There’s something fascinating about how an open staircase can completely transform the mood of your home. The style you choose can make it look cozy and rustic—or sleek and futuristic. Whether you’re planning to build a new one or thinking of opening up a staircase, understanding the types and styles of open staircases helps you find the perfect match for your space.
Let’s explore all the different types and the creative open staircase ideas that can make your home feel more open, stylish, and inviting.
1. The Classic Open Riser Staircase
The open riser staircase is the design that started it all. It’s the most recognizable form of an open staircase, with visible gaps between the steps. Instead of blocking light, those gaps allow sunlight to pass through, creating a bright, airy feeling.
In homes with a modern or minimalist design, an open riser staircase can look almost like a floating sculpture. It’s beautiful, functional, and elegant. You’ll often see it paired with a glass open staircase banister or thin metal rods to keep things sleek and open.
A fun variation is the wood open staircase version of this style. It blends natural warmth with contemporary architecture. Whether you use oak, walnut, or maple, a wooden open staircase adds texture and personality to your home.
Pro Tip: If you’re worried about safety, you can install a safety gate for open staircase or opt for smaller gaps between the treads, especially if you have kids or pets.
2. The Open Tread Staircase
Another name often used for the open riser type is the open tread staircase. In this design, the treads are supported by stringers (side frames), but there are no risers. The result is a “see-through” effect that keeps your space light and airy.
If you’re looking for open tread staircase carpet ideas, you can add runners or mats on each step for safety and comfort. Carpeting also helps reduce sound, especially in multi-level homes.
An open tread staircase can be customized with materials like:
- Wood and glass, for a soft and modern feel
- Metal and wood, for an industrial look
- All wood, for traditional charm
You’ll find this style in both open staircase in living room and open staircase basement designs, since it works beautifully in nearly any setting.
3. The Floating Open Staircase
The floating open staircase—often referred to as a cantilever staircase—is one of the most jaw-dropping designs out there. It looks like the steps are “floating” in midair, with no visible support underneath.
This style works perfectly if you want your stairs to double as an art piece. It fits perfectly in an open concept staircase layout, where minimalism and openness are the main goals.
Floating open staircases are usually built with strong steel frames hidden within the wall for support, while the treads—often wood or glass—extend outward as if they’re defying gravity. Add a glass open staircase railing and the illusion becomes even stronger.
If you love futuristic designs and clean lines, this one’s for you.
4. The Half Open Staircase
If you want a touch of openness but still prefer a bit of structure, a half open staircase is a great middle ground.
In a half open staircase, one side of the staircase might be open with a railing, while the other side is closed off with a wall. This design adds an element of coziness while still letting light flow through.
You’ll find plenty of half open staircase ideas that mix materials—like wood and metal or wood and glass—to create beautiful contrasts. Some homeowners also use creative wall treatments or lighting along the closed side to highlight the stairs’ shape.
This design works especially well in smaller spaces, like when you’re creating an open staircase to basement. It provides structure and safety while still maintaining the open feel.
5. The Spiral Open Staircase
A spiral open staircase adds a playful twist—literally. It winds upward in a graceful curve, saving space while making a strong visual statement. This type of open staircase design is often seen in lofts, apartments, or compact homes.
Because spiral stairs are vertical and compact, they fit perfectly in corners or tight areas. You can make them from wood, metal, or even glass, depending on your style.
In a wood open staircase spiral version, the natural texture brings warmth to what could otherwise feel industrial. Add a metal open staircase handrail, and you’ve got a design that’s both sturdy and stunning.
6. The Open Staircase with Central Stringer
Some homeowners love balance—between open and solid, light and sturdy. That’s exactly what the open staircase with central stringer provides. The central stringer is the beam that runs down the middle under the treads, supporting them while keeping the look open and modern.
This design gives you strength without clutter. The space underneath the stairs remains visible, which is perfect for small homes or open staircase in living room designs where you don’t want anything blocking your view.
You can even pair it with an open staircase wall decorated with plants or artwork for an extra dose of style.
7. The Zigzag or Folded Plate Open Staircase
For homeowners who love geometry and artistic flair, the zigzag open staircase (also called folded plate stairs) is an eye-catching option. The treads and risers form continuous zigzag patterns that look sharp and modern.
