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.
“Face Lift,” Princess Catherine’s Makes Rare Appearance at Wimbledon — People Noticed One Detail
The Princess of Wales made a rare public appearance at Wimbledon while undergoing cancer treatment. Seeing the glowing and smiling princess alongside her daughter Charlotte touched everyone’s hearts, especially given how rare it is now to see her in public. Read on to discover how people warmly welcomed her.

Wimbledon was all in waves, and enthusiasm. Princess Catherine made a rare public appearance on July 14, 2024, despite her ongoing cancer treatment. The 42-year-old royalty attended the event with her 9-year-old daughter, Charlotte.
As they arrived, they mingled with event organizers before heading to the Royal Box at Centre Court to watch the men’s singles final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, a repeat of last year’s match. Kate’s sister, Pippa Middleton, also joined them for the day out.

As they took their seats in the front row of the Royal Box, the crowd stood up and gave Princess Kate a standing ovation. Princess Charlotte beamed with pride at her mom, who smiled and waved, clearly touched by the gesture. It was a rare and emotional public appearance for Kate as she continues her cancer treatment.
Wearing a striking purple dress with a modern silhouette, subtle draping, and a distinctive bow detail, she added a touch of royal charm to the final days of Wimbledon, showing off her impeccable style.

Princess Kate and Prince William always make Wimbledon a part of their summer plans, and lately, they’ve been bringing their kids along too. This year, with everyone wondering if Princess Catherine would make it due to her health, the welcome for her was even more heartfelt than usual.
Whether you’re a fan or not, Princess Catherine keeps shining with elegance and strength, loving her role and rocking her personal style with genuine passion, no matter what comes her way.

When people online saw the pictures, they showered the Princess with compliments and messages of joy, expressing happiness that she was in good health and accompanied by her daughter, who appeared very happy. Many comments were along the lines of, “Lovely to see you back” and “So wonderful to see you looking healthy and beautiful. Welcome back, Princess Catherine and Princess Charlotte!” Others remarked, “A girl can’t be prouder of her mom…,” referring to Princess Charlotte accompanying her mom in such a special moment.
As always, some people couldn’t help but criticize, and a few pointed out that Princess Catherine looked different, insinuating she had undergone plastic surgery treatments, with someone writing, “Facelift healing nicely.” However, these comments didn’t reflect the enthusiasm felt by many, even those who didn’t attend the event but saw the pictures from home.
Ever since her cancer diagnosis, every public appearance Princess Catherine makes is rare and precious. However, some have scrutinized whether she has changed her appearance due to her health challenges.
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