The staircase, one of the most important and often overlooked features in a building, and as it turns out possibly one of the most dangerous.
 
It is unknown exactly when stairs originated, though in 2004, the oldest wooden staircase was unearthed, dating from about three thousand years ago. Found in a Bronze Age salt mine in Austria, an environment where being able to ascend and descend solely on foot was advantageous to free both arms to carry heavy loads.
 
You may ask what spurred my sudden interest in the evolution of the staircase? It was the discovery that statistically, as a single woman, I am more likely to fall down them. In ‘Staircase - History and Theories’, an academic study written in 1995, John A.Templer aggregates statistics drawn from years of research on the subject. In a nutshell, it is estimated that you will miss-step once in every 2,222 occasions you use stairs. Women are more likely to have an accident on the stairs than men, single people are more likely to fall than married people, and previously married people tumble more than both of those.
 
Of course, design faults influence the likelihood of accidents rather than your marital status. Factors such as poor lighting, absence of handrails, risers that are unusual in width and landings that interrupt the rhythm of ascent or descent- apparently a broken rhythm is a prelude to a fall.
 
Beyond efficiency of design and function, the choice of staircase can have a huge effect on a space and can add a lot of style too. Stairs can either help you create privacy by hiding what’s at the end or they can open up the space by creating open areas at the top. Your choice of materials can enhance an atmosphere; choosing reclaimed wood can add warmth or a statement metal can give an industrial feel.
 
There are plenty of ways to get creative when integrating reclaimed staircases whether you are looking for a grand statement or a space saver. Here is a selection from the Salvo shop that is sure to put a spring in your step.
 
1. Antique Queen Anne 18th Century Oak Staircase, £ 45000
Dating back to the 1710s this magnificent architectural feature has a rich warm patina with hand-carved spindles of traditional Georgian form.
 
2. Reclaimed Metal Straight Staircase, £ 5,250
For those looking to make a grand entrance.
 
3. Reclaimed Mid-Century Mahogany Stage Steps, £ 600
Reclaimed from a school assembly hall, these quirky steps are versatile and sturdy.
 
4. Reclaimed Industrial Cast Iron White Spiral Staircase, £ 3,250
Spiral staircases are an instant way to add character to a home and a great way to save space.