As simple as it might seem, deciding on an appropriate staircase design is a task that adheres to the space and style restrictions prevalent in the house. For example, you opted for the sleek Spanish architecture for your house and the space designated for a staircase in the design is not big enough to support the modern curved stairs. Or on the other hand, the space might be massive and the staircase design that you select might look scaled-down. For this reason, top architects of Lahore believe that when constructing a house, striking the right balance between the space and design of the staircase is key as it helps to satisfy the functional and aesthetic needs of the house simultaneously. So in case you are planning to revamp your house or build a new one, here is a list of six top trending staircase designs in Pakistan:
L-Shaped Stairs
L-shaped staircases are more commonly known as the quarter-turn stairs. As the name suggests, these are staircases with a 90-degree, right-angle bend after a certain number of steps, usually at the midpoint landing. Quarter-turn stairs have numerous advantages, which make them the most popular choice among clients and architects in Pakistan. Firstly, this design is easy to build, cost-effective, and takes up minimum space in corner placements, making it suitable to be incorporated in almost all popular architectural styles of modern times, including, Tuscan, French, Industrial, etc. When designing a house, these stairs are seen as a creative option to help enhance the aesthetic appeal. Not just the staircase itself but the wall placement also function as a focal point to include additional décor like family pictures, statement art pieces, a modern mirror, etc. So if you want a space-saving yet attractive staircase design, then quarter-turn stairs are the right choice for you.
Curved Stairs
A continuous formation of the helical arc throughout the staircase along with an exceptional architectural view is what curved stairs are all about. They exhibit a larger radius to build a swirl like curved structure and to ensure that the stairs do not appear circular. You would usually see these kinds of staircases in large houses, farmhouses, or mansions, all of which support wide open entrances and halls. Curved stairs are the kind of design that add the element of luxury, elegance, and refined style to the house thus they are always located at the front, in a grand entryway to help build a strong impression. Although these lavish curved stairs are easy to navigate with their soft bends and are a beauty to watch, they require a larger area, more budget, and sound expertise to build successfully. In fact, understanding the technicality of the task, top architects in Pakistan refer to the successful construction of these stairs as a pinnacle of achievement for any builder or designer. So if you are planning to build a big house or upgrade your farmhouse, the sleek curved staircases would be the most feasible option for you.
Split Stairs
Split staircases are a relatively new trend in Pakistan because they require larger areas and enhanced construction expertise with regard to staircases. However, with the evolution in architectural trends, people are inclined towards building luxurious countryside mansions, grand farmhouses, hillside getaway houses, etc., and actively show interest in adding split staircases. In this design, you will see two parallel stairwells head down to a single landing, which then flows down in the opposite direction as a single and wider flight of steps. They are usually placed in the central entering areas, not only because of the excessive space they require but also because these staircases are catered as a statement piece, that helps create a grand impression of the place. If you want to enjoy the feel of a luxurious mansion from a bygone era, then split stairs are what you need.
Cantilever Stairs
A staircase that is a beautiful combination of modern and contemporary design is the cantilever staircase. The cantilever staircase has stair threads that appear to be floating in the air without any support. The threads are fixed to a metal frame at one end by creating divets, while the other end either secures a railing system or simply floats freely off the surface. It is a design that uplifts the whole aesthetic appeal of the house and gives it an avant-garde vibe. The biggest plus of the cantilever staircases is that because of their open and clear structure, they make the room appear more spacious and wide. If you want to give your house a futuristic look then these stairs will help you do the job.
Straight Stairs
Another popular style of staircase commonly used in houses across Pakistan is straight stairs. Literally as smooth as the name, straight stairs have no bends. They qualify for a linear flight of steps, with no change in direction. As simple as they look, they are even easier to build. Straight stairs do not need any supporting base like L shaped staircases, an attachment at the bottom and the top is all it needs to stand beautifully across multiple stories. Their biggest advantage is that they are cost-friendly, easy to install with railings, and very easy to navigate through. Usually, these stairs are built from concrete and marble tiles but currently, architectural design firms in Pakistan are also using materials like glass, and wood, and pairing them with iron wrought to bring in a touch of innovation. If you’re a minimalist, no other staircase can complement more to your preference than straight stairs. If you’re planning to have a modern house interior design, straight staircases with glass railings or wooden steps could be a wonderful choice.
Multifunctional Stairs
Multifunctional staircases are of great help as they function as a connecting passage between multiple stories of the house and simultaneously provide extra space beneath them which can be used in different ways, depending upon the requirement. For instance, the space can be turned into a pull-out storage space, where you can put your shoes, bedding or extra towels, etc. Similarly, these spaces can be turned into cozy reading corners by simply placing a basic bookshelf and a comfortable backless couch which can be easy to sit on and even lie down on as well. In certain architectural designs, where the area of the house is restricted, the space provided by the multifunctional stairs is also used as a coffee corner. A rustic wooden coffee table, an electric kettle, some mugs, and a cookie jar would be enough to make it function.
All the top trending designs listed above can help you get a deeper insight into the features of each staircase and allow you to choose the one that suits your requirement the best.