Open staircase vs closed staircase: the pros and cons at a glance

Is your new home slowly taking shape, or have you decided that your staircase is in need of a makeover? If so, the first question you’ll ask yourself is: do I want an open staircase or a closed staircase? We’re happy to lay out the pros and cons for you!

The main advantage of an open staircase is that you can see right through it, creating a greater sense of space. If you also choose a design that complements your interior, the staircase will blend in perfectly. This is especially true if you have the steps covered all round.

Tip! Want to make things safer? Invest in a good banister!

There are a number of drawbacks to an open staircase, which might make you prefer a closed staircase:

• Heat loss
• Increased air flow, causing dust to be carried around more easily
• Less safe for small children. Children may slip on the steps whilst climbing the stairs

Not at all – an open staircase in the living room actually offers a wealth of possibilities. If you choose stair cladding that complements the rest of your interior, your open staircase can become a real statement piece. One of the major advantages of an open staircase is its airy feel and the abundance of natural light it allows in. This makes the space appear larger. This is a particular advantage in smaller living areas.

If you want to renovate your open staircase, there are essentially two options: single-sided and double-sided renovation. With the latter option, the steps are covered with your chosen finish from our extensive collection on both the underside and the top. This ensures that your staircase forms a cohesive whole and looks neat and tidy from every angle.

As mentioned above, one major advantage of a closed staircase is safety. Your feet won’t get caught under the steps and children cannot fall through. Another advantage is that the space beneath a closed staircase can be used to its full potential. This is very useful for storage space or a toilet, for example. Furthermore, heat is retained more easily in a room due to reduced airflow, and the staircase transmits less noise, meaning that sleeping children, for instance, are not disturbed by sounds from downstairs.

The main drawback of an enclosed staircase is that it requires more cleaning than an open staircase, as there are more nooks and crannies where dust can accumulate.

If you have an open staircase in your hall, you might find it handy to enclose it, so you can create some extra storage space underneath. Especially if your hall is on the smaller side, a bit of extra storage space is always welcome. With a stair cupboard, you can neatly tuck away your shoes, coats, bags and cleaning supplies out of sight. That way, your hall stays tidy – perfect!

Is your open or closed staircase in need of a makeover? Then get in touch with us now to discuss the options for your staircase!