A few years ago, witches’ stairs became a TikTok sensation, intriguing viewers with their strange name. Far from spooky folklore, these stairs are a brilliant space-saving design, perfect for small homes and adding a unique flair. Known as alternate tread stairs, they’re built for tight spaces like attics or tiny houses. Each step is half the width of a standard stair, staggered to fit in narrow areas while keeping climbing safe and easy.
Beyond saving space, these stairs can store items like books or decor, doubling as shelving. Building expert Scott Schuttner explains that their design offers more foot space per step, making them safer than they seem. They meet U.S. safety codes, usually spanning 27 to 30 inches wide, unlike the 3 feet of regular stairs. The modern version was patented in 1985 by J.M. Lapeyre for industrial use in places like ships and warehouses, giving them the nickname “ship ladders.”
The idea of staggered steps goes back further, with an 1888 stair-building guide describing a similar concept. When TikTok popularized witches’ stairs in 2021, some videos claimed they were designed during the Salem witch trials to block witches, but this myth has no historical backing. Another rumor suggests Thomas Jefferson invented them, but there’s no evidence for that either.
Historian Robin Briggs says there’s no link between these stairs and witchcraft prevention. Old beliefs, like placing brooms over doors to trap witches, aren’t related to this design. Witches’ stairs are just a practical choice for small spaces, not a mystical tool. Today, they’re popular for their efficiency and quirky style, appealing to homeowners who want both function and charm.
Witches’ stairs are a mix of clever design and intriguing lore. Their true value lies in how they maximize space while adding a fun twist to home decor. Whether you love their odd name or their practicality, these stairs show that smart solutions can outshine myths, making them a perfect choice for compact living.
