Multiple national lockdowns have meant that we’re forgiven for becoming slightly bored of being stuck in our homes, with the same old surroundings. All of your home improvement projects were probably done in the first lockdown, right? But have you considered freshening up the look of your staircase and turning it into something more bespoke? This is normally overlooked due to the perceived scale and cost of the job, but it now might be time to consider how you can enhance the appeal of your staircase once and for all.

Below we have listed some staircase design ideas to think about when it comes to switching up the look of your staircase or giving it some added functions so it can become a smart space to help you live an efficient life around the home.

Check out some of our favourite staircase ideas below, you might find one that can change up your living space entirely for the better!

Add storage to your staircase

You can never have too much storage in your home. With a little imagination, you can use your staircase as a way of keeping smaller items hidden from view, allowing it to become even more important to your home. This way of making your staircase multi-functional is popular with those who look to run their home as efficiently as possible… do you fall under this bracket?

Depending on where your staircase is situated, you can close up your treads so they become drawers, keeping easily retrievable items within reach. If this doesn’t sound like your ideal solution, then you can also alter your staircase design to open up the balustrade to become a storage haven for larger items, whilst still performing its duty of keeping you safe when in use.

Make your staircase stand out with unique lighting

Let’s be honest, the staircase deserves a lot of attention. Whether you have a traditional or contemporary design, anyone who sets eyes on your staircase should be in awe. To achieve this affect, why not make it an even more attractive element of your home by giving it lighting that makes it stand out as its own entity?

To perfect this, you can add a strip of LED lights (available from most homeware stores) under each tread to give them each their own unique, eye catching quality. This additional lighting around the area of your stairs is a cheap and effective way of shedding some literal light on a part of the home that can often be cast in the shadows.

Use your staircase to save space

Have you ever heard of a compact staircase? If your home is on the smaller side, or you just feel like you could benefit from a larger area of leisurely activities, then they may be a viable option for you, and you haven’t even realised it!

This can mean simplifying the look of your staircase right down into something that purely “does a job”. This doesn’t put your home at a detriment either, as long as they are safe and a sufficient size for you, then who are we to tell you how you prefer your staircase?

Downsizing your staircase into something more space savvy, or adding a compact staircase to an area that is now in need of one, can be achieved with the help of the team of experts here at Abbott-Wade. Be sure to get in touch with one of our friendly members of staff and we will happily discuss more with you.

Contact Abbott-Wade

Do you feel like you could benefit from a brand new staircase design in your home? Or do you have an idea that you would like to put forward to us for our expert opinion? Whatever your staircase enquiries, we will be happy to help.

Give us a call on 01744 634 442 to speak to one of our experts over the phone or email us at info@abbottwade.co.uk with any detailed questions you have. You can alternatively fill out our online form on our contact us page and we will respond to your message as soon as possible.

When you come across a well maintained wooden staircase that perfectly fits the theme of the building it is in, you’re instantly in awe, right? Of course you are. If given the special status they deserve, these constructions can be a thing of real beauty. Whether the wood is left bare so you can witness its natural grain, or it is painted to perfectly complement surrounding walls and furniture, you’ll be hard pressed to find a staircase finish that excels more than wood!

So, now we’ve done enough talking about the ease with which it can improve the look of your home, lets show you how this staircase design can do just that…

Painted staircase

Choosing to have a wood staircase in your home gives you many options to choose from by way of its finish. Of course, a lick of paint can work wonders, and if you want the colour of your home to be consistent or would like the colour of your stairs to perfectly harmonize with your walls or surrounding furniture, these kind of painted staircases present you with a blank canvas to do so.

At Abbott-Wade, we can do the brainstorming with you, so you can have our expert opinion on what will produce the most timeless look around. However, the appearance of your staircase is entirely at your discretion, so think carefully about what colour you want your painted staircase to be. Once you paint over them, you can never get that original, natural shade back!

Have you thought about your handrail?

