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
Photo Credit: itsthatrealestatechick | TikTok
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
Photo Credit: itsthatrealestatechick | TikTok
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
Photo Credit: itsthatrealestatechick | TikTok
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
Photo Credit: conspiracy___time | TikTok
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.
4 TIMES TAYLOR SWIFT WENT MAKEUP-FREE AND LOOKED FLAWLESS
Despite the celebrity’s seemingly flawless appearance, she has openly admitted to a relatable yet not-so-great habit of neglecting to remove her makeup. “Sometimes I forget to wash off my makeup. Okay—almost all the time,” Swift confessed to Allure in 2011. Nevertheless, the pop star is just as stunning without makeup as when she graces TV screens and stages at her sold-out concerts — a fact evident in her makeup-free photos.
Tied together with a smile
On January 22, 2019, Taylor Swift shared a casual selfie donning a denim jacket, adorable dirty blond bangs swept to the side, and seemingly no trace of makeup. Smiling next to her “Cats” character name, Bombalurina, she aptly captioned the post, “Meow.” Even without makeup, the celebrity displayed bright eyes, clear skin, and full lips. With raised eyebrows and a somewhat mischievous smirk, this selfie radiates a playful mood, enhanced by the absence of makeup.
But what can we say? You’re gorgeous
On October 24, 2022, Taylor Swift demonstrated that makeup is not a prerequisite for capturing a moody photograph, especially when announcing the release of her latest album. Without makeup, the musician appeared genuinely beautiful with her hair styled in a braided bun as she gazed into the distance, dressed in a fairytale-inspired ensemble. The promotional post’s caption added, “Midnight, what a storied and fabled hour… On this sparkling evening, I’ll be releasing my twist on a fairytale we all know.” This picture not only affirmed Swift’s beauty sans makeup but also hinted at her internal and external brilliance, considering the success of her “Midnights” album.
He said the way her blue eyes shined …
Every devoted Swiftie is aware of Taylor Swift’s penchant for rocking sweaters (or shall we say, cardigans?). On October 24, 2018, the musician showcased her love for turtlenecks, likely surpassing her affection for makeup. In a selfie flaunting her famous blond bangs and captivating blue eyes, the pop star sported a dark, snug-looking turtleneck. The post’s caption humorously noted, “Here we can observe an Australian swiftlet in her natural habitat, a turtleneck.” The selfie emitted a down-to-earth, nature-focused vibe, with Swift exploring an Australian nature landscape in the post’s subsequent photos.
Never go out of style
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, almost every active social media user posted at least one no-makeup selfie at home with a boredom-related caption. Taylor Swift joined the Instagram trend, sharing a flawless makeup-free selfie on April 27, 2020. Staring into the camera with her iconic blond curls slightly longer than her clavicle, she captioned the photo, “Not a lot going on at the moment.” While the caption resonated with the lockdown experience, viewers were likely taken aback (or perhaps not so surprised) by how effortlessly perfect Swift looked without makeup.
Taylor Swift is not only celebrated for her musical prowess and romantic exploits, but her devoted fan base, known as Swifties, also frequently marvel at her captivating makeup looks. The songstress has flaunted an array of makeup styles since her debut single, “Tim McGraw,” graced the Billboard charts in 2006. From dark smokey eyes, blue eyeshadow, long lashes, peachy tones, to cat eyes “sharp enough to kill a man” — Swift has experimented with diverse looks. And let’s not overlook the numerous red lipsticks she has effortlessly pulled off. But have you ever wondered what Taylor Swift looks like without makeup?
Leave a Reply