At Binks Balustrades, we specialise in the design and installation of high-quality architectural staircases. While safety and functionality are essential considerations, we also understand the importance of aesthetics. A well-designed staircase can be a striking architectural feature that enhances your home’s overall design and character.
So, what defines an architectural staircase? These are staircases where the design prioritises both visual appeal and practicality. They often incorporate unique materials, innovative construction techniques, and eye-catching designs to create a truly impactful statement.
Considering an architectural staircase for your home? Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Style:
The style of your staircase should blend seamlessly with your home’s existing décor, whether classic or contemporary. Popular styles include:
- Spiral Staircases: Ideal for compact spaces, spiral staircases offer a graceful and elegant solution that maximises floor area. Their helical form adds a sense of drama and movement, creating a captivating focal point. Consider incorporating bespoke details like a feature newel post or decorative handrail to further enhance the design.
- Floating Staircases: With their minimalist aesthetic and “floating” treads, these staircases create a modern and airy ambience. The absence of risers allows light to flow freely, giving the illusion of more space. Floating staircases often utilise hidden supports or cantilevered treads for a clean and contemporary look.
- Cantilevered Staircases: A bold and striking choice, cantilevered staircases appear to defy gravity with treads that protrude from the wall without visible supports. This design creates a sense of lightness and openness, making it particularly well-suited to modern and minimalist interiors. Careful engineering ensures these staircases are incredibly strong and stable.
- Helical Staircases: These staircases feature a graceful curve, lending a luxurious and flowing feel to any space. They are often found in grand entrances and foyers, making a statement of elegance and sophistication. Helical staircases can be crafted from a variety of materials, with timber and stone being popular choices for a classic aesthetic.
- Materials:
The materials you select will influence both the appearance and longevity of your staircase. Options include:
- Timber: A timeless and versatile choice, timber offers warmth and natural beauty. Hardwoods like oak, walnut, and maple are popular for their durability and rich grain patterns. Timber staircases can be stained or painted to match your desired colour scheme, offering endless design possibilities.
- Glass: For a contemporary and minimalist aesthetic, glass is an excellent choice. Glass staircases create a sense of openness and allow light to flow freely, making them ideal for smaller spaces. Toughened glass is used for safety and durability, and can be combined with other materials like timber or metal for a unique look.
- Metal: Steel or aluminium can create a range of styles, from sleek and modern to industrial and robust. Metal staircases are renowned for their strength and durability, and can be powder-coated in a variety of colours to suit your design preferences.
- Stone: A luxurious and enduring option, stone is often used for grand entrances and staircases in period properties. Materials like marble, granite, and limestone offer a timeless elegance and create a sense of grandeur. Stone staircases are incredibly durable and require minimal maintenance.
- Balustrades:
Balustrades are a crucial design element for any staircase, providing safety while enhancing the overall aesthetic.
- Glass Balustrades: Modern and minimalist, glass balustrades maximise light and create an illusion of space. They offer unobstructed views and contribute to a clean and contemporary aesthetic. Glass balustrades can be frameless or framed with metal for added style and support.
- Metal Balustrades: Offering a wide range of styles, metal balustrades can be adapted to suit any design. From sleek and contemporary stainless steel to ornate wrought iron, metal balustrades can be a striking design feature. Powder-coating allows for custom colours and finishes to complement your décor.
- Timber Balustrades: A classic choice that complements traditional and contemporary interiors. Timber balustrades can be crafted from a variety of woods and stained or painted to match your desired aesthetic. They offer a sense of warmth and natural beauty, and can be combined with other materials like glass or metal for a unique look.
- Lighting:
Effective lighting not only enhances the beauty of your staircase but also ensures safety. Consider:
- Under-stair lighting: Concealed LED strip lighting placed beneath the treads creates a dramatic effect and highlights the architectural form of the staircase. This type of lighting can also provide a subtle and inviting glow in the evenings, enhancing safety and ambience.
- Tread lighting: Integrating LED lights into the treads themselves provides subtle illumination and guides the way, particularly useful for nighttime navigation. This can be achieved with recessed lighting or LED strips, creating a sleek and modern look.
- Wall sconces: Strategically placed wall sconces add a touch of elegance and provide ambient lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Choose from a variety of styles and finishes to complement your staircase design and overall décor.