When coming up with their ideal staircase design ideas, many people disregard the handrail. This can often be an oversight that hinders your overall product, as the handrail can be the stand out feature of your staircase, if chosen correctly. At Abbott-Wade we have installed many continuous handrails for customers up and down the country, and it is easy to see why they are so popular! They look the part on both traditional and contemporary staircases, giving them a versatility that is not seen with many staircase components.

They allow your staircase to flow seamlessly from one level to another, without making the change in level obvious. This is especially useful if you have a kite winder staircase or want to extend your handrail to the landing so you can use this feature as extra safety when attaching two staircases in the home.

What kind of spindle works for you?

When you think about your ideal staircase ideas, it is inevitable that you will consider spindles.

Spindles can help to give your staircase that uniqueness it deserves. Aside from the obvious difference in materials and colours to choose from, you should also give some thought about what pattern you may like to give your staircase that wow factor that you are looking for.

Abbott-Wade have used their expertise in the staircase industry to provide a variety of spindles to home owners all over England. We even have a selection of these on site so you can see them for yourself, including sleek straight spindles, something a little more asymmetrical with our iD EZ models or a windy option with the full-twist spindles available to look at and draw inspiration from for yourself.

Get in touch with Abbott-Wade

Have you found the perfect wooden staircase design for your home? Or would you like our expert opinion on whether your plans would match up logistically? If so, our award winning business, with over 25 years of experience, will gladly be of assistance. We will be by your side from the initial design stage, right the way through –  providing you with any necessary aftercare once your staircase has been installed.

We truly are your one stop shop when it comes to staircase manufacturers!

To contact us today, give us a call on 01744 634 442 or fill out our online form and we will respond as soon as we can.

If you take any interest in what modern staircase design ideas entail, then we are sure you would have noticed that glass has boomed in popularity over recent years. This spike in intrigue from modern homeowners has caused a great buzz in the staircase industry. People are finding more and more creative ways to incorporate glass into their staircase design, so we are sure that this design is here for the foreseeable.

Here at Abbott-Wade, we have been asked to create and install many different kinds of glass staircase for our customers! As a result, we feel that we are well placed to give you some things to think about before you go full steam ahead on the glass staircase of your dreams. They have many different elements that can be customised to fit your requirements. So let’s take a look, shall we?

What are the benefits of a glass staircase?

First, let’s see exactly why glass staircases are so popular, appearing more and more in homes around the globe. From a design standpoint, they are effortlessly stylish and well-suited to all modern homes. Their clear and concise appearance allows for a seamless transition between floors in the home.

They are also a great way of making your space brighter, which could be something you have been missing in your home, especially during the summer months. Sure, artificial light is necessary and useful, but the addition of natural light flooding in from the outdoors helps to enhance the look of your interior décor further.

Sound like good enough reason to go for glass? Let’s find out how you can shape your staircase to be exactly what you are looking for…

How should you shape your glass balustrades?

Balustrades can be customised in a diverse range of different ways. The idea of a plain sheet of glass doesn’t sound too appealing, we get it. However, we have seen many glass staircase ideas that have incorporated intriguing glass bannisters that fit the shape of their staircase perfectly. Rather than a singular rectangle balustrade that runs up the stairs, why not shape it to match your treads, keeping a consistent design all the way up (or down!) your staircase?

Here at Abbott-Wade, we can make your creative balustrade ideas a reality, with the very best glass that is cut to precision, shaping perfectly around your treads to maintain a sharp, powerful look. Come and browse through our glass staircase options for yourself to get inspired!

Are white and glass a good mix?

A white staircase is something that has been popular for many years now, but does this seemingly timeless colour work well with glass? The short answer to this is yes, absolutely! White helps to create a minimalist look in your home, which is what many people are striving for these days. This is supported by the clarity of glass, giving your home a “less is more” feel, and making it stand out as a thing of beauty.

Moreover, this sleek look will help you rejuvenate your home from something old and quite frankly stale, into a refreshing area to live. Its stand out colour ensures that will never grow tired of looking at your gorgeous staircase.  You’ll want to show it off to friends when they visit too!

What type of glass is best for you?

