Witches’ stairs are a strange but interesting design feature that became popular on TikTok a couple of years ago. Even though they have an unusual history, their name doesn’t really have to do with superstition. Instead, these stairs are a clever design choice. When made and installed correctly, they can be both useful and nice to look at!
Witches’ Stairs aren’t what they Appear.
While the stories about witches’ stairs might sound more interesting, they actually have a very practical purpose. They are really useful in homes with little space, like attics, lofts, and tiny houses. Witches’ stairs are designed to save space while still allowing you to go from one floor to another. Architects often call them “alternate tread stairs.”
How Witches’ Stairs Function
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Witches’ stairs are designed to save space in two ways. First, each step is only half as wide as regular steps, and the steps are staggered. This makes the staircase narrower than a traditional one. These smaller stairs can also be used for extra storage, like for books or displaying items. According to Scott Schuttner, who wrote “Basic Stairbuilding,” the distance between the steps on one side of an alternating-tread stair is twice the height of the rise, which gives you more space on the steps and makes them safer.
Besides being practical, witches’ stairs meet building codes and safety standards in the U.S. A standard staircase is usually 3 feet wide, while a residential witches’ staircase is typically between 27 and 30 inches wide.
Real Origins
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In 1985, a businessman named J.M. Lapeyre created a metal version of witches’ stairs. He thought these stairs could be a safe alternative to ladders in commercial and warehouse settings, especially in tight spaces where ladders might not be safe. This design is also used on commercial ships and oil rigs, and it can be called ship stairs or ship ladders, in addition to witches’ stairs and alternate tread stairs.
Misconception
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When videos of witches’ stairs first appeared on TikTok in 2021, they were linked to an urban legend. According to this legend, these staircases were built in 17th-century Massachusetts to keep witches away during the Salem witch trials because “witches can’t climb up them.” This idea has been proven false, but another rumor suggests that Thomas Jefferson came up with the design. Because of this, witches’ stairs are sometimes called Jeffersonian or Jefferson stairs. However, an original version of the design was also mentioned in a book called “Monckton’s One Plane Method Of Hand Railing and Stair Building,” published in 1888.
Debunking the Myth
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The exact origins of witches’ stairs are a bit unclear, but one thing is clear: there’s no historical evidence that they were designed to keep witches away. Historian Robin Briggs has studied many historical sources and found no mention of stairs that could disable witches. Interestingly, some people with these unique staircases also buried “witch bottles” or included dead cats in their homes for protection against witchcraft, but Briggs calls this idea “pure disinformation.” He notes that the closest belief was that putting a broom over the door would trap a witch inside.
While it’s fun to think about myths and legends, it’s also interesting to know the real history of witches’ stairs. Regardless, they offer a unique and decorative alternative to regular staircases, adding a fun and quirky touch to home design.
I found an old photograph in my wife’s collection, which prompted me to decide to end our marriage.
One tranquil evening, John found himself immersed in Sarah’s vintage photo album, exploring a collection of their shared memories. Amidst the cherished snapshots from their early years, one particular image stood out, hinting at a revelation that could shake the foundation of their marriage.
In the photograph, a young Sarah beamed with nostalgic joy. However, John’s pulse quickened as he noticed a detail that shattered his sense of security.
There, intertwined with Sarah’s hand, was the unmistakable silhouette of another—a man’s hand, starkly reminding John of a former connection. Panic surged through him as he realized that the date on the photograph coincided with the beginning of their own relationship. The revelation left him stunned, engulfed in a whirlwind of confusion and disbelief.
Summoning his courage, John brought up the photo with Sarah. Initially taken aback, Sarah explained that the snapshot was from the final days of her previous relationship, taken when her ex had visited to collect his belongings. Unaware of the subtle detail, Sarah’s mother had innocently captured the moment, unknowingly preserving a scene that would later sow seeds of doubt and mistrust.
Despite Sarah’s attempts to reassure him, John found himself torn between trust and suspicion. The unexpected appearance of her ex-boyfriend’s hand in a cherished memory from their courtship cast a shadow over their entire relationship. The lingering unease intensified, magnifying feelings of betrayal and gradually eroding the trust that had once bonded them.
Amidst this emotional turmoil, John made the painful decision to end their marriage. What once seemed like an innocuous photograph, a relic from the past, had transformed into a catalyst for unraveling the trust and intimacy they had carefully built. Their story stands as a poignant reminder that even the most innocent images can carry unforeseen significance, unearthing hidden truths and testing the resilience of love to its limits.
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