This style works perfectly in minimal homes, especially when paired with sleek open staircase railing ideas like thin metal cables or transparent glass. It’s also ideal for spaces where you want your staircase to be a centerpiece rather than just a passageway.
If you’ve been thinking of opening up a staircase wall, pairing it with this design can make the entire structure feel like a modern sculpture.
8. The Double Stringer Open Staircase
In the double stringer open staircase, the two side beams support the treads, leaving the middle open. It’s one of the most stable designs and gives you plenty of freedom to experiment with open staircase railings.
This design works perfectly if you’re looking for something versatile—whether for a basement open staircase, a living room staircase, or even an outdoor connection between decks.
You can also explore closed vs open stringer staircase options to decide what suits your home better. Closed stringers hide the treads, while open stringers reveal the shape and pattern, adding architectural charm.
9. The Open Staircase for Basements
An open staircase to basement design can be a total game changer. Traditional basements are dark and hidden, but an open basement staircase makes them feel like part of the main home.
You can enhance your design by exploring open staircase to basement ideas, like:
- Adding glass panels on the sides
- Using LED lights under each tread
- Mixing wood and metal for a stylish look
- Including a safety gate for open staircase if you have little ones
You’ll notice in photos of open staircase to basement how this design invites natural light and makes the area below more welcoming. Even better, it visually expands your living space.
If you’re planning a remodel, opening staircase to basement is one of the best ways to upgrade your home without a major rebuild.
10. The Partially Open Staircase
A partially open staircase or partial open staircase sits between fully open and fully closed designs. Only part of the stairs—like the upper half or certain sides—remains open. This approach keeps a sense of openness while maintaining privacy and structure.
It’s perfect for homes that want light to flow without completely exposing every level. Pair it with a wooden banister or glass open staircase railing, and you’ll have a look that’s both modern and timeless.
This design is also ideal for homes where opening up staircase completely might not be possible due to structural walls. You can still achieve a similar airy effect with partial openness.
11. The Open Wood Staircase
A wood open staircase brings warmth, comfort, and natural beauty into your home. Wood is one of the most versatile materials—you can stain it light for a Scandinavian feel or dark for a rich, traditional look.
Many homeowners love mixing wooden open staircase designs with modern features like metal balusters or glass railings. It’s the perfect balance of old and new.
You can even highlight the open staircase wall with framed artwork or hanging plants to complement the organic texture of the wood. When paired with an open staircase banister or sleek handrail, it feels both grounded and graceful.
12. The Metal or Glass Open Staircase
If you’re drawn to modern or industrial design, metal or glass open staircases might be your best bet.
- A metal open staircase offers strength and sharp lines, perfect for urban lofts or contemporary homes.
- A glass open staircase maximizes light and gives an almost invisible appearance, perfect for luxury interiors.
Pair either with a wood open staircase tread for warmth, and you’ll have a balanced, striking centerpiece. These materials also work beautifully in open concept staircase layouts where every line and reflection adds to the visual flow.
13. The Hybrid Open Staircase
Sometimes the best designs come from mixing things up. A hybrid open staircase combines multiple styles—like a half open staircase paired with open treads, or a wooden open staircase with a metal open staircase railing.
This type of design lets you express creativity. It’s perfect if you want your staircase to feel like an extension of your personality and your home’s story.
14. Choosing the Right Style for Your Home
Selecting the perfect open staircase design depends on your space, lifestyle, and aesthetic. Here’s a quick guide:
- For small homes, try a spiral open staircase or open staircase with central stringer to save space.
- For modern homes, go with floating open staircases or zigzag styles.
- For family homes, consider a half open staircase or partially open staircase with railings and safety gates.
- For basements, an open staircase to basement brightens up the entire lower level.
No matter your choice, remember that an open staircase is more than just a way to move between floors—it’s a design statement that shapes how your entire home feels.
15. Bringing It All Together
Each open staircase style offers something unique—light, space, beauty, and emotion. From open tread staircases that feel modern and airy to wooden open staircases that radiate warmth, there’s a style for every kind of home.
When you think about opening up a staircase wall or creating an open staircase in living room, you’re not just changing how your home looks—you’re changing how it feels. It becomes more open, more connected, more you.
