Spiral staircases for interiors and small helical stair cases for well-designed modern environments 

15 January 2025

About modern space we do not necessarily mean an environment animated by a style that rides the trends of the moment, but rather an interior managed in the best way in terms of functionality, optimization of the dimensions at the same time as excellent aesthetic performances.

In this perspective, circular staircase types, internal spiral stair cases and some helical shaped stairs are exactly the ideal solution for many occasions.

Among the internal types of stairs that you can inspire a circular or square spiral staircase, a space-saving spiral stair case of minimum size but also a helical staircase that represents a middle way stair design (spiral with open central pole) can help to create thanks to their characteristics spaces exploited at best with aesthetic results of great value, often contemporary style but not necessarily. 

Let’s see what makes the internal spiral stair cases so special.

Spiral staircase structures have unique features to make the most of depending on your space       

The internal spiral stair cases, even if what we will say is also valid for an outdoor spiral staircase, have some peculiarities, the same characteristics that make them attractive options on various occasions. 

The first feature of an indoor spiral stair solution is its compact vertical anatomical shape which obviously maximizes horizontal spaces compared to other indoor types of stairs: this concerns the verticality of a center column from which the steps that chase in a spiraliform game depart.

Unlike the spiral stair, a true helical structure does not include a central pole and is usually appreciated in size not certainly as a space saving staircase, in any case the course follows a different verticality compared to open stair cases, cantilevered stair cases and so on. We also have hybrid structures, which can be defined as a modern spiral-helical staircases, which have a kind of open central pole of different sizes.

The internal spiral stair cases, which can reach minimum dimensions, are chosen when there is a need to install a staircase in very limited spaces; there is also not only the circular plan option, but also the square staircase design: this staircase is often connected between floors as a space saving staircase, it’s even more able to optimize spaces since it fits perfectly in corner rooms, exploiting walls and facilitating the ups and downs with wider footfalls.

Therefore, verticality and optimisation of the horizontal footprint, combined with the ability of an indoor spiral stair case to perform its function in small spaces, with irregular shapes or otherwise not exploitable make these types of stairs effective and efficient. But not only!

In addition to this practical functional discourse, often internal modern spiral staircase ideas become almost decorating ideas within an interior design curated project: the spiral structure and also the helical structure can transform a beautiful staircase into a design object, whether it is spiral staircase made in high quality wood or, a glass stair design, bare or coated iron custom spiral stair case, a forged iron spiral stair, an highly durable steel or painted steel circular staircase and so on.          

Start building your perfect stair solution for indoor (and outdoor): how to combine style and design

The modern interior stair cases, as we said, aim to simultaneously manage functional and “eye-catching”  aspects; in this sense curved staircase design can work best with this duality. The mere fact that spiral stairs are so versatile, in terms of placement but also customization – including inexpensive, pre-assembled and standard-sized spiral structures – increases the expressive potential of the installation which, together with a carefully decorated furniture to enhance the space to the maximum, can make unforgettable interiors.

Modern custom-made interior stair design options including internal spiral staircases, particularly impacting in that every detail, building materials, custom color or chromatic contrast is designed for that space, for a precise atmosphere and not another, how architects and interior designers teach. 

Stair parts as structure, central pylon in the case of the spiral staircase, stair treads and stair risers, railings and balustrades, even a simple handrail on your staircase, as a whole are an instrument of vertical connection but also, as we have mentioned, a real design object, an investment.

The spiral staircase, as well as an external spiral stairs, has a special charm: the iconic shape that characterizes the compact spiral staircase structures and the helical stair cases are able to satisfy many different needs starting from the sinuosity of the anatomical lines that catalyze the gaze, making a visual interest; a certain dynamism of these types of spiral shaped stairs is immediately visible and is part of the characteristics that make them more interesting compared to straight stairs.

This dynamism also works well in the case of a square plan staircase design, which obviously makes the curved stairs a little more geometric and rigid than the one with a round plan, but not so much as to affect the final effect typical of spiral stair cases.

