What Are Witches’ Stairs? A Simple Explanation of This Strange Home Design

Witches’ stairs are a strange but interesting design feature that became popular on TikTok a couple of years ago. Even though they have an unusual history, their name doesn’t really have to do with superstition. Instead, these stairs are a clever design choice. When made and installed correctly, they can be both useful and nice to look at!

Witches’ Stairs aren’t what they Appear.

While the stories about witches’ stairs might sound more interesting, they actually have a very practical purpose. They are really useful in homes with little space, like attics, lofts, and tiny houses. Witches’ stairs are designed to save space while still allowing you to go from one floor to another. Architects often call them “alternate tread stairs.”

How Witches’ Stairs Function


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Witches’ stairs are designed to save space in two ways. First, each step is only half as wide as regular steps, and the steps are staggered. This makes the staircase narrower than a traditional one. These smaller stairs can also be used for extra storage, like for books or displaying items. According to Scott Schuttner, who wrote “Basic Stairbuilding,” the distance between the steps on one side of an alternating-tread stair is twice the height of the rise, which gives you more space on the steps and makes them safer.

Besides being practical, witches’ stairs meet building codes and safety standards in the U.S. A standard staircase is usually 3 feet wide, while a residential witches’ staircase is typically between 27 and 30 inches wide.

Real Origins


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In 1985, a businessman named J.M. Lapeyre created a metal version of witches’ stairs. He thought these stairs could be a safe alternative to ladders in commercial and warehouse settings, especially in tight spaces where ladders might not be safe. This design is also used on commercial ships and oil rigs, and it can be called ship stairs or ship ladders, in addition to witches’ stairs and alternate tread stairs.


Misconception


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When videos of witches’ stairs first appeared on TikTok in 2021, they were linked to an urban legend. According to this legend, these staircases were built in 17th-century Massachusetts to keep witches away during the Salem witch trials because “witches can’t climb up them.” This idea has been proven false, but another rumor suggests that Thomas Jefferson came up with the design. Because of this, witches’ stairs are sometimes called Jeffersonian or Jefferson stairs. However, an original version of the design was also mentioned in a book called “Monckton’s One Plane Method Of Hand Railing and Stair Building,” published in 1888.

Debunking the Myth


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The exact origins of witches’ stairs are a bit unclear, but one thing is clear: there’s no historical evidence that they were designed to keep witches away. Historian Robin Briggs has studied many historical sources and found no mention of stairs that could disable witches. Interestingly, some people with these unique staircases also buried “witch bottles” or included dead cats in their homes for protection against witchcraft, but Briggs calls this idea “pure disinformation.” He notes that the closest belief was that putting a broom over the door would trap a witch inside.

While it’s fun to think about myths and legends, it’s also interesting to know the real history of witches’ stairs. Regardless, they offer a unique and decorative alternative to regular staircases, adding a fun and quirky touch to home design.

Woman says that having a stroke and becoming paralyzed from the waist down is the best thing that has ever happened to her

When two people say ‘I do,’ they promise to be by each other’s side in sickness and in health, but do they keep that promise when things get hard? Some are determined to remain their partner’s support until the very end, while other’s decide to leave. That is why we should always choose carefully who we want to spend the rest of our life with.

Riona Kelly and her husband were happily married for 14 years, or at least she thought so.

A one point in her life, this mother of two suffered a stoke which left her paralyzed from the waist down. Chances that she could ever walk again were poor, but doctors believed that over time, she could again stand on her feet with the help of exercises and a strong will.

Sadly, her husband wasn’t willing to support her during the process. Instead, he decided to leave her for good.

That broke Riona’s heart. However, as time passed by, she realized that having someone in her life as selfish as her ex-husband wasn’t what she wished for. She now knew that she didn’t need him anymore.

Riona started therapy with Keith, a personal assistant who was about to help her get her old life back.

The two spent much time together, and eventually fell in love with each other. Her determination to get on her feet again and to never give up inspired Keith.

He was there for her through her tough times and helped her overcome them.

Eventually, she recovered and the two are still together. Her kids love Keith and they even refer to him as to their dad.

Not even in her wildest dreams did this woman believe that a tragedy could lead to finding the love of her life.

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