair design. Many staircases are built up against a wall – if that’s the case, the wall itself can act as a balustrade; it will just need an attached handrail. Glass balustrades are great if you want to show off your staircase as an architectural feature, whereas a timber balustrade tends to be a more timeless option. Metal balustrades are versatile in that they can be industrial, elegant or quirky. Consider functionality, too, especially if you have kids. An open railing, for instance could become a safety hazard.

What type of material should I use for stair treads?

Timber stair treads are strong and timeless, but aren’t suited to those with indoor pets as they’ll show up scuffs. Carpeted or stone stair treads are more traditional options, whereas stainless steel and glass can be quite contemporary. Concrete stair treads are increasingly popular for those looking to create a sculptural masterpiece out of their staircase – just imagine the effect of floating concrete stairs, daringly cantilevered. Also consider using a combination of materials to create visual interest.
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