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.
Inside George Clooney’s Short-Lived Marriage: Who Was the Woman Who Made Him Avoid Marriage for Years
George Clooney, known for being a charming bachelor, has always captured fans’ attention with his love life. Although he once vowed to never marry again after his first marriage ended, he later found a second chance at love.
Let’s take a look at George’s first wife, whom many of our readers believe is even more beautiful than his current wife, Amal.
Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney had a short-lived marriage that ended in divorce, and he claimed he’d never get married again. However, destiny had other plans. His love story with Amal, from their unexpected meeting to his unforgettable proposal, is truly captivating.
But who was his first wife, and why do fans think she’s even more beautiful than Amal?
This feature explores George Clooney’s relationships with both of his wives, focusing on his unexpected journey to find love with Amal, the public’s view of who is more beautiful, and the differences between the two women. First, let’s look at how George and Amal met in the most unexpected way.
George met Amal unexpectedly through a mutual friend. This chance encounter happened right at his home. Amal was traveling in Italy with a friend who decided to introduce her to George at his place near Lake Como. George’s agent humorously predicted that Amal was “the one” for him, but George laughed it off.
When she arrived, George’s parents happened to be visiting. The two spent the night talking and instantly clicked. Amal later sent George some photos from that visit, starting an email exchange. Soon, George traveled to London to see her and even invited her to a movie scoring session at Abbey Road Studios. Amal, despite her busy schedule, accepted.
George proposed to Amal on April 28, 2014, but it didn’t go as planned. After dating for six months, he set up a romantic dinner with music by his late aunt, singer Rosemary Clooney. George asked Amal to light a candle where he’d hidden the engagement ring. When she saw it, she thought it was left there by mistake. “It was a disaster,” he joked.
After a while, he got down on one knee and said, “I couldn’t imagine spending my life without you.” She was speechless, and after a long moment, he gently asked her again to say yes. Finally, she accepted. Their wedding in Venice in September 2014 was a beautiful event, and George often says how lucky he feels to have found Amal.
When a side-by-side photo of Amal and George’s first wife was posted online, fans shared their thoughts on who is more beautiful. Some thought Amal was elegant and refined, while others believed his ex-wife, Talia, had a more natural beauty. One reader even commented that the two women look like sisters, with many agreeing both are lovely in their unique ways.
Born Amal Alamuddin, Amal is an accomplished international human rights lawyer. She co-founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice with George, working to promote justice worldwide. Amal has taken on high-profile cases at international courts, fighting for victims of human rights abuses and representing victims of war crimes.
Amal also teaches at Columbia Law School and is an author of a leading law textbook. Her education includes degrees from Oxford University and NYU Law. Though her fashion is widely admired, it’s her legal work that defines her.
Before Amal, George was married to actress Talia Balsam. They met in 1984, fell in love, and got married. But the marriage lasted only three years, and George later admitted he wasn’t ready for marriage at the time. Talia has since remarried actor John Slattery, and they have a son together. Both George and Talia have moved on amicably.
George and Amal’s relationship continues to thrive, built on love and mutual respect. In 2017, they welcomed twins, Ella and Alexander. George often expresses how lucky he feels to have found Amal, describing her as the perfect partner and best friend. Even ten years later, their bond is as strong as ever, making them a power couple admired by many.
Comparisons between Amal and Talia highlight their unique qualities, each having had a meaningful impact on George’s life. Both relationships helped shape him into the person he is today.
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