8 Modern Staircase Ideas Not Just For Moving Up

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They say windows are the eyes of the house, the kitchen is the heart, and the roof is its sturdy head. But what about the staircase? What essential part does the staircase represent in a high-functioning home? A staircase is what connects the ups and downs of the house. It strikes a balance between functionality and style as it’s one of the first things that will catch the attention of guests entering your home. As such, it’s only appropriate that the staircase is considered the spine of the house.

Now, if you’re having a hard time achieving equilibrium in your modern home — fret not! In this list, you will find modern staircase ideas that will help you make the spine of your home stand taller than before.

How Do Staircases Fit Into The Modern World?

In this day and age, where studio condos, bungalows, and apartments house the modern citizen, it’s hard to find a place for a staircase. Up and down houses might seem like an unnecessary luxury or something you don’t get until you have a family. While this mindset may ring true to some, it is certainly not a fact. In today’s day and age, there is a newfound demand for staircases, and it’s not just for fire exits. 

Lofts, multiple-story houses, and innovative treehouses are just some of the few exciting places where there is great staircase potential. Especially now, where the concept of work from home is slowly but surely turning into a corporate norm, people are stepping out more than ever to meet the ever-changing modern lifestyle. A staircase is one of life’s earliest conveniences, which until now has been making human beings’ lives simpler. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not at all hard to fit a staircase into a modern home.

Modern Staircase vs Traditional Staircase

Before we dive into modern staircase ideas, let’s discuss first why there is even a need to modernize the traditional and classic. We’re not saying one is better than the other, but both have different qualities that serve their respective purposes. The main difference between the modern staircase and the traditional one mainly lies in the overall design.

Modern Staircase

In the modern day, it’s hard to deny the importance of aesthetics and style. People embody their fashion in everything that surrounds them, including their staircases. The modern staircase differs in every person’s home, but mostly it features a sleek and minimal design to give way to other elements. A modern staircase uses the simplest materials like metal and glass as accents to timber planks. Most of the materials used are eco-friendly. Take, for example, reclaimed wood which gives your modern staircase a new elevated and neat resurrection. It also doesn’t make loud noises.

Traditional Staircase

Traditional staircases still exist for a reason. They preserve a bygone age where stained wood and sturdy steps are kings. Functionality and durability are at the forefront of traditional staircases. People who have traditional staircases often want to make a statement as opposed to modern staircase designs, which lean toward the muted side of style. The handrails, bullnoses, and posts are all dramatic and picture-perfect. If you want to feel like a princess or a prince in waiting when coming up and down the stairs, then a traditional staircase will help add that regal element to your castle.

While traditional staircases are still ideal for today’s households, opting for a modern staircase will give you more functionality. It is more open to different possibilities that can keep up with the multi-tasking lifestyle of the modern man. 

8 Modern Staircase Ideas Not Just For Moving Up

Now, if you have your heart set on getting a modern staircase, keep on reading because here are the trendiest modern staircase ideas you can try:

1. Modern Farmhouse

Photo by Francesca Tosolini from Unsplash

Now, this may not scream conventional modernity, but a farmhouse can easily be modern chic. You don’t have to smash your bulky stairs to get a more modern look. Add some steel accents, and you’ll get a rustic yet, modern look that retains its innate charm. This is one of the easiest modern staircase ideas you can bring to life. Achieving the modern farmhouse staircase doesn’t require much revamping. If anything, it will elevate your usual suburban home and give it more personality while keeping up with the times.

2. Glass and Wood

Photo from Renoguide

The go-to modern materials are glass and wood, that’s why it’s our next modern staircase idea. The combination of the two makes up for a stylish minimalist design perfect when trying to modernize a space. You can use tinted glass as railings to give your household members a proper view of you going up and down with grace. There’s so much you can do with this modern staircase idea as both materials are very versatile. You can play with both elements to better match your contemporary aesthetic.

3. Floating Minimalist 

Photo from Hardwood Lumber Company

In achieving the modern look, less is always more. This is especially true in the floating minimalist modern staircase idea. Here, the stairs are stripped to their most basic steps because they’re literally only steps. No railings and open treads — just plain old steps. If you’re a true blue minimalist, then this staircase idea will definitely fit into your humble home. You won’t need many materials, just some sturdy, and solid wood planks, and of course, some heavy-duty screws and support for each step. 

4. Industrial Spiral 

Photo by Aaron Huber from Unsplash

Millennials and Gen Z residents aren’t all privileged with vast spaces in their homes, especially in the busy urban jungle where most of them live. One of the best space savers that can still get you up and down your place is a spiral staircase. Spruce it up with a modern twist, and you’ll have a modern industrial spiral that won’t take up too much space and will still complete your tiny home. This modern staircase idea still upholds the minimalist concept, while remaining highly customizable. You can adorn your spiral steps with wood and add black steel or chrome accents to get a neater result. 

