Trends in staircase design ebb and flow. The staircase is considered a central architectural feature in home design. Whether renovating your space or building a new home, choosing the right staircase design can transform your home’s look and feel. From sleek and modern styles to timeless and traditional designs, there’s a staircase trend for every taste and budget.
Modern Trends in Staircase Design: Sleek and Minimalist

A trending staircase design is a modern, minimalist approach. Clean lines, open spaces, and contemporary materials define these staircases. Here are some key features of modern staircase designs:
- Floating Staircases: Floating staircases are a striking feature of modern design. These staircases appear to “float” without visible supports, creating a sleek and airy look. They are often paired with glass railings or minimalist metal handrails to enhance their contemporary appeal.
- Glass Railings: Glass is increasingly used in staircase railings to provide unobstructed views and create a sense of openness. Whether framed in metal or integrated into floating stairs, glass railings, also known as glass balustrades, make the space lighter and more expansive.
- Open Treads: Open tread staircases are another modern design feature without fully enclosed steps. This style gives a sense of openness, making the staircase appear less bulky and allowing light to flow through the space.
- Bold Materials: Modern staircases often incorporate innovative materials like cable, metal, glass, concrete, and wood innovatively. Combining these materials can create a striking visual contrast and give the stairs a contemporary edge.
Traditional Staircase Designs: Classic Elegance
Traditional staircase designs remain popular for those who prefer a more classic, timeless aesthetic. These staircases exude warmth, charm, and elegance and can be tailored to formal and informal spaces. Key elements of traditional staircase designs include:

- Wooden Staircases: Wood has been a staple of staircase design for centuries. Traditional wooden staircases, especially those made from hardwoods like oak, cherry, or maple, provide a rich, elegant look. Natural wood grain adds depth, texture, and warmth, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
- Intricate Railings: Traditional staircases often feature elaborate wooden or wrought-iron railings with detailed carvings or scrollwork. These railings can become a focal point of the stairs, adding a touch of sophistication and craftsmanship.
- Curved Designs: For those who want a more dramatic flair, curved staircases are a beautiful addition to any home. These staircases have a timeless elegance and, given new design techniques, can be customized to fit various design preferences, whether part of a grand entryway or a cozy corner of the house.
- Classic Balusters: Balusters are a key component of traditional staircases. These vertical posts provide structural support to the railing while adding ornamental detail. Whether simple or ornate, balusters enhance the overall design of the stairs.
Transitional and Hybrid Trends in Staircase Design: The Best of Both Worlds
A transitional staircase design might be the perfect solution if you’re unsure whether to go modern or traditional. Transitional designs blend the best elements of both styles, creating a timeless and contemporary staircase. For example:
- Mixed Materials: Combine wood and metal to create a sophisticated, balanced look. For example, wooden steps paired with metal railings can evoke the warmth of traditional design while incorporating the sleekness of modern aesthetics.
- Soft Curves and Straight Lines: A transitional staircase might combine straight, clean lines with smooth curves or subtle details, perfectly balancing modern minimalism and traditional elegance.
- Neutral Color Schemes: Neutral tones like grays, whites, and beiges are commonly used in transitional designs to create a calm, balanced aesthetic that complements modern and traditional elements.
Sustainable Modern Trends in Staircase Design
Sustainability has become a significant trend in home design in recent years, and staircases are no exception. Eco-friendly materials and practices are a trend in designing sustainable staircases. Sustainable wood options, recycled materials, and energy-efficient lighting are just a few ways to make your staircase stylish and eco-conscious.
Whether you’re drawn to the classic design of traditional staircases or the clean lines of modern design, today’s trends offer something for every style and preference. From floating stairs to intricate wooden railings, your staircase can be functional and beautiful, significantly impacting your project’s overall design. If you’re considering a staircase upgrade, don’t hesitate to explore the latest trends and let us help you.
At Artistic Stairs, we specialize in creating custom staircases and remodels.
Contact our stair specialists today to learn how to work together to elevate your space with a stunning staircase.