Modern staircases: 8 ways to make an impact

Whether you live in a period or contemporary home, a striking staircase will hit all the right notes

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Modern staircases suit all types of homes. A floating glass staircase can look great in a tradtional stone-built farmhouse, while a set of grand curved stairs can add wow factor to a sleek new-build. Either way, it's time to let your stairs do the talking....

In this classic farmhouse, oak open-tread stairs reference the age of the building and add a mellow feel, while a simple metal banister and balustrades keep the look clean and pared-back.

wooden staircase with white wall

(Image credit: TBC)

A sleek glass-and-wood look suits a modern home too, seen here in this staircase by Bisca. A bold shot of colour, like these striking orange pendants and wall treatment, will lift the look.

floating staircase with wooden staircase and grey flooring

(Image credit: TBC)

Contemporary staircases also work well when paired with exposed brick. Here a glass balustrade enhances the look, showing off the brickwork rather than competing with it. A striped runner from Roger Oates adds a touch of warmth.

exposed brick walls and staircase

(Image credit: TBC)

At the other end of the scale, this curved staircase is a statement piece in its own right. The combination of dark treads and a metal banister injects monochrome chic into this grown-up scheme.

curved staircase with glass window

(Image credit: TBC)

A modern staircase can be a great portal for rich colours too. In this case, a white painted staircase is layered with dark wood and topped with a deep plum runner to create a beautifully textured look. The treads are complemented by a simple border running around the floor's edge.

plain glass staircase and wooden table

(Image credit: TBC)

A combination of different glass also creates a contemporary look. Here, clear glass combined with frosted produces a sleek result with a touch of warmth. Metal helps to add texture.

modern ocean blue colour glass staircase

(Image credit: TBC)

Even a traditional, narrow staircase can benefit from a modern touch by paring the look back. This staircase has been stripped of the usual balustrades and painted white. A vibrant runner adds an instant update.

striped roger oates runner on stair

(Image credit: TBC)

A rustic approach bridges the gap between contemporary and traditional. In this case, a light, untreated oak carries through from the flooring to the treads, while glass adds a modern touch. Combined with simple bulb pendants, it creates an up-to-the-minute but soft look.

wooden staircase with wooden flooring

(Image credit: TBC)

Like these ideas? Find more decorating tips at 25 Beautiful Homes.

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Holly Walsh
Holly Walsh
Contributor

Holly Walsh is a freelance Interiors Writer and Shopping Editor, but worked in-house here at Ideal Home for nearly 10 years. With a background of studies in Interior Design, her career in interior journalism was a no-brainer and her passion for decorating homes is still as strong now 15 years after she started, as it ever was. While Holly has written for most of the home titles at Future, including Livingetc, Country Homes & Interiors, Homes and Gardens, Woman & Home and Style at Home, Ideal Home has always been her ideal home, and she can still be found sharing her expertise and advice across both the printed magazine and the website, while also raising her two young children.

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