5. Bookcase Blinds

Photo from Renoguide

It’s not true when people say the modern man no longer reads a book. This modern staircase idea goes out to all the bookworms out there. Bookcase blinds can not only give you back the space your books have been conquering through the years but give your home the modern makeover it needs. This is a perfect example of striking a balance between functionality and modern style. You can get innovative with reclaimed wood and put your DIY skills to the test. A bookcase blinds staircase can also work as one of the best room dividers for your home.

6. Indoor Garden

Photo by Renoguide

As we slowly move forward out of the pandemic, we now emerge with hobbies we didn’t know we actually enjoy. Perhaps you’re now a plant parent, doing a double-take and wondering whether you’ve watered your plants for the nth time. If you are, why not gather your innumerable plant children to create an indoor garden staircase? An indoor garden at the bottom of your stairs might be a staircase idea you don’t often see in modern homes, but it’s a charm you don’t want to miss! One of the most overlooked places for a safe place for your indoor plant babies is the space below the stairs. If you have a staircase that seems to center your home, make it a minimalist statement piece with a nature focus. 

7. Step and Slide

Photo by Jon Bader from Archology

When you think modern the first thing in your mind might be minimalist, sleek, and an abundance of clean lines. It might seem serious, especially for the novices, but modern can also be fun! A step and slide staircase is an underrated modern staircase idea. If you have kids or if you want some carefree fun for yourself, pairing your staircase with a slide is the best idea. A simple slide can make a significant difference to your day, and maybe it’s what’s missing in your home. 

8. Modern Grand Foyer

Photo by Serhat Beyazkaya from Unsplash

We might be living in the modern world now, but we’ve all dreamed of a grand majestic staircase found in traditional homes. You can still achieve it without dragging your home back to a few centuries! Repurpose your extensive staircase with classic modern accents like chrome and glass, or keep it immaculate with an all-white finish. You can also maintain elegance with a variety of amazing foyer designs completed with a combination of wood and steel. 

Modern Staircase Accessories

If you want to take a step further into modernity, a little accessorizing can’t hurt. There are a lot of things you can add to your staircase to make it more modern and ultimately complete your home. Here are a few accessories available on Amazon you can add to your staircase. Choose the right add-on to help bring your modern staircase ideas to life.

ClosetMaid 1043 Cubeicals Organizer

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You can always do with more storage even in a minimalist modern home. Keep your stuff out of the way and organized with the ClosetMaid 1043 Cubeicals Organizer. This organizer will fit right into your modern staircase idea with its clean white finish.

Elogio Carpet Stair Treads Set

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Having a wooden staircase can be a hazard as it can be very slippery. If you want to take a little precaution, especially if you’re living with toddlers, senior citizens, and even old pets, getting the Elogio Carpet Stair Treads Set will help you significantly. This tread set will not only keep your modern home safe but also match your modern theme with its sophisticated gray design.

Crystal Chandelier Modern Pendant

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Beautiful illumination is one staple in a modern home. Let there be light in your staircase or foyer with the most stunning light fixture that will complement your modern staircase. This simple chandelier is one of the best decorative lighting that will wow your guests every time they visit.

LoftCulture L-Shape Stair Storage Organizer

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When you think of the staircase’s storage capability, you immediately think of the space under the stairs. However, there’s one more untapped storage potential the staircase has to offer, and that’s the steps itself! Get the LoftCulture L-Shape Stair Storage Organizer to take advantage of that space. 

In a modern home, almost everything is multi-functional, and that includes the stairs! It’s not only for going up and down, but it’s also a place where kids have fun, albeit unsafe, but there’s something about the steps of the staircase that makes it an ideal place to hang around. So, if the bottom of the stairs is your kid’s go-to place to play, you can use this basket organizer to keep his toys in one reach.

Funlife 15 PCS Scandinavian Style Stair Stickers

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Give your staircase a little bit of personality by using peel and stick stair adhesives. It provides an instant makeover that doesn’t take too much effort. For your modern home, Funlife’s Scandinavian Style Stair Stickers will provide a sophisticated and clean look that will complete your modern staircase.

Step into the Now with these Modern Staircase Ideas

We hope you find inspiration from these modern staircase ideas and complete your contemporary home. A staircase might not be something people turn their heads over to see, but yours could be the exception! Modern or not, stairs are the spine of the house, and it keeps the balance between the upstairs and downstairs, making sure both parties concur in the modern world that is your house. Strike a balance between style and function and keep classy while still being homey. It’s a tall order, but that’s why you have your stairs to support you in each step.