Living room with stairs | Types, types and device

Content:

Ergonomics
Ladder selection
Material
Interior and decor

In the process of designing a two-story house or an apartment with several floors, it is not uncommon to have a problem with the correct and convenient location of the stairs to the upper floor. With reference to architectural traditions, it is possible to equip a staircase in a separate room connecting all floors, like a stairwell in multi-storey buildings. However, this method is extremely economical, for the arrangement of a separate staircase will require a lot of free space. Modern architects and designers agree that the living room is the most convenient and aesthetically correct living space for the location of the interfloor stairs.

Ergonomics

One of the fundamental sciences that will be required to design a living room with a staircase is ergonomics. When choosing a project, it is important to refer to the basics of the artistic design of the room. It is necessary to evaluate all the technical characteristics of the used area - the living room, and choose the most practical place for the location of the stairs.

In an ergonomic design calculation, a staircase is considered as a functionally constructive element that provides vertical communication between floors and has its advantages and disadvantages. They must be considered when designing.

Features and specifications of the stairs in the living room

The presence of stairs in the living room completely changes the nature of the room and its purpose. Regardless of the type and design features, the staircase in the living room has positive and negative characteristics:

Positive

Save space. Open staircases do not require space for arranging the "cage" and these square meters are used as a useful living area, and the space under the stairs is suitable for furniture.
Decorativeness. In modern interiors, the staircase performs not only a functional role, but also the role of the main decorative element in the interior, creating the center of composition.
Communicativeness. Thanks to a staircase not surrounded by walls, it is much easier to bring furniture and large-sized appliances upstairs.
The logical connection of space. A staircase in the living room will help in creating a thoughtful and holistic architecture of the room, logically connecting the two squares located parallel to each other.

Negative

Passage room. The living room in which the staircase is located cannot be used as an isolated space, and to a greater extent will be a hall.
Soundproofing. Insufficient isolation between floors to increase the sound distribution range.

Different types of stairs, which differ in materials, construction and general aesthetic appearance, must meet the basic requirements that prevent a number of problems in everyday life.

Mandatory Features:

Tilt angle. A convenient and practical staircase should have a tilt angle of not more than 50 degrees.
Steps. It is important that the treads (the upper part of the step) are wide - from 25 cm. The width of the step is selected individually and should be a maximum of 10% less than the length of a person's foot.
Railing. The height of the railing should not be lower than the level of the thigh, and the railing should have a streamlined shape, comfortable for the hand. For older people, stairs with a railing on both sides are more convenient.
Vertical racks. The optimal arrangement of racks holding the railing is at a distance of 15 cm relative to each other. Developing an individual staircase design, install vertical racks with a calculation of 2 pcs. on the step.
Platforms. If the staircase between the floors has a platform (or several platforms), then it should have an area of at least one square meter and be located in such a way that it would fit two adults in full height (a satisfactory height - from 2 m).
Marches. March - a series of steps to the site, should consist of at least three steps.

The most common mistake when choosing a staircase design for a private house or apartment is a link to established GOSTs. It is reasonable to assume that the approved standard will be as average as possible and correspond to all without exception. However, it is standardized stairs that have a greater number of discrepancies with a single person - the owner.

Calculations of the stairs, its structural and technical features, are carried out before the start of construction and repair work. It is almost impossible to connect two floors with a staircase, in which construction and finishing works are completed. To do this, you will have to completely change the plan of each floor and redraw the total volume of rooms, destroying the finishing work.

Installation of stairs is the final stage, which is carried out after the completion of construction work and only on the prepared area. During the course of construction or redevelopment, a temporary staircase is installed, which performs the main function - connecting floors.

Minimum requirements

For open stairs, on average, 5-8 square meters are required. living space. Costs vary by design. Particular attention is given to the steps, which should be:

Not higher than 19 cm.
The total width and double step height should be from 60 to 65 cm in total.
The minimum step width is 24.5 cm.
The distance from the inner edge is 30 cm.
The minimum degree of inclination (vertical) is 40.

