Independent homes
Stair and landing Furniture Planning for Independent homes
Specify the occupied size, operating clearance and route into the building before choosing furniture by catalogue dimensions.
Explore the ideas
Compare the options
- Set the brief
- Use templates at the size of the actual furniture. Include seated users, open drawers and reclined positions where relevant.
- Compare
- Decide which items need to move independently and which benefit from built-in anchoring.
- Before buying
- Confirm that the largest pieces can turn at the entrance, lift lobby and corridor, or specify assembly in place.
Worked example
A family wants a console and bench in a foyer, but the lift lobby door opens close to the apartment entrance.
Use a narrow console with rounded corners and a bench that tucks fully beneath it. Measure the entry door at full swing and test carrying a bulky delivery past the furniture.
How to test it
Overlay the furniture in its stored and in-use positions, then check both against the measured plan.
Apply it to this space
- Layout
- Keep the stair landing free of storage and provide a clear view of each approach.
- Detail
- Use continuous hand support and low-glare lighting at both ends and along the steps.
- Trade-off
- Under-stair storage adds capacity but can constrict the stair approach.
- Walk the stair with hands occupied
- Check lighting and head clearance

The Elixir portfolio
Details worth a closer look

