Compiled by the editorial desk with reference to statements from interior designers Peter Spalding and Jan Odesanya.

Interior designers are ready to close the door on several staircase styles that once dominated home design. From sweeping double staircases to high-tech LED strips, these features are increasingly viewed as dated, according to two design professionals who spoke with our team.

Peter Spalding, an interior designer and co-founder of Daniel House Club, and Jan Odesanya, founder of Mondän & Co Interiors, identified the trends they believe are falling out of favor. Their observations come as homeowners and builders weigh style against practicality, safety, and long-term appeal.

The Grand Entrance Falls Out of Favor

One of the most noticeable trends on its way out is the overly grand staircase. Spalding points to movie-style double staircases and dramatic spiral designs as immediate red flags. “They are usually too prominent and grandiose, and seem to suggest they’re headed to a grand ballroom instead of a few beds and bathrooms,” he says. For most homes, such staircases overwhelm the space and feel out of place.

Ornate Scrolls and Floating Steps

Ornate scroll details on bannisters and railings, popular in the early 2000s, are also being phased out. Odesanya notes that these scrolls often appear in homes with no architectural connection to European classicism. “The problem is when we lift a detail out of context and paste it into a home it doesn’t belong to. That’s when it tips from ‘character’ to ‘caricature,’” she explains.

Floating stairs, once a favorite for their sleek, museum-like appearance, are now criticized for being impractical. Odesanya calls them a “maintenance headache” and a “safety hazard for most households,” despite their photogenic appeal. “Floating staircases have had their Instagram moment, and yes, they’re stunning in photos,” she says, but in everyday use, they fall short.

Finishes and Lighting That Date a Home

The finish on stair treads can also signal an outdated look. Odesanya describes shiny red-orange cherry steps with crisp white risers as a style that “timestamps a home instantly, like spotting a flip phone in someone’s bag.” She suggests matte wooden finishes, softer neutral paint on risers, or a minimalist tone-on-tone approach for a more timeless feel.

LED strip lighting, once a futuristic touch, is another trend designers are ready to retire. Spalding advises against LED strips notched under stair treads, especially those that change colors. Instead, he recommends wall-mounted step lights, noting that simpler stairs are more attractive and enduring.

The Carpeted Stairs Debate

One contentious topic remains carpeted stairs. Odesanya defends wall-to-wall carpet, citing grip, warmth, and a softer landing if someone misses a step. Spalding prefers a custom runner, which he says is “always tasteful if properly installed” and helps dampen noise while adding traction to slippery wood treads.

The verdict on carpeted stairs is still open, leaving homeowners to decide based on their region, household needs, and personal style. As design preferences evolve, the emphasis appears to be shifting toward safety, comfort, and understated elegance.