Ways to position the stairs

The location of the stairs depends on the characteristics of the room as a whole, therefore, each project is considered individually. When choosing a location method, first of all, the wishes of the owners of the house are taken into account, which are customized to the structural capabilities of the building and layout.

With the ergonomic arrangement of the staircase in the living room, it is necessary to take into account the fundamentally important basics:

The distance between the stairs and the door. The staircase in the living room makes the room a walk-through, in order to minimize this drawback, the staircase structure is located as close as possible to the door, leaving space only for the door leaf to open.
Compactness. Using the features of the layout, it is necessary to choose a staircase structure that will require a minimum of space costs, without losing the main qualities: convenience and safety.
The direction of the steps. Depending on the design of the stairs, all steps, or only the starting one, should be directed to the front door.

Use of space under the stairs

Thanks to the gradation system of stairs, the space under them can and should be used. There are proven options for using the space under the stairs, which are most often used in interior decoration and living room furniture:

Cupboard. Furniture that repeats the bottom line of the staircase is the most convenient way to fill the space under the stairs. The main advantage of this method is the saving of the usable area of the room.
Lumber room. This type of arrangement of the under-stairwell is suitable only if the staircase has a sufficient width and a suitable shape. The advantages of a closet are comparable to large furniture, and also saves space in the living room.
Room. It is possible to equip an isolated room under the stairs only if we are talking about a very wide and high design, and a living room with a square of more than 30 square meters. The room may not be residential and have a purpose. In it you can install household appliances, a place for privacy and relaxation, or a playroom for children.
Work zone. Modern furniture of the working area is suitable for arranging the space under the stairs.
Home cinema. Since this is a living room, a home cinema under the stairs is the most suitable option. The recessed wall will allow you to place not only the TV, but also the shelves for discs.

In individual design, the arrangement of the space under the stairs is not limited to developments and can be used for personal purposes. Creative and non-standard use cases can be any: an aquarium, a greenhouse, a fireplace, a bar or wine racks. Any part of the design of the living room can be arranged in the space under the stairs.

Ladder selection

Before choosing a ladder, it is important to consider the basic requirements that will serve as the basis for the subsequent stages of selection.

How much space should a staircase occupy?
How often will it be operated?
What types of fastening to the supporting structure will be used?
How many residents in the house / apartment with (taking into account age and state of health)?
What interior style was chosen to design the living room?

The cost of space for the arrangement of an open staircase should be calculated even before the start of construction and repair work. If the living room has an area of more than 40 square meters, then you can consider the option of arranging the stairs as the central object of the room. However, referring to the requirements of ergonomic placement of the staircase structure, it is best to choose the location of the staircase as close as possible to the front door.

The frequency of operation directly proportionally affects the choice of design, materials for manufacture and fixtures. The durability of the stairs provides for certain periods that must be taken into account during the design.

No less attention is required by the number of people living in a house or apartment, as well as their age and state of health. Standard stairs are designed for an average person (height, weight and age) without personal characteristics and preferences, which must be taken into account when choosing.

Mounts and constructions

The variety of the range of stairs for living rooms allows you to easily choose a design that meets all the requirements for functionality, comfort and design. The main difference between the proposed types is the configuration, the methods of fastening the beams, fences and steps.

Mounts:

Kosoura. (Kosoura * - beams) Beams made in square or round shape are the basis for marches. The steps are laid on the finished saddles and strengthen them with an end riser.
Bolts. (Bolts * - metal bolts) Metal bolts, with which all the steps and the span as a whole are attached to the supporting wall.
Bowstring. With the help of a bowstring, the step is supported on both sides with a masked end and is fixed by load-bearing beams.
Screw. The pillar or pipe acts as the basis, and the flight of stairs is located around, describing the spiral shape. Steps, as a rule, have the form of a parallelepiped or a triangle. For greater strength, an additional mount is installed: balusters.

