Stair design trends for 2017

Minimalism: The general feeling for 2017 is that in the field of interior design, less is more. At the moment there seems to be a move away from ornate stair balustrades to sleeker, simpler shapes that reflect a growing desire to de-clutter and maximise space in the home. Although turned spindles and newels are still popular, we have seen a rise in requests for minimal, clean-cut lines such as stop-chamfered and square designs.

Glass: Glazed balustrades are becoming more and more sought-after as people seek to maximise the feeling of space and light in what are nowadays often cramped surroundings. While glass is most often found in contemporary homes, it can also be used in more traditional interiors to give a modern twist and increase the flow of natural light. And if you really want to out-do the neighbours, you can even get glass treads and risers as well.

Mixing materials: Another increasingly popular trend, known as fusion, is to use more than one type of material to create an individual look. Wood is generally the best option for handrails, as it is comfortable to grip. However, there is much more choice when it comes to the balustrade infill. Glass panels are available in a wide choice of sizes, and can be used with metal or timber fittings for a stylish effect. You can also experiment with spindles made from wood, metal, or a combination of the two.  

Metal spindles have made something of a comeback recently, due largely to modern production techniques which have lowered costs and increased the choice of designs available. Most spindles are manufactured from mild steel shaped to resemble wrought iron, which is lightweight and rust-resistant. Many styles, both modern and traditional, are on the market. What's more, you don’t have to stick to just one design. Alternating two or three different styles of spindle to create your own pattern is an ideal way to personalise your staircase.

Curves: As stair manufacturing technology has continued to evolve, the demand for curved staircases has been steadily increasing. These stairs require a fair amount of space but can make a stunning focal point, and will not easily go out of date. If your property is big enough, you can create a real wow factor for the hallway – and they are suitable for both modern and traditional settings. 

At Pear Stairs we have been making curved staircases for 20 years, and our craftsmen are continuing to lead the way in modern production techniques and design. These stairs are all made to order, so feel free to chat to our team on 01938 553311 about your ideas and requirements.

We manufacture the majority of our curved staircases in American white oak, but can also make them in a variety of other timbers including ash, European oak, American black walnut, sapele, European redwood and many more.