Big Ideas for Small Spaces

When you’re designing a new home, or transforming an old one, it’s easy for your ideas to grow bigger than the space allows. You dream, plan, sketch, and then you grab the tape measure… and reality sets in. This is especially true when it comes to staircases. While it’s tempting to imagine a grand, sweeping staircase as your centrepiece, limited square footage often demands a more thoughtful approach. But that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on beauty.

In fact, the right staircase can elevate your smaller spaces in more ways than one. In this blog, we’ll explore staircase solutions that work wonderfully in smaller areas – and how British Spirals & Castings can help you create something that’s every bit as stylish as you imagined, while fitting perfectly within your home.

Spiral Staircases

Spiral staircases are one of the best options for saving space without sacrificing aesthetics. Spiral designs are generally more space-efficient because of their curved design, which makes them easier to fit into smaller areas. Instead of stretching out across the floor, spiral stairs wind around a central pole, making better use of vertical space and reclaiming areas that might otherwise go unused.

Contrary to popular belief, spiral staircases don’t have to feel cramped and uncomfortable, you just need to select the right diameter for the situation. When built to UK Building Regulations, they follow the same parameters as straight stairs – they’re just configured differently. So, if you’re looking for a practical, space saving option that still feels stylish and familiar, a spiral staircase could be the perfect fit.

At British Spirals & Castings, we craft spiral staircases that aren’t just space-efficient, but stunning design features in their own right. Whether you’re drawn to ornate Victorian cast aluminium or prefer a sleek, contemporary Scandinavian wooden design, there’s a spiral staircase to suit every taste and interior style. And, because every home is different, we tailor each staircase to fit both your aesthetic and your space. Whether you want timeless elegance or modern minimalism, we’ll ensure your spiral staircase is a true reflection of your home – and your personality.

Combination Staircases

When space is awkward or unconventional, a combination staircase can be the perfect fit. These designs blend elements from straight, spiral, and winder staircases to create a tailored solution that maximises the space and complements your interior.

Take, for example, a recent project we completed for an art studio. The client needed access to a mezzanine level above, but a central wash basin below meant the staircase couldn’t follow a standard path. Working closely with the owner, we designed an S-shaped cast aluminium staircase that combined curved and straight sections to work around the obstacle. Starting with two wide straight treads, the stairs transitioned into four anticlockwise steps curving around the basin, before continuing with straight treads and finishing with a final curve to meet the mezzanine. The result? A beautiful staircase that turned a spatial challenge into a design feature.

Bespoke Approach

When dealing with tight or awkward spaces, kit stairs rarely offer the right solution. That’s why we take a bespoke approach on all our staircases. Designed specifically to suit the dimensions and quirks of your home, a bespoke staircase can turn even the trickiest layout into a functional, stylish feature. Whether it’s a sharp corner, low ceiling, uneven levels, or an unusually shaped room, bespoke stairs allow for a design that maximise space and flow.

At British Spirals & Castings, we work closely with you to create a staircase that fits perfectly – not just in size, but in style – transforming problem areas into beautiful architectural statements. We take it a step further with our advanced LiDAR and 3D scanning services. While many of our staircases can be designed using measurements provided by the homeowner, more complex spaces – such as those with uneven floors or walls, often found in period properties or restoration projects – require greater precision. For these, we use a LiDAR camera to produce an exceptionally accurate 3D render of your space.

LiDAR works similarly to radar, emitting signals and measuring how long they take to return. However, instead of radio waves, it uses lasers, which allows it to generate a highly detailed 3D ‘point cloud.’ This data can then be imported into computer-aided design (CAD) software for exact modelling. Using LiDAR allows us to manufacture staircases and balconies with the highest level of precision, even in irregular or non-square spaces. This results in a smoother installation process, minimising delays or unforeseen issues. The LiDAR data can also be shared with your architect, helping them integrate additional features into the overall design.

Building Regulations

Designing a staircase isn’t just about style, it also has to meet safety standards. UK Building Regulations Part K outlines key requirements for residential staircases, including:

• Headroom: A minimum of 2,000mm clearance at all points.
• Landings: Required at the top and bottom of each staircase; must be at least as wide as the stairs themselves.
• Clearance: Doors must not swing within 400mm of any step.
• Width: A minimum of 750mm is recommended for domestic use.
• Step dimensions: Rise between 150-220mm; going between 220-300mm.
• Pitch: Maximum angle of 42 degrees.
• Handrails: Height between 900–1000mm; must be safe for all users.

When you work with BS&C, we’ll guide you through all these regulations and ensure your staircase is not only beautiful, but fully compliant and safe.

Find out more about the regulations for staircases in our resource centre.

Discover your dream design

At BS&C, we believe small spaces can have big character. Let us help you create a staircase that proves it. Every staircase we produce is made to order – designed, manufactured, and finished just for you. Whether you want a striking centrepiece or a subtle space-saver, we’ll help you with every detail.

Ready to get started? Browse our gallery for inspiration. If you see something you like, add it to your Wishlist and send it over, or request a quote.