Constructions

A rather important criterion - the number of marches, depends not only on the wishes of the owner, but also on the available area. The convenience and functionality of each staircase is determined by its personal requirements for the number of square meters.

Direct single march. One of the simplest types, requiring a minimum of space in quadrature and in height.
Direct with pad. It requires more space compared to a single-march, but is more applicable to a living room.
A straight line of two marching with parallel marches. Only suitable if the ceiling height is at least 3.5 m.
"G" shaped with a pad. It settles in a corner of the living room, occupying two walls. It requires raising the ceiling (ceiling-floor) to ensure full space above the second march.
Three marching with two sites. The height of the ceilings for the arrangement of the three march stairs with two platforms is 6.5 m. Just like the “G” shaped, it requires raising the ceiling for the last march.
One-flight is not straight with running steps on one side. A compromise solution to reduce floor space and insufficient ceiling height. It is not convenient enough because it has a different step width.
One-flight is not straight with running steps on both sides. This type of construction is used only if the upper and lower platforms with the running steps are parallel to each other.
Straight upper march and running lower steps. Used as an alternative to the "G" shaped design. The lower rungs reduce the cost of the area and allow you to place the staircase in a room with a ceiling height of 3 m.
Arc-shaped march and cross-country steps on both sides. An even more abridged version of the “G” shaped design, which allows you to place the stairs in a room with a ceiling height of 2.5 m.
Spiral with running steps. If there are no special requirements for the width and shape of the steps, then a spiral staircase is the most convenient and economical option that can be used in the living room.
Spiral Custom variation of a spiral staircase, for rooms with high ceilings.
With running steps and an intermediate platform. A convenient design option, which, thanks to the downhill steps, satisfies the ceiling height of 2.7 m.

Material

Of key importance in the design of the stairs is the material. The main qualities of the material, its wear resistance and decorativeness are taken into account when developing a ladder design project. For the manufacture of various types of building materials are used, from traditional: wood, metal, stone, ending with modern building mixtures and materials of non-natural origin.

Wood

Opening interior stairs are most often made of durable natural material - wood. The wood species determines its wear resistance, decorativeness and physical capabilities.

Soft breeds (pine, fir, cedar, spruce) are representatives of the most affordable option. However, such materials have a very fibrous and flexible structure, which reduces the service life. Soft rock steps should consist of several beams to increase strength.

Semi-hard species (birch or maple) is the best option because it has an average cost and acceptable characteristics. The maple staircase may have a different configuration and does not require additional reinforcement.

Hard breeds (ash, walnut, oak, beech) are elite highly decorative materials with a maximum service life of up to half a century without restoration. In order to reduce consumables, elite materials are used only for decorative elements of the staircase structure.

Special attention is paid to a relatively new wood material - glued wood, which is the most stable and durable, surpassing even elite species - oak or walnut in its characteristics.

Since wood is a flexible material, the installation of the stairs is carried out after the building has completely shrunk. Prior to the installation of the structure, all wood elements must be treated with protective materials (paints and varnishes) to prevent deformation and decay.

It is important to know that even the best types of wood that have passed all stages of processing require special temperature and humidity modes. The air temperature should be maintained in the range from 20 to 25 degrees (room). The humidity level should not exceed 70%. In very hot weather, code humidity level below 60%, it is recommended to use indoor humidifiers.

Metal

Metal, as the most durable material that does not know analogues, can be used in the form of basic or complementary. Among the positive characteristics of the metal is not only strength and durability, but also functionality, fire safety and a complete lack of maintenance requirements.

For the supporting structure, stainless steel, brass and, in rare cases, bronze are used. These types of metals have maximum strength and are less susceptible to destruction. Decoration is carried out using chrome and forged elements with external spraying or painting.

Despite all the obvious advantages, metal stairs in the living room are used extremely rarely, since they have one drawback - high noise level. Given that we are talking about connecting two living rooms, it is better to use metal in combination with wood.

