Open Riser Staircase: The Ultimate Guide to Modern, Space-Saving Design

What is an Open Riser Staircase?

An open riser staircase is defined by the absence of risers between the treads, creating a floating effect as each step is visually separated from the next. Unlike traditional staircases with closed risers, this design allows light to pass through, fostering an airy and spacious ambiance. Predominantly favored for their minimalist appeal, open staircases seamlessly blend form and function, offering both aesthetic elegance and practical benefits. 

3 Key Features of Open Riser Staircases

The unique design and functional advantages of open riser staircases have made them a popular choice in modern architecture. 
Their defining characteristics include:

Enhanced Visibility: 

By eliminating risers, open staircases allow both natural and artificial light to pass through freely, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. This design helps visually expand smaller or darker spaces, making them feel more open, inviting, and spacious—an ideal solution for compact urban homes and modern office environments.

Minimalist Design:

Open riser staircases embrace the essence of minimalist design, focusing on clean lines, simple shapes, and natural materials. With a "less is more" philosophy, these staircases strip away unnecessary elements, highlighting the beauty of their sleek form. By incorporating raw, high-quality materials like wood, glass, or metal, open riser stairs create a sense of understated elegance. The simplicity of the design allows the staircase to blend harmoniously into any space, offering a refined and timeless aesthetic.

Visual Focal Point:

Open riser staircases go beyond functionality, transforming a typically utilitarian vertical circulation component into a powerful decorative element. With their floating design and minimalistic appeal, they create a striking visual focal point in any space. This architectural choice enriches the overall design, adding depth and character while effortlessly complementing modern, stylish interiors.

Open Staircases vs Closed Staircases: A Comparison

Having explored the unique design and benefits of open riser staircases, let's now compare them with closed risers in terms of aesthetics, maintenance, and safety to help you make the best choice. 

Aesthetic Impact

Open riser staircases offer a visually lighter appearance, promoting an illusion of more space, which is particularly beneficial in smaller rooms or areas with limited natural light. The absence of risers allows for an unobstructed view across the room, enhancing the openness of space. Such staircases are often favored in contemporary architecture where minimalism and light are prioritized.

In contrast, closed riser staircases provide a more traditional, solid appearance, with each step fully enclosed. This design adds a sense of solidity and enclosure, making it ideal for classic or rustic interiors. It complements cozy, private spaces and enhances the overall coherence of traditional decor schemes.

Maintenance and Cleaning

From a practical standpoint, open riser staircases simplify the cleaning process. Without risers, it is easier to access and clean the space under each tread, which is particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas for maintaining hygiene. However, this design require more diligent maintenance to ensure that the structural integrity and safety of the staircase are not compromised over time. Regular inspections are necessary to address any potential wear or looseness in the treads or supporting elements.

Closed riser staircases, while more challenging to clean beneath the steps, generally require less frequent structural maintenance. The enclosed design protects the inner mechanics of the staircase from dust and debris accumulation, extending the lifespan of the materials used.

Safety and Building Codes

Safety is a crucial factor when choosing between open and closed riser staircases.

Open riser staircases can pose safety concerns, especially for households with small children or elderly individuals, due to the gaps between treads. Many regions have specific building codes that limit the maximum allowable gap to prevent accidents. Regular inspections and adherence to safety standards are necessary.

Closed riser staircases are inherently safer, as they completely eliminate gaps between treads. This design is often required in safety-focused environments, such as schools, elderly care facilities, and family homes. Compliance with local building codes is typically straightforward, as closed riser stairs meet standard safety requirements without modification.

Top 5 Open Riser Staircase Ideas in 2025

Now that you've weighed the differences, it's time to explore the exciting possibilities of open riser designs. The top 5 open riser staircase designs for 2025 embrace cutting-edge architectural trends, with a focus on material innovation, aesthetic appeal, and integration into various living spaces.

1. Floating Wooden Staircase:

Combining the natural warmth of wood with a floating visual effect, these staircases achieve an elegant, airy look through minimalistic supports like thin metal beams or glass panels. This design maximizes light flow and visual space, making it ideal for compact interiors or spaces that seek a spacious, uncluttered feel. The harmonious pairing of natural wood and transparent elements like glass ensures seamless integration into both contemporary and traditional interiors.

2. Sculptural Curved Staircase: 

Curved staircases are more than just functional—they are the centerpiece of a design scheme, embodying movement and fluidity while adding elegance and dynamism to any space. Made from materials like reinforced composites or treated woods, designed for sleek curves, these staircases can transform an ordinary space into a dynamic environment. The sweeping lines and organic curves introduce softness to modern spaces, counterbalancing the sharp edges and rigid forms commonly found in contemporary design.

Photo credit: Muzata customer

3. Geometric and Modular Staircase:

For those who appreciate clean, angular lines, geometric open riser staircases bring a modern, minimalist appeal. The modular design allows for customization with various materials, from concrete to steel, giving a contemporary look. These staircases can be designed in simple geometric patterns or with angular treads that provide a modern touch to spaces with a focus on bold lines and structure.

4. Industrial Metal and Wood Staircase:

This design leverages the raw appeal of industrial elements, such as exposed metal treads combined with wooden handrails. It's particularly popular in loft conversions or modern commercial spaces, where durability and a more 'unfinished' look are desirable. These staircases can also be customized in finish and detail to either stand out or blend with the industrial theme of the space. 

5. Minimalist Glass Staircase:

Glass staircases, with their sleek and modern aesthetic, create a striking sense of openness through their transparency. They fit seamlessly into minimalist designs, where the focus is on achieving a bright and airy ambiance. Toughened safety glass enhances both durability and security, while its reflective qualities maximize natural and artificial light, making the space feel larger and more luminous.

Each of these designs showcases the remarkable versatility of open staircases, proving that they are not just structural elements but integral components of contemporary architectural storytelling. Whether prioritizing warmth, boldness, or minimalism, these staircases redefine interior spaces with both beauty and function.

Final Words

Open riser staircases are more than just a passage between floors; they are a statement of style and a reflection of the architectural vision. Their sleek, floating appearance creates an open, airy ambiance that transforms any space. Whether you're renovating your home or designing a contemporary commercial environment, an open riser staircase offers the perfect blend of elegance and functionality. 
Ready to elevate your space? Explore Muzata’s premium selection of open riser staircases and bring your vision to life. For a custom design, simply fill out our free design form, and let us assist you in crafting the perfect staircase tailored to your needs!