Contemporary Stairways

57_Modern & Comfortable Cupboard Under Basement Stairs, Bethesda MD 20817

This project showcases thoughtful design at every level. Beneath the basement stairs, what's typically wasted space was transformed into a cozy reading nook—a small sanctuary for dreaming, reading, and relaxing.

Above, the staircase itself features clean, minimalist design: red oak handrails and treads paired with white-painted square balusters. The contrast creates a crisp, elegant look that complements the home's modern aesthetic while the hidden retreat below reminds us that exceptional design considers every square foot.

1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Project #57 | Staircase with Cozy Reading Nook Below

59_Dramatic Staircase/Focal Point in Ultramodern Home, Arlington VA 22207

This dramatic open-riser staircase serves as the architectural centerpiece of this ultramodern home. Floating between crisp white stringers, the thick solid oak treads create bold visual contrast with their rich black stain. The natural metal balustrade adds an ultramodern touch to the staircase, while the open risers allow natural light to cascade through the multiple levels of the home. The interplay of contrasting colors and textures establishes the modern character of the home, proving that a staircase can define the spaces around it rather than just simply connecting them.

1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Project #59 | Dramatic Ultramodern Stair

55_Logan Circle’s Sculptural Staircase, Washington DC 20005

This one-of-a-kind staircase brings bold architectural presence to this condo. A solid white mono-beam supports thick red oak treads that float without risers, creating an open vertical connection between the different levels of the home. The horizontal stainless steel balustrade system flows seamlessly alongside the oak treads, maintaining visual transparency while providing safety and structure. 

A spacious landing area creates a natural pause in the ascent, while the open design allows natural light to travel freely through all living spaces. The craftsmanship blends perfectly with the developer's high-end architectural finishes, proving that structural innovation and elegant simplicity go hand in hand.

1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Project #55 | Solid Mono Beam Staircase

39_Light and Open Wooden & Horizontal Stainless Steel System, Vienna VA 22180

This modern home features a striking horizontal stainless steel railing system. Sleek 1/2" round stainless steel bars run between rich wooden posts, creating a clean and open feel that complements the renovated hardwood floors throughout. From preliminary drawings to final installation, every detail was custom designed to integrate seamlessly with the home's existing architecture and finishes.

1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Project #39 | Horizontal Stainless Steel System

26_Modern Staircase to Private Rooftop, Arlington VA 22209

This modern staircase brings together metal and wood in perfect harmony across the four levels of this elegant Virginia townhouse. From the sleek metal balusters to the warm wood elements in the handrail and treads, it’s the careful balance of materials that sets this staircase apart. The fusion of metal and wood adds both visual interest and structural integrity, transforming a functional element into an architectural feature that defines the home's contemporary aesthetic.

1976-2025 © Century Stair Company

Project #26 | A Fusion of Metal & Wood

46_Stunning Riser-less Stairs with 4" Solid Oak Treads, Alexandria 22305

This modern staircase solution pairs thick solid oak treads with sleek steel stringers. By eliminating risers, the design allows natural light to flow freely through all three levels. The cable railing echoes this openness, maintaining unobstructed views throughout the vertical space. The result is a staircase that connects spaces while preserving sightlines and natural light, a perfect balance of form and function.

1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Project #46 | Open Riser Staircase with Steel and Oak

48_Contemporary Round Stainless Steel Balustrade & Oak Treads, Arlington VA 2220

This project blends warm wood with industrial style concepts for a result that transcends typical modern minimalism. Created with a visionary architect and builder, the four-level structure features thick solid oak treads with extended noses that float against finished poplar stringers. Open risers preserve light flow from the adjacent wall of windows.

A horizontal stainless steel rod balustrade system flows from the lower-level recreation room to the fourth-level rooftop deck, creating visual continuity across the home's entire vertical span. The geometric design echoes custom millwork throughout the residence and connects the chef's kitchen and family room while celebrating natural light at every level.

1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Project #48 | Contemporary Staircase with Warm Tones

21_Industrial Stairs With Metal Balustrade & No Risers, Washington DC, 20002

This industrial staircase rises through the heart of the home, taking center stage as an anchoring sculptural piece. The light gray treads pair flawlessly with the dark metal railings to create a refined contrast while complementing the exposed structural steel beams throughout the home. The open risers amplify the sense of volume, allowing the staircase to feel integrated rather than intrusive. The result is functional art that elevates everyday movement into an architectural experience.

1976-2025 © Century Stair Company

Project #21 | Industrial Stairs

52_Minimalist & Floating Open-Riser White Oak Stairway, Arlington, VA 22207

This staircase makes a bold design statement through restraint and precision. Thick squared-off white oak treads appear to float between dramatic, black-painted stringers, while horizontal 1/2" round bars create an open, minimal balustrade. The uniform open risers allow natural light to cascade down to the basement level, transforming the stairwell into a light-transmitting vertical shaft.

The design thoughtfully responds to the surrounding spaces, connecting levels without interrupting sightlines or blocking light flow. The result is a staircase that feels almost sculptural in its simplicity, proving that sometimes less truly is more.

1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Project #52 | Minimalist Open Riser Stairway

54_Dynamic and Open Wood and Metal Zig-Zag Staircase, Alexandria VA 22302

This striking staircase showcases bold geometric design through its clean zig-zag profile. Thick oak risers and treads connect to form crisp angular stringers, anchored to the side walls with concealed joinery for a seamless, floating appearance. A carpet runner adds subtle warmth, softening the sharp lines and metal elements. The result bridges elegant and eclectic interior design, proving that architectural drama and livability can work in perfect harmony.

1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Project #54 | Zig-Zag Staircase

22_Stainless Steel & Dark Wooden Treads in Fabulous New Home, Vienna, VA 22180

Spanning three levels, this elegant modern staircase transforms light into a design element. Suspended by open risers, the dark wood treads appear to float between floors as natural light cascades from the top floor windows down through the entire stairwell. The horizontal stainless steel rods create clean, uninterrupted sightlines while emphasizing the architectural volume beneath the landings. The result is a vertical journey defined by transparency and light.

1976-2025 © Century Stair Company

Project #22 | Stainless Steel & Dark Wood Treads

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