Stair Styles for the Arts and Crafts Style Home

Arts and Crafts styles have had resurgence in recent years. The Green movement of today emulates many of the same principles of the Arts and Crafts movement of 1900. The simple and modest style, in form, function and efficiency appeals to many in our modern society. When it comes to stair selections for your Arts and Crafts home, here are some of the basics you should know, and a few extras.

Historically, an Arts and Crafts style stair was oak, stained, and often stained very dark. Today we want lighter and airier interiors; therefore oak is often being mixed with painted wood. It is not uncommon in Art and Crafts homes today to use cherry and maple. Rails were very simple as were the newels.

Today decorators are choosing a molded rail and newels with decorative trim applied to add interest and sophistication. Balusters are most often square. Adding interest to your balustrade can be done through one of these designs:

• Use small balusters and tighten up the spacing so they are very close together
• Put the balusters in groups of 2 or 3 leaving a larger space between each group
• Put a horizontal cross bar connecting two balusters

Whether you are leaning toward the country charm of Craftsman style, or toward the sophistication of the nearly modern appeal of its later sister — Mission style, it is no wonder why this flexible and comfortable style is popular today. Find More Arts and Crafts Styles ….