Oak works beautifully in contemporary interiors because it creates simple, elegant staircases without feeling cold or overly industrial. It gives you the best of both worlds: the natural warmth and strength of timber, combined with clean lines and a beautiful finish.

At Springfield Stairs, we design, manufacture and install bespoke oak staircases for homes, builders and renovation projects across Derbyshire, Staffordshire and the East Midlands. With more than 30 years of experience, we create staircases for new builds, loft conversions, home upgrades and more.

Whether you want a straight staircase, a dog-leg design or a half-space staircase, we can design a solution that suits your home and the way you use it.

What are the best oak staircases for modern homes?

Our staircases for contemporary homes focus on light, space and simplicity.  Popular designs include:

• oak staircases with glass balustrades
• open tread designs
• simple closed string staircases
• space-saving stairs for smaller homes.

At Springfield Stairs, we always produce designs that reflect your particular vision and requirements. Why not check out our projects to see what we can achieve?

Are oak staircases with glass balustrades a good choice?

Yes, glass balustrades are one of the best choices for contemporary interiors. Glass allows light to move through the hallway or landing, making the space feel larger, brighter and more open. When paired with oak treads or handrails, the result is modern but still warm and welcoming.

This combination is especially useful in homes where the hallway feels narrow or dark. Traditional spindles can sometimes make a staircase feel enclosed, while glass panels create a lighter appearance. The oak keeps the design from feeling too stark.

What is an open tread oak staircase?

An open tread oak staircase is a staircase where the vertical risers between the treads are left open. This creates a more spacious, airy look because light can pass through the staircase. It is a popular option because it looks less bulky and feels elegant.

Open tread staircases work particularly well in contemporary interiors where space and light are priorities. They can help a hallway, landing or open-plan living area feel less closed in. Oak is a strong choice for this style because the visible treads become a major design feature.

However, open tread stairs need careful planning. Safety, building regulations and everyday use all have to be considered. At Springfield Stairs, we use our design experience and technical knowledge to create staircases that look good, function properly and suit the home.

Can a closed string staircase still look modern?

Yes, a closed string staircase can look very modern when it is designed with clean proportions and the right finish. A closed string staircase has the side of the staircase enclosed, giving it a neat, solid profile. While this style is often associated with more traditional homes, it can also suit contemporary interiors.

The key is in the details. Simple oak treads, smooth handrails, painted strings, glass balustrades or minimal timber spindles can all help create a cleaner look. A closed string design can also be a practical choice for family homes because it feels sturdy and contained.

If you want a modern staircase that’s not too bold, a closed string oak staircase is a great idea. It feels fresh, but not overly dramatic. It can also blend easily with other parts of the home, especially where natural wood flooring, oak doors or timber furniture are already part of the interior.

Are our oak staircases suitable for loft conversions?

Yes, they’re a great choice for loft conversions. A staircase for a loft needs to be practical, safe and space-efficient; however, it should also look as though it belongs in the home. Oak can help connect the new loft space with the existing interior, especially when the staircase is designed to match or complement other timber features.

For loft conversions, the available space is often limited. This is where a made-to-measure staircase is valuable.

At Springfield Stairs, we work with both domestic clients and trade customers, including builders and developers. Our bespoke staircase design and installation service means we can support loft projects from planning through to fitting.

What finish is best for a contemporary oak staircase?

The best finish depends on the look you want to achieve. A natural lacquer is a popular choice because it protects the oak while keeping the grain visible and the colour light. This suits modern interiors where the overall scheme is clean and bright.

A slightly darker stain can create a richer, more dramatic effect .It can especially look great paired with pale walls or glass balustrades. 

An oiled finish can give the oak a softer, more natural appearance. Painted details can also be used alongside oak to create contrast. For example, painted strings and risers with oak treads can give a staircase a crisp, modern look.

The finish should not only look good. It also needs to protect the timber from everyday use. We can help advise on finishes that suit the style of the home and the practical demands of the household.

Discover more about our oak staircases today.