Our new home has a centrepiece staircase with an atrium stairwell that goes up three floors. What can we do to make it safer for our young children, without destroying its beauty?

Sophie: The home is where most accidents happen, so you are right to try to find a design solution. Tying a net around the staircase to break falls is messy and might tear off if put to the test, while putting in a “floor” at each storey to decrease the drop may have unfortunate consequences too – if your child’s toy falls onto the “roof”, he might be encouraged to climb down to retrieve it. Frankly, it is unlikely to bear the child’s weight.

Instead, opt for sturdy yet removable solutions such as tempered glass panels. Make them about 40cm higher than the balusters to discourage climbing as there are no handholds. Have the toughened glass panels fixed just beyond the balusters, so they don’t narrow the stairs or prevent you from holding the handrail. Have them clamped onto stairless steel brackets mounted on the underside of the stair threads.

As having a stylish finish is important, consider consulting an interior designer rather than a contractor to help make your beautiful staircase child-proof.

Photography: CI&A
Art direction: Nicco Lim
Interior: Formwerkz