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, witch proof stairs.

Early in , stories began circulating on various social media sites concerning several superstitiously spooky staircases photographed in old New-England homes. The 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 Schuttner , author of several books specializing on staircases. One theory that arose on social media, though it has little basis in popular witch mythology , is that witches were unable to see their feet or that they were otherwise impaired from climbing or descending the staircase. The wealth of examples in New England homes lent credence to the theory because of its extensive history with witchcraft, including the famous Salem Witch Trials.

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!

The staircase is designed to save space because it can be built steeper and narrower than a traditional one. List of Partners vendors. CitySignal delivers New York City's latest news, gossip, and everything in between, witch proof stairs.

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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.

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? Witches stairs, or alternate-tread stairs, are intentionally uneven steps that make walking to the second story a bit different than if they were traditional steps. A trip to the comments section of the original video above and a scroll through widely circulated posts like this claim that these stairs originated in late 17th-century New England during the Salem witch trials , a period of hysteria in which women who fell under certain categories were accused of practicing witchcraft and subsequently executed. The story goes that witches were not able to walk up these stairs, so residents in the area installed these staircases as a precaution. While there is no evidence to support that people actually believed this to be true, it has been made official by Reuters Fact Check that witches stairs and the rumors surrounding them are just that: rumors. In reality, alternate-tread stairs were built to maximize space in compact homes with their diagonally stacked make.

Katon gōkakyū no jutsu

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. Witches' stairs also offer easier access to lofts and mezzanine-type storage spaces. By Josiah Turner. However, metal versions, called Lapeyre Stairs, were developed and patented in by entrepreneur J. Evidence was gathering, and the theory that the stairs were built to ward off witches became popular amongst potential renters and home-buyers looking for a home with built-in spooky decor. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 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. Alternate tread stairs in residential homes are likely a space-saving method, though they are usually only approved for locations with lofts or mezzanines. There are many discussions about who invented witches' stairs. Alternating tread stairs were not built to ward off witches. They've got broomsticks!

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Witches' stairs in a residential setting can serve a purpose. One theory that arose on social media, though it has little basis in popular witch mythology , is that witches were unable to see their feet or that they were otherwise impaired from climbing or descending the staircase. In homes where they are used, they save space and provide a stylish utility. Most people gravitate to one side of a staircase when going up or down. Alternating tread stairs were not built to ward off witches. This myth has since been proven false and these steps have never been documented as a way to ward off witches. Beyond The Building. Architects use them to save space in small homes and tiny homes. The stairs are not traditional steps and they cause somewhat of an optical illusion that confounds logic. In the photos, the staircase looks like two separate staircases pushed together at different heights, creating an uncomfortable-looking alternating pattern. Stair having alternative half treads. 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. 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. Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process.