Types of Curved Stairs

Not all stairs are created equal—and when they curve, things get interesting. The types of curved stairs include spiral, helical, winder, elliptical, circular, and those with landings—each offering a different look, feel, and footprint. This guide explains each type clearly and shows how carpet stair treads may make them safer, softer, and easier to walk.

Curious which style fits your space—or which ones to avoid with pets and kids? You’ll also learn how to pair the right handrail and tread layout with your stairs for maximum comfort and safety. If you're upgrading your home or building new, this is the smart place to start.

What Are Curved Stairs?  

Curved stairs are staircases that follow an arc—either partial or full—rather than sharp turns or straight lines. Unlike spiral stairs, which rotate tightly around a central pole, curved staircases flow gently and offer more room to walk.

They’re not just pretty—they’re purposeful. Many homeowners choose them for style, yes, but also because they’re easier to navigate (especially for children and pets), and often a focal point of open-plan homes.

1. Helical Stairs  

These are what most people think of when they imagine “curved stairs.” A helical staircase forms a smooth, sweeping curve with no central post.

• Best For: Grand entrances, modern homes, and open foyers

• Style Vibe: Airy and upscale

• Challenges: Can be pricey to install, especially the handrail for curved stairs

• Why People Love It: It adds drama without feeling closed-in

2. Spiral Stairs  

Spiral staircases are compact, circular, and wind tightly around a central column. These are great when space is limited but can feel cramped underfoot.

• Best For: Lofts, small spaces, beach homes

• Style Vibe: Industrial or nautical

• Challenges: Harder for kids or pets to use safely

• Handrail Tip: Must hug tightly around the center pole for safe gripping

• Oak Valley Insight: Our customers often pair spiral stairs with our custom stair treads for added grip and comfort.

3. Winder Stairs  

Winder stairs are a hybrid—they feature pie-shaped steps that "wind" around a turn without using a landing.

• Best For: Transitional homes where space-saving matters

• Style Vibe: Subtle curve, traditional charm

• Challenges: Angled steps may need a custom stair tread fit

• Safety Note: Always include a sturdy handrail for curved stairs, especially with inconsistent tread sizes.

4. Circular Stairs  

Similar to spiral stairs, circular stairs make a full circle, but they’re larger and more open. These usually have no center post and offer a more graceful walk than true spirals.

• Best For: Luxury homes, open stairwells

• Style Vibe: European flair

• Why People Choose It: It looks like it belongs in a castle

• Great Match: Our landing rugs and hallway runners often complement this type beautifully.

5. Curved Staircases with Landings  

These aren’t purely curved—they combine straight and curved segments with one or more landings in between.

• Best For: Homes that want the beauty of a curve with the safety of landings

• Style Vibe: Elegant yet practical

• Installation Tip: Install handrails for curved stairs on the arched sections only, and go straight on the landings.

6. Elliptical Stairs  

Elliptical stairs are a type of curved stair that follows an oval shape—less circular, more elongated. They’re rare and custom-made, often found in very high-end or architect-designed homes.

• Best For: Artistic homes, luxury builds

• Style Vibe: Sophisticated and sleek

• Caution: Installation is complex and nearly always custom.

Why Handrails for Curved Stairs Matter  

No matter which type of curved stair you have, your handrail isn’t just decorative—it’s a safety essential. Here's what to know:

• Form Meets Function: It should match the curve of your stairs exactly.

• Custom Work: Most curved stairs require a handrail built specifically for that curve.

• Safety First: A good grip helps pets, kids, and guests feel secure as they move up and down.

If you’re adding stair treads, remember this: a handrail keeps your upper body steady, while Oak Valley stair treads keep your feet from slipping. Together, it’s the safest combo.

Matching Stair Treads to Curved Designs  

Each curved stair type has different needs when it comes to treads:

• Helical or Winder: Look for tapered or custom-shaped treads.

• Spiral: Consider narrow, round-edge treads with grip backing.

• Circular or Elliptical: Order a full custom set to match your arc and radius.

At Oak Valley Designs, we specialize in made-to-order treads for all these layouts. Whether you need standard sizing or a completely custom set—down to your tread width and rise—we’re here to help.

FAQs  

Are curved stairs safe for kids and pets?  

Yes—when paired with stair treads and a handrail, they’re safer than you’d expect. The wide steps of helical and circular stairs offer better footing than spiral ones.

Can I install stair treads on a winder staircase?  

Absolutely. Our stair treads can be custom cut to fit the unique angles of winder steps.

What’s the easiest curved stair style to add in a remodel?  

Winder stairs are the most space-saving and often easiest to retrofit without redesigning your whole home.

Choosing the Right Fit For Your Home  

Here’s a quick visual summary:

Steps To Success  

Choosing between different types of curved stairs isn’t just about style—it’s about how your home feels day to day. Whether you're making the space safer for little feet, aging knees, or your furry family, the right stair design sets the tone.

And when you’re ready to make that staircase shine—Oak Valley Designs has the stair treads and landing rugs to match.

Make Every Curve Safer & Softer  

If your staircase has curves, your stair treads should match—beautifully and safely. Whether you need a custom shape for a spiral or extra grip for a winder, Oak Valley Designs has you (and your stairs) covered.

Let’s craft the perfect fit for your home.

• Website: https://oakvalleydesigns.com/

• Phone: (706) 331-0315

• Email: info@oakvalleydesigns.com

• Address: 30 River Ct SW Bldg E, Cartersville, GA 30120