Many different types of glass can be used to create a staircase balustrade. However, at Abbott-Wade, we only ever use the very best. We’re the first to market with Optiwhite™ low-iron balustrade glass, knowing the quality that it has. This glass is practically colourless, allowing for full, high-quality natural light to beam through your home, without a tint disrupting its effect.

We work with Pilkington Glass, one of the leading glass suppliers in the UK to use this top of the range product on your staircase, giving you a new design you are happy with, every time!

Get in touch

Are you interested in these glass staircase ideas and want to find out more? Our team of experts will be happy to speak to you about all things staircases! To contact us today with an enquiry, give us a call on 01744 634 442 or fill out our online form, and we will be glad to help!

Staircases are durable structures. They will be a fixture in your house for as long as you live there, if you like the design or finish, that is! There are many a staircase design that is classed as “timeless” and will last as a staircase that complements the look of your home. But with modern times promoting creativity and uniqueness, there are many people that are looking to break away from the norm and put their own modern staircase ideas into action.

With this in mind, we thought we would delve a little deeper to give you some inspiration that will help you create that showstopping staircase that you have been longing for…

In a glass of its own!

Open plan designs make up many of the modern interiors these days and it is easy to see why. It gives off the illusion that the building is bigger than it actually is and promotes a connection between levels that allows travelling through the property to be a smooth process at all times (and also helps when you’re shouting the kids down for tea!). This has translated into the design of staircases too, as glass is becoming more and more popular in contemporary designs.

Glass balustrades are used to help natural light pour through the home and, in turn, create a smooth and seamless look that brings your staircase right up to the modern day.

On the topic of balustrades…

The great thing about balustrades is that they are versatile, which means you don’t have to change your whole staircase to switch up your design. More and more people are using balustrades as a way of refreshing their staircase for the better, which is something we are happy to help out with here at Abbott-Wade! We have installed a huge variety of spindles (wooden balustrades) that differ in colour, shape and size. Often these are an exact replica of the perfect design you have in mind.

Come to us with your staircase ideas, and more often than not we will be able to put them into action.

A simple lick of paint can do the trick

Sometimes the complete renovation of your staircase can be scaled back even further, and just a simple paint job can work wonders in turning your staircase into one that is both practical and trendy.

Of course, this only applies if you own a wooden staircase and think a new colourway well help enhance the look of your home once more. Perhaps you have recently got your walls painted and feel like the staircase doesn’t complement them. Or the condition of the existing paint is deteriorating, and chips are starting to show. Regardless of your situation, getting the paintbrush out can reinvigorate your staircase and bring it back to its former glory.

There are many staircase design ideas available on the Abbott-Wade website to help get the ball rolling on a colour that could work for you!

Contact us

For more contemporary staircase ideas, please check out the rest of our website. Or if you already have your ideal staircase in mind, our team would love to work with you towards making it a reality!

For an initial consultation, be sure to give us a call on 01744 634 442 or fill out our online form with any detailed enquiries you may have, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Let’s face it, we have all spent some time in our lives eyeing up our staircase and thinking about how we can improve its look. Perhaps it has grown outdated and could do with a makeover to bring it up to modern trends? Or maybe you are the type of person that likes to keep your interior décor fresh and want to give your staircase a whole new vibe.

The staircase is a pivotal part of a multi-storey home, guaranteed to be used, all day, every day! This is why more than most other parts of the home, it is subject to scrutiny not just from the homeowners themselves, but from visitors that are often met with the sight of the staircase as soon as they enter your home.

You will be glad to know that at Abbott-Wade, the staircase specialists, we are on hand to provide you with a plethora of staircase ideas that may be the final piece of the jigsaw you need to create an interior that you are happy with.

Over our many years as a company, we have seen staircase design ideas change drastically over time, with many different trends arriving (and leaving just as quickly!) in just the 21^st century alone. There are, of course, some staircases that will prove to be timeless, and will work in a modern-day home just as much as it did 20 years ago. But one thing is for sure, staircase designs are certainly not a “one size fits all” field, and there are many finishes that suit the tastes of homeowners all over the world.

As a result, we thought we would give you a comprehensive guide to all of the staircase design ideas that could perfectly fit the look you are trying to achieve.

