Elements of a Well Designed Curved Staircase

When you see a curved staircase that appears to have an elegant flow and breathtaking presence, I can guarantee you that didn't happen by chance. The elements of a well designed curved staircase are contained in a number of mathematical principles that a good stair designer must adhere to.

Unlike a standard staircase where all the tread noses are parallel within each stair section, a curved staircase is at least partially designed with a number of "pie shaped" treads, with the tread noses running toward a common center point. The combination of "pie shaped" treads and standard treads within the same staircase will change the angle at which the stair ascends, and these angle changes can destroy the flow and overall appearance of the curved staircase. The design and attitude of the stair treads will dictate the final appearance of the stair's handrail system positively or negatively. Just because a curved stair appears to "flow" on a plan-view drawing does NOT mean it will look good in the third dimension.

The true keys to curved stair design are allowing for enough room for a proper design, then developing a design with geometrical consistency which will result in those fantastic 3D lines that become the soul of the home's interior.