What Are Witches’ Stairs? A Simple Explanation of This Strange Home Design

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.

Madonna Unveiled: The Striking, Unfiltered Look of the 70-Year-Old Icon

Madonna, born Madonna Louise Ciccone on August 16, 1958, in Bay City, Michigan, is an iconic American singer, songwriter, and performer who rose to global fame in the 1980s. Known as the “Queen of Pop,” her influence on music and popular culture remains undeniable.

Early Life

Raised in a devout Catholic family as the third of six children, Madonna displayed a passion for music and dance from an early age. Determined to chase her dreams, she moved to New York City, where she took ballet lessons while juggling various jobs to make ends meet, all in pursuit of her breakthrough in the music world.

Musical Journey

In 1983, Madonna released her self-titled debut album, which featured hits like “Holiday” and “Lucky Star.” Her subsequent albums, including Like a Virgin (1984) and True Blue (1986), cemented her as a pop sensation. Madonna’s ability to reinvent herself musically, delving into different genres and themes, kept her career both relevant and revolutionary.

Career Highlights

With over 300 million records sold worldwide, Madonna is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammys. Aside from her music career, she also ventured into acting, starring in films like Desperately Seeking Susan (1985) and Evita (1996), which earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress.

Influence and Legacy

Madonna’s bold style and willingness to challenge norms around gender and sexuality have made her a trailblazer in both music and fashion. She remains an inspiration for many artists and a pivotal figure in popular culture. Her ability to evolve while staying true to her artistic vision has ensured her lasting success.

Recent Activities

Even today, Madonna continues to release new music and embark on global tours, maintaining her position in the ever-changing music industry. She symbolizes empowerment, self-expression, and reinvention.

If you’d like to explore her albums, songs, or contributions to pop culture in more detail, feel free to ask!

Madonna’s Real-Life Appearance: A Look Behind the Filters

Maintaining her timeless allure takes considerable effort. To keep up her youthful image, Madonna often relies on cosmetic procedures, beauty treatments, and digital touch-ups on her photos.

Observers have noted her emphasis on appearance, with eternal youth seemingly a key focus. Known for her bold fashion choices, she still dons daring outfits like miniskirts and lingerie to project her “flawless” persona.

However, unretouched paparazzi photos tell a different story. Candid shots reveal the natural effects of aging, including wrinkles and skin imperfections. Recently, she was photographed on her way to a party celebrating her book, wearing a corset, fishnet stockings, and a black blazer. The images showed sagging skin and creases, highlighting the contrast between her unfiltered reality and the polished image she often presents on social media.

Public reactions ranged from humor to critique, with some playfully calling her a “youthful granny” and pointing out the difference between her real appearance and her curated Instagram photos.

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