Modern Staircase Ideas

There is no time like the present, and here at Abbott-Wade, we understand that modern trends are always changing. But luckily, there’s nothing we haven’t seen over our many years of business. With this knowledge, we are able to spot what is popular in the here and now. We can then present these staircase ideas for you to potentially incorporate in your own home. Or, if you have a creative mind, you can put your own spin on these modern staircase ideas, so they suit your theme perfectly.

We have compiled some of our favourite modern staircase ideas for some inspiration if you feel like a home makeover is on the cards.

Glass Staircase Ideas

Glass staircases have become increasingly popular over the years, and it is easy to see why! Their ability to provide your home with a gush of natural lighting has made them a go-to option when it comes to staircases. The proof is in the pudding, as many of our recent customers have enquired about implementing a glass staircase in their own home, as this trendy staircase design seems set to stay for the foreseeable.

This elegant design is versatile too, as it can be complemented by both solid wood and steel, creating a look that is personal to your tastes and makes your home immediately stand out from the rest.

Be sure to come and check out some of our finest glass staircase ideas for yourself!

Wooden Staircase Ideas

If you are looking for a traditional design that is still right on trend, then a wooden staircase could be the showstopping finish you need to adorn your hallway with a look you can be proud of. Wood staircases have many benefits, including being a versatile option that allows you to leave your mark of personality on the home, giving it a large chance of complementing the walls and furniture around it, giving your house a theme you can be comfortable with.

If you want to find out more information about how you can let your imagination run wild with a wooden staircase design, be sure to visit our dedicated blog post that highlights how you can use a wooden staircase to transform the appeal of your building.

Creative Staircase Ideas

Let’s be honest, if you’ve been living in the same property for a while now, you’ve probably thought about ways in which you can alter the look of your staircase to something that looks more modern, or even something that has an added practical element. After all, why should a staircase just be a staircase? If logistics or convenience state otherwise, then the ability to turn your staircase into something fresh is a huge benefit.

Here at Abbott-Wade, we have listed some ways in which you can transform the function of your staircase so it does more than just take you from one floor to another. Or how you can strip it back so you can focus on other, more spacious aspects of your home without your staircase becoming a hindering factor. Check out our blog on creative staircase ideas now to find out more.

After a year ruined by COVID-19, Christmas is sure to provide some light relief, right? One less stress you can count on is the busy shops full of Christmas shoppers that have left it to the last minute! With more of an emphasis than ever on staying indoors, it may be wise to think about different ways you can decorate your home in preparation for the big day.

So, as the staircase experts at Abbott-Wade, we thought we would give you some inspiration when it comes to decorating your glass or wooden staircase so you know where to start when it comes to kitting it out in the very best in festive decorations.

Decorating the handrail

One way of effectively decorating your staircase for Christmas is to hang cute decorations over the handrails, to help your staircase become firmly part of the festive fun this year. You will be reminded of the happy Christmas experience every time you walk up and down them, and who wouldn’t want that? You can also intertwine garland and LED lights around the handrail to help them stand out amongst the Christmas colour that already exists in your home.

For many, the staircase is at the centre of all goings on in the household, so giving it a pop of light will only enhance its position as the stand out attraction in the home.

Decorating the spindles

Take advantage of the structure of your spindles when decorating your staircase ready for Christmas, as there are some clever ways in which you can utilise them to give your home a pure festive feel. Spindles in a wooden staircase design are a popular choice to hang decorative stockings from to emphasise the feeling of giving and receiving at this time of year. We recommend that you don’t fill these stockings with any heavy items, as the strain placed on the spindles can result in long-lasting damage that outlasts the Christmas period!

Staircase spindles are also a great place to hang a wreath if you want to avoid the dominance of greenery that a garland achieves, a wreath here can still give you the Christmas vibes that you are looking for without overwhelming the look of your staircase, allowing its natural beauty to shine through.

What about glass staircases?

If you own a glass staircase and don’t have spindles, don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about you! Although you won’t be able to hang decorations from your glass balustrade as easy as you would with spindles, there are still some great ways that you can kit out your staircase ready for the festive season.

