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.
Pit Bull Attack Survivor’s Incredible Facial Transformation through Plastic Surgery! Tap Here for Captivating ‘After’ Photos.
Brooklinn Khoury, a well-known influencer who rose to prominence following a harrowing dog attack back in 2020, has been chronicling her journey to recovery on various social media platforms. With an impressive following of over 450,000 on Instagram, Khoury has garnered significant support and has also shared her inspiring story through vlogs on her YouTube channel, becoming a beacon of motivation for countless individuals to never abandon their aspirations.
The trajectory of this woman’s life was forever altered in the blink of an eye. Renowned professional skateboarder Brooklinn Khoury recently took to social media to unveil the results of her latest reconstructive surgery. Having endured a traumatic pit bull attack that resulted in the loss of her upper lip and a portion of her nose, the 23-year-old has undergone an arduous series of seven surgeries aimed at reconstructing her face.
Through a series of photographs, Khoury proudly exhibits the outcomes of what she hopes will be her final procedure, while also opening up about the emotional journey she has traversed during this process.
“In essence, my doctor is recreating my upper lip during this surgery—fashioning a Cupid’s bow and central columns. The goal is to enhance the aesthetic appearance of my lip,” Khoury explained during her interview, revealing that these surgeries usually span the entire day due to her doctor’s meticulous approach. “My doctor is exceedingly cautious and strives for perfection in every aspect.”
According to Khoury, the recovery period following her latest reconstructive surgery may encompass up to six weeks. She disclosed that she would experience temporary numbness in her upper lip immediately after the procedure, with the possibility of sensation returning over a span of four months.
Surgeries have now become an integral part of Brooklinn’s life. Having survived the pit bull attack, she now finds herself in a perpetual patient-doctor relationship with a plastic surgeon—a circumstance that presents both physical and mental challenges.
Despite her doctor’s renowned pursuit of perfection, Khoury maintains no specific expectations regarding the final appearance of her face following the reconstructive surgeries.
“My personal aspiration, just like with any surgery I undergo, is to learn to embrace and love what I see,” she shared. “Previously, I would fixate on insignificant details that held no real significance. For instance, right before the attack, I was insecure about a pimple on my upper lip. And then, within minutes, my entire lip was gone.”
Brooklinn has emerged as a genuine inspiration, touching the lives of many with her unwavering optimism. On her Instagram account, she continues to share the progress of her recovery, imparting a sense of hope and resilience to her followers. In one of her posts, she writes, “Nearly three weeks post-op! The healing process is progressing admirably. Still experiencing some swelling, but I feel incredibly blessed with the results!”
“I have always possessed confidence and never truly cared about my physical appearance. I genuinely love myself and the way I look. However, society doesn’t always align with my perspective,” she revealed, explaining her decision to openly share her story on social media despite the occasional judgmental glances and critical comments she encounters.
“For me personally, there’s no point in harboring self-consciousness, and I believe that posting on social media has definitely aided in my healing process,” Khoury expressed. “On social media, I am transparent and authentic. What you see is what you get.”
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