Winder Staircase or Staircase with a Landing: Which Should You Choose for Your Interior?

An indoor staircase is not only a functional element connecting two floors; it can also be a defining feature of your home's interior design. Choosing the right configuration directly affects everyday comfort as well as the overall aesthetics of your home.
One of the most common decisions when building or renovating is: should you choose a winder staircase or a staircase with a landing?

What Is a Winder Staircase?

A winder staircase is an ingenious design in which the change of direction is achieved through steps with a modified geometry rather than a flat landing. Unlike conventional rectangular steps, a winder staircase incorporates triangular or trapezoidal steps.
The precise positioning of these steps, often referred to as winder steps, allows the staircase to turn left, right or even make a complete 180-degree turn. This design makes the staircase more compact, requires less floor space and allows for maximum use of the available area. It is an excellent solution for detached houses where every square metre matters, as well as for duplex apartments.

Staircase with a Landing: The Classic Choice for Comfort

A landing within a staircase acts as a “mini vestibule” or resting area between two flights of steps. It allows users to pause during the ascent, significantly improving comfort and safety. This is particularly beneficial for older adults and young children.
A landing can be used to change the direction of the staircase by 90° with a square landing, or by 180° with a rectangular landing or two square landings. However, this type of staircase requires considerably more space and a larger stair opening. It is therefore not always suitable for compact interiors.

Comfort Comparison: Two Different Approaches

To make the right choice, it is important to compare the advantages of each configuration:
Winder Staircase:

• Space-saving: Ideal for areas where space is limited.
• Dynamic aesthetics: Creates a fluid and continuous visual line.
• Technical design: Requires careful planning. Comfort depends on the precise geometry of the winder steps, including their shape and depth, to ensure a comfortable ascent.
  Staircase with a Landing:
• Superior comfort: Ideal for frequent everyday use.
• Predictable rhythm: The flat landing provides a natural pause between flights, reducing fatigue.
• Space requirements: Best suited to spacious homes where floor area is not a major constraint.

How Many Steps Are Needed for the Turn? The Importance of Winder Step Design

When designing a winder staircase, the number and proportions of the steps within the turn are crucial.

• Too few steps: each step becomes very deep, making the staircase less natural and comfortable to use.
• Too many steps: the tread depth becomes too narrow on the inside of the turn, which can make the staircase unsafe.
  In general, three to four steps are used to create a smooth 90° turn. This helps maintain an effective balance between aesthetics and comfort. A well-designed winder staircase, with carefully calculated step geometry, can be almost as comfortable as a staircase with a landing while remaining significantly more compact.

Aesthetics and Style: What Impact Does Your Staircase Have on Your Interior?

A winder staircase adds a sense of lightness and modernity to an interior. It integrates particularly well into minimalist and contemporary spaces.
A staircase with a landing, on the other hand, conveys a sense of solidity and classic elegance. It structures the space and works particularly well in large entrance halls or spacious living areas, where it can become a striking architectural feature.

Summary: Which Staircase Should You Choose?

• If your priorities are saving space and achieving a dynamic design, a winder staircase is an excellent choice.
• If everyday comfort and maximum safety for children and seniors are the main priorities, a staircase with a landing may be more suitable.
  The most important consideration is that every staircase should be adapted to the architecture of the interior and the needs of the household. A well-designed and professionally installed staircase can enhance your home for decades.

Looking for a Staircase That Perfectly Complements Your Interior?

Contact our consultant today. Together, we can design a custom-made staircase that is not only comfortable and functional, but also a unique and elegant addition to your home.