8 Floating Staircase Ideas That Will Uniquely Elevate Your Interiors

Regardless of the shape, size, or style, staircases tend to be a standout element in the home. But take the bulky supporting structure out of the equation and you instantly have a design-forward moment that's pretty hard to rival.

Floating stairs, as they are known, might be a telltale marker of a strictly contemporary or industrial scheme, but they can just as easily fit into any other style, too. Seemingly suspended in the air, they epitomize minimalism and champion open-layout spaces, giving a whole new meaning to the concept of "making the most of every square inch."

While at first glance floating stairs may seem all too similar, there are a variety of ways to customize them to fit your home. Opt for a glass railing for a glam finish or go for open-risers to achieve an ultra-modern look. The possibilities are seemingly endless. Intrigued to learn more? Read on to discover eight unique staircase ideas that are serving us with a major dose of inspiration.

Emily Henderson's former Los Angeles home featured the best of both worlds, with a regular staircase in the foreground and floating stairs in the background. The latter, which leads to the upper third of the home, blends right in with the thin, steel railing and contemporary surroundings, resulting in a seamless transition from the main floor to the next.

If you're not using the space underneath or next to your floating stairs as an opportunity to show off your book collection, you're doing something wrong. The custom steel staircase in this modern Parisian home by Flca showcases an equally eye-catching bookcase that makes ample use of the awkward space.

File this under staircase ideas primed to make a statement. The solid timber floating stairs in this mod Australian family home by Tribe Studio Architects feature a custom rope handrail that invites a touch of whimsy to the minimalist space. The architectural details of the room, such as the arch at the base of the stairs and the floor-to-ceiling windows, take the overall design to the next level.

Consider this the epitome of Scandinavian cool — Haptic Architects' take on floating stairs as featured in this pastel-perfect Oslo apartment. What sets this one apart from the rest is the fact that the entire staircase is all-white, keeping the space — including the dining area below — feeling light and bright.

Floating stairs come in all shapes and sizes and can be just as safe as standard staircases if installed correctly. In this modern home by CO-AP Architects, cantilevered stairs — this is where each independent step is anchored to the wall — come with a steel spindle railing for extra reinforcement and an added dose of industrial style.

On the list of clever ways to maximize the empty space below your floating stairs, turning it into a makeshift home office ranks pretty high. Follow the lead of Crü in this stunning Barcelona pad, the platform at the base doubles as a display for plants and books, while still leaving room for a desk and chair to boot.

Think about the type of home you'd imagine finding floating stairs. Chances are, it will look a little something like this modern design by Tim Cuppett Architects. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealing a vast forest backdrop are all you really need for an impactful finish. And the dramatic, black steel spindles don't hurt either.

In this minimalist home by architect Tim Rogge, a blue staircase — located in the very center of the house, no less — is the star of the show. Its floating design allows for visibility from the open kitchen to the rest of the lower level, and also permits natural light to flow easily throughout the entire house.