Use the glass to your advantage and stick some Christmas drawings or crafts from your young ones to impress visitors and to get the whole family involved during this time of love and affection for those closest to you. Utilise cotton to make a winter wonderland running up your stairs that can easily be placed over your balustrade. Make sure that you use some winter animals to add to the festive feelings throughout the home. Polar bears, reindeers or even Santa himself could make an appearance, the choice is yours!

Contact us

Christmas is almost upon us, and if you would like a staircase renovation in time for the new year, then be sure to get in touch with the expert team at Abbott-Wade today. We can arrange a video call consultation to talk through your requirements, as we look to adapt to the current COVID-19 guidelines.

If you would like to contact us directly, make sure you give us a call on 01744 634 422 or fill out our online form. We will respond as soon as we can to any enquiries you may have.

In the last 20-30 years, the world has changed so much to a point where it has become unrecognisable from where it was in the 1980s-90s. Nowadays, we don’t even have to enter our bank pin number anymore, and can talk to our home to turn off the lights or TV with ease. So you’d think with this level of convenience already at our fingertips, we’d have all resorted to standing or sitting on a platform instead of actually climbing stairs using our legs, right?

Wrong. The invention of elevators has been a great way of elevating those who have mobility problems in a safe manner, but a glorious staircase still has a special place in our heart.

Here at Abbott-Wade, we decided to try and figure out why…

If it ain’t broke…

Staircases have been around for literally thousands of years, so what is the point of going through the hassle of fundamentally changing them now? Of course, elevators have become a revolutionary invention for both convenience and to assist those that struggle with mobility, but a staircase has always been a viable option of getting from A to B.

The sheer heritage of the staircase should prove to be the perfect reason as to why they have been around for so long, are the option of the present and are sure to stay with us in the future.

A simple option

When you think about staircases in their most basic form, they are just steps that are built to lead you to an elevated destination. That’s it. No frills, no mechanisms, no moving parts. This is why they were designed in 470-480BC; do you think they had stairlifts back then?

The simplicity of staircases means that they can be implemented anywhere, and used by almost anyone, and, let’s face it, why should we delve into anything too complicated when we have something so simple right in front of us?

Customise them as you wish

The function of a staircase may be a fairly simple (and essential) one, but this shouldn’t stop you from stamping your creative inspiration on this piece of furniture. Of course, in some settings, it may make more sense to opt for a plain concrete wall surrounding your stairs in less glamorous areas. But, if you are afforded the luxury of customisation, then why not use it to your advantage.

Be sure to browse through our wide variety of staircase designs for homes amongst other facilities to find a type of staircase that perfectly suits your vision.

All shapes and sizes

One of the main features of a staircase that maintains its vital function in today’s society is its versatility. How many times have you walked up a small staircase to reach someone’s front door? Or a winding staircase that has got you to where you need to be? Staircases are a great way of saving space, with their existing design likely to have this in mind. So any staircase remodels that are performed nowadays usually consider this and use it to their advantage.

If you have an awkward space that would benefit from a bespoke staircase, then Abbott-Wade is on hand to help with our wealth of experience and expertise in the area.

Get in touch

Has this blog post reignited your love of staircases? Do you have the motivation to give your wooden staircase a new lease of life? If so, we would love to hear from you at Abbott-Wade.

To contact one of our team today, give us a call on 01744 634 442 or fill out our online enquiry form for an informed response.

Ok, so when you picture a staircase – either in your home or office building, we are sure it will have a balustrade (or two!). These are often a fixture in staircases that have one side or both, that is not supported by a wall. It’s easy to get creative with balustrades and, as a result, many property owners look to incorporate them into the design of the building as a whole!

So, whether you have a traditional staircase or one that is more contemporary, let us tell you why a balustrade is a crucial component you may need to think about…

What is a balustrade?

A balustrade system provides a safety barrier and also gives you a handrail to grasp so you can keep your balance when ascending or descending a flight of stairs.

The actual balustrade is the name that is given to the “legs” that supports the handrail, usually, equal distance apart and in a row. This provides a barrier between the staircase and the floor below, which could potentially be a long way down! They have to be sturdy to survive any impact that is put on them, whilst also making sure that the handrails are held securely.

