Let’s do the electric slide through time —to the 1970s and 80s —when the humble staircase spiraled into something spectacular. Imagine walking into a Modern Paper House and being greeted by one of the era’s most recognizable design details. If it’s a stunning swirling sculpture that also doubles as a staircase, you’ve just met one of the era’s superstars: the spiral staircase.
Design Details: The Spiral Staircase
In the 70s and 80s, spiral staircases captivated homeowners with their innovative and space-saving design. Reflecting the era’s taste for modern elegance and futuristic themes, these staircases transcended their functional roles to become artistic statements.
The 1970s saw a rise in organic architecture, where buildings were designed to be in harmony with humanity and their environment. This design philosophy favored curves and natural shapes, which made the spiral staircase a perfect addition. It integrated smoothly into the organic, free-form layouts popular in homes of the era.
As populations grew and urban dwellings became smaller, these staircases offered a stylish way to link multiple levels without the larger footprint of a traditional staircase. Making them especially desirable in apartments and fashionable townhomes, where square footage came at a premium.
The Bold 80s – Front And Center
In the early 1980s, as postmodernism took hold—with its flair for extravagance and unapologetic boldness—spiral staircases evolved into symbols of luxury and affluence. No longer just a space-saving solution, they were now designed to command attention, often serving as the sculptural centerpiece of a room. Crafted from exotic woods, glossy laminates, and modern metals, they captured the 80s love of excess—polished, performative, and built to impress.
The Challenges Of The Spiral
Years ago, I lived in a home with a spiral staircase leading to the primary bedroom. Its visual appeal was undeniable, but its practicality? Questionable.
As time passed, the novelty wore off. Early mornings became a careful tightrope act —- with each pre-coffee descent feeling like an acrobatic feat.
By the time we moved, believe me — I was more than ready to leave my spiral staircase behind.
My opinion, is this design detail works best when it provides access to your home’s less frequented, low-traffic areas —- sparing you the daily chore of ferrying your belongings up and down stairs. Because honestly, who has the energy?
FYI: We now live in a home with our primary bedroom on the main floor. Lesson learned. (laughing).
A Successful Throwback
The spiral staircase in the image below is one of my favorites. The stairs slither into the room like a giant mamba — dark, poised and ready to strike. This caged metal structure wins as a sculptural focal point. Its flat black finish also adds a dose of edgy modern industrial chic into the space. The renovation of this Modern Paper House successfully reintroduces this throwback superstar into a sleek, contemporary setting.
Want to read more in this series? Check out my feature on another iconic design detail: the indoor fire pit
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