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.
Jennifer Lopez Slammed for “Rude” Response to a Guest’s Question on the Red Carpet
Social media is buzzing with criticism for Jennifer Lopez’s “rude” behavior toward a Met Gala guest, as seen in a viral video shared on Instagram and TikTok.
At the Met Gala, J. Lo, 54, caused a stir with her short response to a red carpet reporter. The event made headlines for other reasons too, like a salmon farming tycoon stealing the spotlight and Kim Kardashian getting flak for wearing a cardigan.
With the dress code themed around “The Garden of Time” and the exhibition titled “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” there was a lot of room for creativity among fashion designers dressing celebrities. People were eager to see what everyone would wear.
As Lopez made her way up the iconic Met Gala red carpet, adorned in a breathtaking silver gown that seemed to carry its own weight, she found herself approached by Anika Reed, a senior editor from USA Today. With the buzz of cameras and the anticipation of the night filling the air, Reed asked the simple yet essential question: “Who are you wearing tonight?”
J. Lo’s response was brief, almost dismissive: “Schiaparelli.” With a quick once-over glance, she seemed to size up Reed before moving on, her attention drifting away without much fanfare. Reed, keen to capture every moment of the star-studded event, recorded the exchange, later sharing it on social media with the caption: “#metgala co-chair @jlo briefly told me about her look for the night: @schiaparelli ✨.”
Many social media users didn’t hold back their disappointment in Lopez’s treatment of Reed, taking to various online platforms to voice their disapproval. One Instagram user criticized her, “So rude,” while another condemned her behavior as “always mean” and “just unclassy.”
Another person had strong opinions on the matter, stating, “She didn’t even bother to look at the poor woman”, or, “Why is she giving mean girl vibes?”.
While some admired Lopez’s attire, there was clear disdain for her personality, as one user remarked, “The dress is incredible, the person wearing it not so much.” The incident sparked a flurry of commentary, revealing the public’s mixed feelings towards the celebrity.
Despite the criticism, it was surprising to many that the dress worn by J. Lo had taken more than 800 hours to be made.
Preview photo credit heyitsanika / Instagram, jlo / Instagram
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