When space is limited, choosing the right staircase becomes a crucial decision. If you have a small floor opening or limited square footage, you are likely weighing two main options: a spiral staircase or a space-saving staircase.
What truly matters is the shape of the stairwell, how much room you have for the staircase to develop, and what kind of vertical movement you want to create in the space.
If the opening is compact and regular in shape (circular or square), a spiral staircase makes the most of the floor area by rotating around a central post and rising vertically. When you have length available along a wall, or can articulate the path with angles and curves, a space-saving staircase offers a more traditional ascent through alternating steps that reduce the footprint compared to a standard flight of stairs.
Hoop, Phola and Gamia Metal on one side; Small, Mini and Knock on the other: two staircase types that respond to different spatial geometries:
- Rintal spiral staircases work by containing the opening and optimising the occupied surface area, concentrating movement vertically.
- Rintal space-saving staircases exploit longitudinal development and provide a climbing experience closer to that of a conventional staircase, yet in a compact footprint.
Index
The spiral staircase: features and advantages
A spiral staircase is a type of staircase with a vertical development that rotates around a load-bearing central post, connecting two floors while occupying the minimum possible floor area. It is particularly valued in various residential contexts such as apartments, mezzanines and smaller spaces.
This type of staircase stands out for several specific advantages that make it a widely adopted solution:
- Minimal footprint: the spiral configuration reduces the floor area occupied compared to a traditional staircase, freeing up valuable space for other furnishing elements.
- Design versatility: it adapts to a wide range of architectural configurations, from a central position in open-plan spaces to installation in corners or recesses.
- Distinctive design: the curved lines create a strong aesthetic impact, turning the staircase into an element that furnishes the space with character.
- Efficient installation: installation times are generally short and do not require particularly invasive structural work, making the intervention more manageable even during renovations.
What are the minimum dimensions for a spiral staircase?
To ensure comfortable and fluid use, several key dimensions must be considered:
- Usable width: the usable passage width is around 70 centimetres for primary use, reducible to 50 centimetres for secondary connections.
- Overall diameter: the following diameters are available: 105, 120, 140 and 160 centimetres. The smaller sizes are suitable for secondary use.
Models such as Rintal's Phola can start from a minimum diameter of 105 centimetres where local exemptions are granted.
Before purchasing, it is always advisable to check the applicable local building regulations and assess any permits required.
Rintal spiral staircases
Rintal offers several spiral staircase models, each designed to meet different project requirements.
Hoop: functionality and elegance
Hoop is the spiral staircase designed for interiors that combines a solid steel structure with pine wood treads. The design is engineered to minimise the footprint and maximise the use of available space, offering an elegant and functional solution.
Ideal for modern homes or for those seeking a space-saving alternative without sacrificing the warmth of wood, Hoop delivers safety, comfort and durability, becoming a refined and practical furnishing element.
Key features:
- Available in diameters of 118 and 138 centimetres
- Pine wood treads that bring warmth to the environment
- Load-bearing structure and handrail in painted steel (White 22 and Silver Grey 01)
- Handrail with vertical steel balusters
- Rise adjustment system for precise adaptation to room height
- Connects heights from 103 to 648 cm
Discover Hoop on rintalshop.com
Phola: the modular spiral staircase
Phola is the modular spiral staircase that combines the natural warmth and elegance of wood with the solidity and durability of steel. Thanks to a wide range of diameter and finish combinations, this staircase adapts easily to any interior, offering personalised solutions that optimise space without compromising on style.
Ideal for those who want a design element that unites functionality and quality, Phola ensures safety, comfort and a refined aesthetic, turning the journey between floors into a pleasant and harmonious experience.
Key features:
- Wide range of available diameters: from 105 to 180 centimetres
- Beech wood treads
- Painted steel structure with an extended colour range (White 22, Silver Grey 01, Anthracite Grey 03)
- Modular, customisable handrail with refined finishes
- Connects heights from 123 to 648 cm
Discover Phola on rintalshop.com
Gamia Metal: the all-steel spiral staircase
Gamia Metal is the spiral staircase crafted entirely in steel, designed for those seeking a durable, versatile solution with a contemporary aesthetic. The metal structure ensures solidity and longevity, while the epoxy powder coating provides a matt, scratch-resistant finish that retains its original appearance even after years of intensive use.
