Darby Stair Renovations Helps Homeowners Choose Between Open and Closed Staircase Designs
Darby Stair Renovations, a leading specialist in custom stair design and installation, has released an in-depth guide to help homeowners determine whether an open or closed staircase is the best fit for their home. The company highlights how this foundational design choice affects not only style, but also safety, maintenance, lighting, and overall flow throughout the home.
Open vs. Closed Staircases Whic…
According to the guide, the distinction between open-riser and closed-riser staircases goes far beyond aesthetics. An open staircase, defined by gaps between each step, creates an airy, modern look that allows natural light to pass through the structure. This design is particularly popular in contemporary homes and open floor plans, where visibility and brightness are top priorities.
In contrast, a closed staircase uses solid risers to create a traditional, more enclosed appearance. This option offers increased privacy, sound reduction, and additional structural opportunities such as built-in storage. Closed designs are often favored in classic, transitional, and family-oriented homes.
“Your staircase is more than a functional pathway—it’s a defining architectural feature,” the company explains. “Choosing the right design means balancing beauty, safety, and how you use your home every day.”
The guide outlines the unique advantages of each style:
Open Staircases
• Enhance natural light and create a more spacious feel
• Complement modern, minimalist, and industrial interiors
• Pair beautifully with materials like floating wood treads, glass panels, and metal railings
• Require precision craftsmanship to ensure code compliance and long-term safety
Closed Staircases
• Offer traditional charm and a sense of enclosure
• Reduce noise transfer between floors
• Create opportunities for under-stair storage or decorative built-ins
• Provide increased stability and safety for households with children, pets, or older adults
The guide also highlights key practical considerations, including maintenance needs, durability, and cost. Open staircases may require more frequent cleaning due to exposed surfaces, while closed staircases offer simpler upkeep. Meanwhile, highly engineered open designs—such as floating treads or glass railings—can be more costly due to specialized materials and structural requirements.
Darby Stair Renovations emphasizes that the right choice depends on lifestyle, home architecture, and personal preference. Their team works closely with homeowners to evaluate space constraints, design goals, and safety needs before crafting a staircase that blends seamlessly into the home’s aesthetic.
“We believe a staircase should elevate your space—visually and functionally,” the company adds. “Whether you prefer the modern transparency of an open staircase or the timeless warmth of a closed design, our team ensures every detail is tailored to your home and built to last.”
With expertise in custom fabrication, high-quality materials, and precision installation, Darby Stair Renovations continues to help homeowners transform their staircases into beautiful focal points that enhance the entire home.
Homeowners interested in upgrading, replacing, or designing a new staircase are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Darby Stair Renovations.
