How to Make the Most Out of Your Staircase
To many people, the stairs in their homes serve a utility and really nothing more. They are much like chairs in that way. The stairs are there for a singular purpose and that’s all there is to it. This is really too bad, though, as stairs can do so much more. If you’re thinking about installing a new flight of stairs in your home or are currently building a house and thinking about your options, consider the following.
A Spot for Storage
The one thing that almost all homeowners wish they had more of is storage. No matter how big your home is, you’re probably the same way. One great way to make sure you get some more storage inside your house is by ensuring the staircase doesn’t take up more room than it needs.
Most people are familiar with staircases that are hollowed out, creating a sort of closet accessible by a simple door. You can also pick stairs that either have steps connected directly to the wall or otherwise have empty space beneath them. This gives you much more room for storage as well.
The Perfect Display Case
We all have things we’d like to prominently display in our homes. It might be family pictures, trophies, artwork, books, etc. You can make sure that these important items get the attention they deserve by building in a bookshelf next to one of your staircases.
Not only does this serve the dual purpose of giving you more storage space, once again, but it also provides a prominent place to show off photos, art, etc.
Add Some Color
Whoever said staircases had to be so boring? Most are either a natural wood color or covered in carpet. Now, to be clear, there are times when that makes complete sense, but it should hardly be the only option we allow ourselves.
Consider the fun you could have with painting your stairs. You could keep the wood, but simply mix up the color a bit. You can also choose a radically different color of carpet. There are even some staircases where slate is used so that, in front of each step, kids have an opportunity to write out a message or draw fun pictures.
Let There Be Light
Walking down stairs in the dark can sometimes be a bit foreboding. After all, even if it’s just a few steps, one wrong move and you could get hurt.
This is why so many homeowners have begun installing LED lights into the wall just above each step. Not only do they help you see where you’re placing your foot next, but they’re also easy on the eyes when you’re not yet ready for overhead lights.
There are countless ways you can use your home’s staircase for something more than just a way of getting from one floor to the next. Even if your staircase is already installed and you have no plans for replacing it, adding a splash of color, carpeting it or even adding lights will give it an even greater function for your home.