It is important to measure your balustrade correctly, so you know exactly what length is needed to provide a snug fit between the handrail and beam. A balustrade that is too long will not fit, and one that is too short will prove a serious safety risk for your stairs and could see it fail to meet building regulations.

Do all staircases need a balustrade?

Most staircases are built against a wall, and will therefore need one balustrade for safety reasons, on the side that isn’t supported by the wall itself. As this is usually facing the rest of the floor, many decide to make the balustrades look as stylish as possible and choose a design that will fit in with the rest of their home.

However, it is worth noting, that some staircases may need no balustrade system at all, but this is normally seen in long staircases in commercial or industrial buildings. Have you ever walked up a never-ending flight of stairs in a car park or hotel if the lift isn’t working? There will be no balustrades here, they are usually built into the concrete around them.

Types of balustrade

To fit with the finish of your staircase, you may want to think about what kind of balustrade would suit you best. For example, do you opt for an oak balustrade that you can paint to complement your painted staircase? Or would you like a creative pattern to perfectly pair your steel staircase? Whatever your preference, we are sure there is a balustrade for you!

Contact us

Do you feel like you could benefit from a new balustrade? Or are you looking for a whole new staircase all together as part of a staircase renovation? If you are inquisitive about what a new staircase may have to offer, then the experts at Abbott-Wade can help today!

To get in touch with one of our team, give us a call on 01744 634 442 and we will gladly listen to your enquiry, or request a brochure to find out more about the service we provide.

You can also fill out our online form with any detailed questions you have, and we will be sure to get back to you as soon as possible.

Handrails are a crucial part of a staircase. A staircase that is without a handrail is deemed highly unsafe for use, and quite simply will not function as it should. Now, we know you might be deep in the process of looking at a new staircase for your home, but have you considered your handrails yet? If not, now may be a perfect time, so you can become familiar with all the different kinds of handrails out there, there is quite a lot you know!

So let’s take a look at some of the different kinds of stair handrail you can implement into your home, shall we?

Handrail materials

Handrails can benefit from a variety of finishes, which are usually the same materials that the bulk of your staircase are built around. Wood or metal handrails are popular, and almost always complement the main material of your staircase. This allows for a consistent theme to be had throughout the design.

Whatever material you decide on, you can rest assured it will be durable and made to last. It is likely that your handrails will be gripped every time someone takes the stairs, to go up or down, so they will need to withstand the force that is placed upon them. There is no outright material that is more durable than the other, so whether you choose an oak staircase or any other material, you should do so based on how it looks as opposed to how sturdy it is.

Handrail styles

There are many styles of handrails and are usually the way designers insert a little creativity into a staircase. Most people tend to opt for a standard pattern on their treads, and then switch up the design on their handrail. This could be a quirky shape or design at the base of the staircase or curvature of the handrail that follows the incline of the stairs themselves.

The choice is entirely yours, whether you are looking at building a new staircase from scratch or are looking for a staircase renovation. You could look towards a straight handrail, a curved one, or even a design that incorporates the two!

Types of handrail

Now that you’ve decided on how you want your handrail to look, now is the time to decide if you would like a wall-mounted handrail or not. These are arguably the safer option, especially if you have young children, as these will always be in easy reach. However, it is worth noting that this extra handrail will cost more.

The wall-mounted handrail has increased in popularity over the years and can easily be integrated into the design of your home, and indeed your staircase! Whether you are looking for a natural wooden look, or a clean metal handrail to go with your steel staircase, a wall-mounted handrail will have you covered! The chosen material or colour can complement or contrast with the ball behind it seamlessly, leading to it becoming just as much as an aesthetic option than a practical one!

Contact us

The staircase experts at Abbott-Wade are on hand to answer any questions or enquiries you have as soon as possible. We have nearly 25 years of experience in the business, specialising in bespoke staircases and have won multiple national awards.

If you would like to get in touch with one of the team, then you can contact us today. Simply give us a call on 01744 634 442 or fill out our online enquiry form and we will try and respond as soon as we can.