Witch proof stairs

Early instories began circulating on various social media sites concerning several superstitiously spooky staircases photographed in old New-England homes. Witch proof stairs internet quickly weighed in, mostly noting the awkward appearance of the steps and the perceived difficulty of navigating them; however, a theory was gaining steam and quickly becoming an urban legend. A specific photo and caption began circulating, along with an otherworldly explanation for the architectural feature. A more concise description can be attributed to Scott Schuttnerauthor of several books specializing on staircases, witch proof stairs.

The topic of witches' stairs is one of those crazy things that went viral on TikTok, racked up millions of views, and inspired countless theories on how the stairs got their name. The stairs are not traditional steps and they cause somewhat of an optical illusion that confounds logic. Read on to learn more about what witches' stairs are, their history, and why they can be a functional addition to a home. The staircase is designed to save space because it can be built steeper and narrower than a traditional one. Most people gravitate to one side of a staircase when going up or down. It may take some practice learning to walk up and down witches' stairs but in time it usually becomes easier.

Witch proof stairs

Instead, it appears that the odd-looking staircase is likely just an attempt to save space. A Facebook page that chronicles unique real estate listings called Zillow Gone Wild recently featured a listing for a house in Columbia, Maryland, that appears to have an unusually styled staircase. In the photos, the staircase looks like two separate staircases pushed together at different heights, creating an uncomfortable-looking alternating pattern. Users on social media were quick to point out that these are called witches stairs and that, according to folklore, witches are apparently unable to walk up them. A post on Reddit claims that these types of steps are popular in New England area homes. The news outlet reports that this style of staircase is actually known as alternate-tread stairs and is used in areas that only have limited space. Apparently, spacing the steps in this pattern can provide more rise per step and is safer in some situations than traditional stair designs. Further, Reuters also reports that the concept of witch-proof stairs does not appear in historical texts. Regardless of intent, one Reddit user did find a flaw in the design in regards to stopping witches. Why would they? They've got broomsticks!

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The topic of witches' stairs is one of those crazy things that went viral on TikTok, racked up millions of views, and inspired countless theories on how the stairs got their name. The stairs are not traditional steps and they cause somewhat of an optical illusion that confounds logic. Read on to learn more about what witches' stairs are, their history, and why they can be a functional addition to a home. The staircase is designed to save space because it can be built steeper and narrower than a traditional one. Most people gravitate to one side of a staircase when going up or down. It may take some practice learning to walk up and down witches' stairs but in time it usually becomes easier. The urban legend surrounding witches' stairs is that they were built in homes in 17th-century Massachusetts during the Salem witch trials to ward off witches because they could not walk up the steps. This myth has since been proven false and these steps have never been documented as a way to ward off witches.

Witch proof stairs

At first glance, the stairs give off an optical illusion because of how uneven the overall structure looks. Picture typical stair steps being split in half and then layered in a staggered pattern so the stairs take on a checkered form. The end result is a staircase that can a save space in narrow homes and b double as a workout on leg day. Plus, like traditional staircases, witches stairs come in all shapes and sizes to fit the homes that require more space saving. Can they be implemented into modern-day homes?

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By Josiah Turner. Architects use them to save space in small homes and tiny homes. Do witches' stairs meet building codes? The treads are only half as wide as traditional steps and staggering them saves space. The design can replace unsafe ladders in tight spaces leading to storage or mezzanine spaces in warehouses and other factory settings because they are easier to climb. You may accept or manage your choices by clicking below, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, or at any time in the privacy policy page. Stair having alternative half treads. A post on Reddit claims that these types of steps are popular in New England area homes. The news outlet reports that this style of staircase is actually known as alternate-tread stairs and is used in areas that only have limited space. List of Partners vendors. Realizing the danger, he brainstormed a safer alternative. Use profiles to select personalised content.

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Use limited data to select content. It may take some practice learning to walk up and down witches' stairs but in time it usually becomes easier. Image Who really invented witches' stairs first? Article Sources. Witches' stairs also offer easier access to lofts and mezzanine-type storage spaces. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Turner trained as a multi-instrumentalist from a young age and spent much of his early years creating and performing music. Taylor Fuller. Tags Architecture History. Witches' stairs in a residential setting can serve a purpose.