Ideal for modern or industrial-style environments, Gamia Metal offers a clean, decisive aesthetic with a wide colour choice.
Key features:
- Available in diameters of 120 and 140 centimetres
- Treads, structure and handrail entirely in painted steel
- Wide range of finishes: White 22, Silver Grey 01, Black 14, Red 92, Blue 34, Green 35, Yellow 36
- Handrail with vertical steel balusters
- Rise adjustment system for precise adaptation to room height
Discover Gamia Metal
Space-saving staircases: features and advantages
Space-saving staircases have different characteristics from spiral staircases. They do not rotate around a central post but develop like a traditional flight. In some cases, to make the most of limited spaces, the treads are shaped asymmetrically and alternated, using the alternating-tread system.
Advantages of space-saving staircases
Space-saving staircases offer numerous benefits that go beyond simply reducing the footprint:
- Optimisation of living space: the defining characteristic is the ability to free up precious square metres that would otherwise be lost with a traditional staircase. This allows you to dedicate more floor area to living areas, bedrooms or workspaces.
- Design versatility: thanks to the various configurations available, you can find a solution suited to any environment, whether a narrow corridor, an unused corner or a central space you want to keep open and bright.
- Wide design choice: Rintal space-saving staircases are available in various configurations. Today you can choose from premium materials such as wood and steel, customised finishes and details that transform the staircase into a distinctive furnishing element.
- Guaranteed safety: despite the reduced footprint, modern space-saving staircases comply with all safety regulations, with ergonomic handrails and certified structures that ensure stability and long-lasting strength.
- Ease of installation: modular solutions allow for fast and precise assembly, reducing installation time and costs compared to traditional masonry staircases.
Rintal space-saving staircases: Knock, Small and Mini
Rintal offers space-saving staircase models that differ in materials, finishes and technical specifications. In addition to standard configurations (straight, one-turn, two-turn), landing versions are also available, ideal for greater heights or spaces that require intermediate rest points along the route.
Knock 65: the compact open-riser staircase with classic treads
Knock 65 is the modular open-riser staircase designed by Giugiaro Architettura that combines the compactness of a space-saving staircase with the comfort of a traditional flight. With rectangular beech wood treads, it is the ideal solution for those who prefer the classic ascent but have limited space.
Refined design, premium materials and total modularity make Knock the perfect choice for enhancing the domestic environment without sacrificing functionality.
Key features:
- Beech wood treads
- Staircase width: 65 centimetres
- Painted steel structure (White 22, Silver Grey 01, Anthracite Grey 03)
- Available in straight, one-turn or two-turn versions
- 8 wood finishes available (Bleached, Natural, Walnut, Sand, Cement, Dove Grey, Wengé, Lacquered White)
- Rise adjustment system for precise adaptation
- LED lighting integration available
Discover Knock on our website
Small: compactness and safety
Small is the ideal space-saving staircase for those who need a practical, safe and compact solution for environments with limited space. The particular tread shape reduces the footprint, making it perfect for mezzanines, attic rooms and confined spaces.
Built with quality materials, Small guarantees solidity and durability over time, combining safety, an essential design and maximum efficiency in the use of the home's vertical space.
Key features:
- Natural pine wood treads, shaped and alternating
- Staircase width: 60 centimetres
- Painted steel structure (White 22, Silver Grey 01)
- Connects heights from 80 to 356 cm
- Available in straight, one-turn or two-turn versions
- Rise adjustment system for precise adaptation
- Self-assembly possible with adequate DIY skills
Find out more on the page dedicated to Small
Mini: the model for everyday use
Mini is the space-saving staircase that combines aesthetics and practicality, offering a customisable solution that enhances every domestic environment with a natural, refined touch.
Key features:
- Solid beech wood treads, shaped and alternating
- Width: 61 centimetres
- Painted steel structure (White 22, Silver Grey 01)
- Connects heights from 81 to 370 centimetres
- Available in straight, one-turn or two-turn versions
- Rise adjustment system
Discover Mini
Conclusions: which staircase to choose for your project
Spiral or space-saving? There is no single winning option. Both offer reliable performance, safety and build quality when designed in compliance with regulations.
If you have doubts or want to be certain of selecting the most suitable solution, visit our design service.
Many clients discover through professional design consultancy that alternatives to the options they initially considered are better suited to their needs. This is precisely the purpose of the service: to give you a complete overview of the possibilities before making your final decision.