Glass

The material, which is the most non-traditional for staircases, since it has a personal characteristic - fragility. However, a modern approach to the manufacture of glass by multilayer bonding (triplex) increases the strength coefficient. Thanks to the polymer coating, the glued planes are impact resistant and similar in general characteristics to ceramics.

Additional reinforcing layers, external coatings to increase strength, as well as the manufacturing technology of impact-resistant glass itself, is reflected in the weight of the staircase structure. The step (1000/350/25 mm) has a weight of up to 15 kg. Given the cost of consumables for the manufacture of such a design, as well as the cost of processing, the total cost defines glass as an elite, expensive material for open stairs.

Stone, concrete slabs, ceramics

Stairs made using stone, ceramic products or concrete slabs have common characteristics and failures are durable wear-resistant structures with personal decorative qualities.

Natural stone is a massive material that requires a large amount of space to organize the stairs. The design of the staircase for the living room is always developed with the maximum simplification of the design thereby minimizing the cost of square meters. Natural stone is used as the main material for the supporting structure and steps. Railings and decor are made using light materials - wood and metal. Since natural stone is an expensive building material, non-bearing parts are replaced with artificial stone to reduce the cost of construction.

Concrete slabs are an alternative to natural stone, which is not inferior in basic parameters of strength, due to steel reinforcement. In a comparative characteristic, concrete slabs are inferior in terms of wear resistance and decorativeness, therefore they require periodic restoration and obligatory facing with decorative materials.

Ceramics are used only as a facing material. All ceramic products have high strength, resistance to temperature and humidity changes. In addition, the surface of ceramic lining materials does not require special care and is easy to clean.

Combination and combination

Each of the materials has its own personal characteristics, both positive and negative. The combination will help to compensate for the shortcomings and use the positive qualities of each of the materials. Concrete slabs are a good, inexpensive, durable material for basic load-bearing structures; metal is an excellent material for railings; hard wood - suitable for steps; ceramics, glass, artificial stone and soft wood - for decorative decoration of staircases.

Interior

All large interior objects that create the main stylistic emphasis should be made out first of all, according to the laws of composition creation. But, based on the construction and technical requirements, the staircase structure should be installed at the very end, and the final stage of the staircase arrangement - the installation of steps and decoration is carried out after all repair and facing measures.

It is impossible to create a “living” interior, generated in the process of repairing and arranging a living room with a staircase. A large object that requires personal decoration and creates a stylistic emphasis on the entire interior does not logically complement the already created comfort in the living room.

Interior design in a living room with a staircase begins with a detailed plan. Given the personal requirements for the comfort of the room, as well as the possibilities of the area, the main interior style and a staircase corresponding to this style are selected.

Types of stairs and interior styles

Each style of interior has its own organic environment, formed by the architectural and cultural heritage, the progenitor of the style. Stairs, as a constructive addition to the living space, were used at all stages of the development of decorative and interior art. Each of the interior styles has its own requirements for the form, appearance and holistic design of the staircase structure.

Historical interior styles

Each of the representatives of historical interior styles sets a goal to recreate the basic expressive and formal techniques that stereotypically correspond to a certain era. The use of traditional building materials: wood, metal and stone, as well as classic simple and concise forms is close to all historical styles.

Style stairs:

