When moving into a small place, a second-floor sleeping loft or area easily adds usable square footage. Space, mobility and even building codes lead people to selecting ladders or stairs to get there.
Let’s look at the trade-offs between ladder climbing and stair stepping. We’ll start with several staircases already installed in houses. Then we’ll check out ladders, which are nicer and safer than you might imagine.
stairs in a tiny or small house

In Bucharest, a special green home has been on display. It offers stairs with five side storage units, leading up to the bedroom. (Soleta zeroEnergy)

In this tiny house, built in Minnesota, well-crafted stairs look like mission furniture with separate storage drawers. (Tiny Green Cabins)

Another option is to order the “Karina” stairs kit, which gets delivered with railings, balusters and treads for your own or builder’s assembly. (Arke Stairs)
ladders in a tiny or small house

This ladder accesses the bedroom area and also provides storage shelves. It’s permanently built into a 16’x30′ cottage near Blanco, Texas. (Kanga Room Systems)

In this home near Portland, Oregon, the loft ladder ascends through bookshelves into a quiet and secluded aerie. (Jessica Helgerson)