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.
Vince Gill – Ain’t It Always That Way
“Ain’t It Always That Way” by Vince Gill is one of those songs that, rather than coming at you with a great boom, enters your heart slowly and stays there long after the last note dies. If you’ve ever thought back on the little ironies in life or the bittersweet quality of love, this song will seem like an old friend who really knows it.
Vince Gill’s gentle, honeyed voice carries us through the well-known highs and lows of life and love. This song is dedicated to all those who have had to confront the bittersweet reality that hopes and plans don’t always turn out the way they had hoped. But isn’t that simply the way life is?
With a genuine and moving performance, Gill expertly captures the complex facets of life’s unpredictable nature. The song seems to be a meditation on those moments when you realize that, believe it or not, the cosmos sometimes arranges things in a humorous way. This song finds its voice during those melancholy, dejected moments when you can’t help but laugh at how ridiculous everything is.
A simple yet heartfelt melody surrounds the lyrics, making it feel warm and inviting on a cold night. Because of the acoustic arrangement and Gill’s sympathetic performance, which seems like he’s speaking to you, the song feels more private and intimate.
What makes “Ain’t It Always That Way” unique is how relatable it is. Everyone has gone through moments in life when something we took for granted slips through their fingers and surprises us. But there’s a certain beauty to that unpredictable quality—a reminder that life is a journey with lots of twists and turns, and that’s okay. Rather than dwell in sorrow, the song subtly suggests the tenacity we all possess, even in the face of misfortune.
In the end, this song is a reminder that, in spite of all of its imperfections and surprises, each minute of life is precious. “Isn’t It Always That Way” offers comfort on the journey, regardless of whether you’re reflecting on missed opportunities, heartbroken relationships, or life’s inequalities.
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