7 Enclosed Staircase Ideas That Feel Closer to Sculpture

A living room with white walls, concrete pillars, a mustard bench, and a red enclosed staircase that zig-zags in the background — (Image credit: Ari Puigdomènech. Design: LOBB Studio)

We've seen something of a shift in staircase design recently: open-concept options are being replaced with enclosed staircases. Perhaps it speaks to a wider trend away from open-plan towards separate, defined spaces — but either way, we're noticing designers and architects increasingly embracing solid, sculptural forms.

There’s more to this trend than good looks, too. An enclosed staircase can subtly divide an open layout, soften noise traveling between floors and hide away the less glamorous practicalities of stairs and storage. But where this approach really comes into its own is in the opportunity it creates for beautiful materials and expressive forms: think colorful stained timber, tactile microcement or softly curved walls that catch the light and transform the stairwell into something closer to sculpture.

As the below ideas show, it's always worth thinking outside the box. So if you’re looking for staircase ideas, let these designs — from sweeping curves to unexpected material pairings — show that sometimes, closing things in can make a space feel so much more open.

1. Spiral out

Curved enclosed staircase with cream walls and dark wood steps, leading to a room with microcement floor and a sculptural dark green velvet accent chair — An enclosed staircase with creamy curved walls by Studio Tashima.

This staircase linking upper and lower ground floors in a project by London’s Studio Tashima is as much an art piece as it is a functional means of circulation. "The stair was conceived as a singular, softly sculptural white form, set in deliberate dialogue with the sharp geometry of the triangular oak-and-glass window that punctures the interior and draws the garden into the space," says the studio’s founder, Charles Tashima.

2. Artful approach

In a house all about materiality, the staircase stands out in this scheme by Barcelona-based Lobb Studio. "Conceived as a central element that articulates spaces and circulation, its presence transcends function to become an aesthetic experience," say co-founders Roger Bosch Ferrer and Josep Olm Serra. "Clad in bright red microcement, it evokes the chromatic universe of Joan Miró, a close friend of Josep Lluís Sert, establishing a subtle dialogue between architecture and art."

3. Two tone

Curved staircase with black stained bannister and natural wood steps, with cream walls above — A wooden staircase part-stained in black by Studio Hinton.

Staining part of the wood that makes up this sculptural staircase is a fun take on a natural wood finish by Zurich's Studio Hinton. "By contrasting the natural oak treads with the dark-stained oak, we were able to emphasize its fluid and ribbon-like form and to create a stronger sense of depth, all while highlighting the beauty and the texture of the timber itself," says founder Sandra Hinton.

4. Fine form

Curved staircase with cream walls and black and beige geometric patterned carpet and a porthole window — Hauvette & Madani added a graphic patterned carpet to this curved staircase.

"For us, the balustrade was never intended to be a purely functional element," says Samantha Hauvette, co-founder of Parisian interior design studio Hauvette & Madani, of this project. "The staircase and balustrade were executed in staff, a traditional molded plaster material that offered an exceptional degree of plasticity with a sense of softness and permanence."

5. Not-so-heavy metal

Hallway with purple table and black chair just in shot, blue stool, black case iron radiator, paper pendant, and a bronze angular enclosed staircase. — Milan's LC Atelier opted for a burnished brass finish for this enclosed staircase.

A metal staircase appears to float in this project by Milan's LC Atelier. "Our intent was to respect the original structure of the building, enhancing its historical features while introducing a fresh and colorful atmosphere," says founder Lucrezia Calvi. "The staircase, designed by us, is made of burnished brass and connects the living area to the bedrooms."

6. True blue

Hallway with angular enclosed timber staircase stained in bright blue, with a semi-circular orange door at the end of the hallway and a wall of tiles to the left. — Timber stained a bright blue makes this design by Foils take center stage.

Remodeling this home's internal structure gave London architecture studio Foils licence to experiment with the staircase. Made from birch-faced plywood by a carpentry team, the studio opted to install it. "Each section of the stair was assembled at ground floor level and then lifted into place using a small internal telehandler," says director Ned Scott. "The stair was finished with a tinted wood stain by Osmo."

7. Ahead of the curve

Staircase with curved green stair wall, green carpet, leading to a peachy pink storage unit — Martin Massé introduced a curved wall to this staircase that doubles as a colorful accent.

The curved diving wall between the living area and staircase in this project by Paris architect and designer Martin Massé is at once both a clever disguise and a standout feature. "The staircase is concealed behind a curved panel that serves as a handrail," Martin says. "The curves, inspired by [French cabinetmaker and decorator] Eugène Printz, set the tone. The space is imbued with the art deco spirit and modernist influences of the venue."

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Ellen is deputy editor of Livingetc magazine. She works with our fabulous art and production teams to publish the monthly print title, which features the most inspiring homes around the globe, interviews with leading designers, reporting on the hottest trends, and shopping edits of the best new pieces to refresh your space. Before Livingetc she was deputy editor at Real Homes, and has also written for titles including Homes & Gardens and Gardeningetc. Being surrounded by so much inspiration makes it tricky to decide what to do first in her own flat – a pretty nice problem to have, really. In her spare time, Ellen can be found pottering around in her balcony garden, reading her way through her overstacked bookshelf or planning her next holiday.