Such indoor  staircase ideas, internal space saving staircases with a round or square plan which use the minimum space required, are clearly not designed for mass ups and downs or for moving but they meet safely the most varied connection requirements, for example an access to a loft, with style and character. All this must be done according to local building regulations, whether it’s residential or commercial buildings, private or public interior design projects.

Spiral stairs and helical shaped stairs for indoor use: the highlights

The internal spiral stair cases can be considered alternatively as solutions purely space saving but also as focal points of an interior, more often now as a mix between the two things, and this is precisely the point, design and functionality in the same installation that becomes the most current size of these indoor spiral shaped stairs. Having said that, what aspects need to be considered in order to make the right choice?

• shape and size of the spaces at your disposal
• exact location of the spiral staircase or helical staircase and therefore whether a square spiral or a classical round structure is better
• building materials – high quality materials- mainly used for internal spiral staircases and helical stair cases: wooden stairs (solid oak, beech wood  and many other), iron or stainless steel stair cases but also painted steel, spiral staircases with glass stair treads

The interior spaces of a house, office etc. are the first question to be addressed: whether you do not want to cut a room in half by losing much habitable space with open staircase ideas, or that the space you have is really small and even impractical, surely a spiral staircase is for you. 

If the space is larger you can also make a choice between very interesting helical curved stairs  that do not involve the same use of square meters as ramp straight stairs.

If we refer to a space-saving spiral, the regulation directs you on minimum dimensions, but also reflect well on convenience of use and amount of intended use and, why not, if the spiral stair will be walked by children, elderly people and so on saying: the more contained the spiral staircase the narrower the passage is the more the riser could be a little less comfortable than usual. 

The internal spiral staircases can be placed in various points, in angular spaces but also in central positions, depending on accurate assessments also static and not only aesthetic preference,whether it’s a hallway or a living room; the circular plan makes possible really extreme dimensions, while the square shape requires a larger space, but in case of angular positions this solution is the best to not waste even one centimeter.

Talking about materials and combinations, visually and as an integration into the environment more traditional or more innovative, it is not necessary to be interior designers to notice that it is very different a curved staircase in wood, with stair treads and other stair parts as an handrail in solid beech or varnished oak wood for interiors, compared to a square one in natural iron or steel painted white, black or silver gray with a steel cable railing. 

Wooden stairs or stairs using solid wood or plywood (for more economical stair cases) for stair treads and closed or open risers are still among the favorites and optional also among the series stairs, but limit the customization of details and finishes. Spiral or helical stairs are often made in solid oak wood, beech wood as we said and other essences with a wide selection of chromatic results but, regardless of this, they make the whole structure modern for example through curved glass balustrades or contrasting stainless steel details.

For a contemporary or industrial style, sometimes the internal spiral stairs in natural metal, without necessarily covered steps for stairs, are perfect; from prefabricated types to fully custom structures there is a lot of variety.

The aesthetic appearance – and the impact on interior design – of a spiral or hybrid staircase is very different if one chooses, for example, a natural iron staircase, a treated iron like corten, polished stainless steel, white or black painted metal; also in this case the details make a difference, such as railings and handrails, light design… and we have not even mentioned the use of wrought iron which involves a totally different style!

Finally (we will not list here all the possibilities but only the most frequent ones) another material very used nowadays is glass: even if we do not speak of stairs completely in structural glass but of coatings for treads of a spiral staircase, the scenic effect of this material is special because it emits a sense of lightness, brightness and above all extremely modern.

In principle, in one variant or another, internal helical stair cases and more compact spiral staircases are increasingly being favoured by private individuals and architectural firms, in addition to floating stairs: they both enjoy simple design but very powerful visual results.          

Discover the spiral stair cases by Officine Sandrini

If you are looking for the distinctive element to give a unique design touch to your spaces, spiral stair cases could be perfect for you: with their irresistible warmth and irrefutable functionality, these installations represent the essence of modern elegance.

Discover exclusive models among Officine Sandrini spiral stair cases: fill in the following form to receive our new brochure free of charge. Become the protagonist of an amazing and inspiring space, tailored and uncompromising!