Staircase Backs Rise to the Challenge
How to make the back of a staircase as fetching as the front? Try architectural embellishments, creative colors and design-savvy materials
An open stairwell presents its own special design challenge: What's the view from behind? Instead of leaving the rear of the stairs plain and unfinished, don't miss an opportunity to give it a stylish spin. Need inspiration? Here are eight ideas to consider.
The white "backbone" of this staircase serves double duty: Not only does it provide structural support, but it also ties the architecture together.
Paneling that echoes the wainscoting on the walls gives this stairwell an architectural boost and emphasizes the thick moldings.
By the same token, a crisscrossed design helps this staircase to feel as polished from behind as it does from the front.
The open ridges on the rear side of this stairwell lend wonderful movement and texture to the space and prevent the stairs from looking too hefty.
These homeowners took advantage of found space behind the stairs to tuck in books — a clever way to put every inch of the staircase to work.
Blocks of color, rather than architectural elements, help to define this staircase from the back.
In the far back of this shot you can see how leaving the underside of this staircase as natural wood helps to amplify the rustic look of the beams and flooring.
Lights tucked along this stair back both illuminate the steps and showcase the rich glow of the wood.
More:
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More:
Overlooked Design Opportunity: Stair Risers
How to Get Your Stair Runners Right