Egyptian. Two typical options for the staircase, decorated in the Egyptian style: geometric, straight with sharp corners made of stone and lined with gypsum (white, light beige) without railings; one-flight staircase with three running steps from the bottom, made of stone, with metal forged railings.
Greek. A large, straight (one or two marching with a platform) staircase made of stone or concrete slabs, with large concrete handrails standing on low wide pedestals, and with minimal lining.
Roman. A straight staircase, always with climbing steps, made of stone, with monolithic stone handrails decorated with Roman traditional patterns.
Romanesque. Spiral or “G” shaped staircase, with stepping steps made of hardwood and painted in warm shades of light traditional colors. Streamlined handrails made of dark wood or metal mounted on narrow carved balusters. Be sure to complement the themed carpet.
Gothic. The most bizarre spiral staircases made of dark wood, metal and natural stone. Railing with a naturalistic curly pattern and bare steps.
Renaissance. A construction with an obligatory platform and run-down steps made of hard and semi-hard wood. Large handrails with symmetrical patterned balusters made of the same material as the steps. In any of the design variations - it is decorated with a dense fleecy carpet.
Baroque. The design can be of any shape, but must be made exclusively of wood. Particular attention is paid to handmade balusters.
Rococo. Always curved staircase construction, no platform made of metal. Complementary material is wood, which is used for steps and handrails.
Classicism. A single-flight staircase with running steps on both sides, which can be made entirely of one material: stone (concrete, natural stone), wood. With minimal decoration of balusters.
Empire. Monolithic stone staircase with two marches and a platform, without running steps. The role of balusters is performed by carved decorative wooden railing. The steps are covered with a plain carpet of dark colors.
Modern. Using any materials: metal, wood, glass or stone, a strange curved staircase is created without rough geometric parts. Particular attention is paid to the design of the railing, which should be curved and smooth, in the style of Art Nouveau.
Art Deco. The simplest staircases are single-marching. The main decorative role is played by steps, which are made in contrast. The bearing part of the stairs is made of stone or concrete slabs, and the steps are made of elite wood. Laconic railings, repeating the shape of the stairs on thin balusters.
Indian. One-flight staircases with running steps on both sides, made of stone. The steps themselves at the top are decorated with light wood. The main aesthetic element is attached to a metal railing with rounded curls.
Japanese. Functionality is brought to the forefront, so the most important element of a staircase is the steps, which can be designed in this way, whether they are suspended in the air. Materials from dark wood to glass. The railing is thin without decorative elements.
Country. Only wood and the simplest designs. Without decoration and carpet.
Provence. A single-flight staircase of curved shape made exclusively of light wood. The railing is large and simple, with curly balusters.

Modern interior styles

Modern interior styles aim to create a harmonious environment, with balanced color schemes, concise and accessible plot. For emphasis on modernity, new building materials are used, in an independent or complementary form.

Style stairs:

Constructivism. Geometric simple forms of construction with mandatory sites. The main material is stone or concrete slabs, possibly wood. The same strict geometric railing, with thin balusters.
High tech. The design is selected under the space, in order to maintain maximum free space. Modular staircases with simple railing. Steps from any material to which the style is located.
Minimalism. One-march (in rare cases of two march) construction of a simplified straight form. The design consists of steps protruding from the wall, without a base and supports. The railing can be made in the form of a single bar or absent altogether.
Kitsch. The most complex, bulky and elaborate designs, with excessive decoration and a combination of all available materials.

Stair lighting

Lighting is divided into types: artificial and natural. Natural lighting is daylight, artificial lighting. Depending on the location and design features of the stairs, one or more types of artificial lighting are selected.

For stairs with stained-glass structures (large gaps between the steps, a railing transmitting light), several large lamps at the beginning and at the end of one march are sufficient. Lighting for monolithic and spiral staircases is selected individually.

Types of lighting

Lighting on the stairs can be direct, scattered or combined. Direct is required in the dark, to fully illuminate the flight of stairs. Scattered for the most part plays an additional role, as well as performs decorative functions. Combined involves a harmonious combination of different types of lighting.

The choice of a lighting device is based not only on comfort requirements, but also on the decorative characteristics of the staircase structure.

Local lighting is necessary for targeted lighting of stairs. It can be made in the form of floor lamps built into the facade of the steps or at the level of the ankle in the side wall. The same local lighting can be installed additionally in the railing. For spiral staircases, local lighting is installed vertically on a pole-base.
Decorative lighting aims to emphasize the style and interior. Neon lamps, LED strips, diffused lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces, any style attributes are used for light contrast.