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.
«This Is Why Celebrities Need To Stop Using Filters.» People Didn’t Recognize Jennifer Lopez in a Recent Interview
Jennifer Lopez shook the world with the news of her new album «This Is Me… Now». Recently, she gave an interview that immediately went viral. However, it’s not just about J.Lo’s music but also her appearance. People everywhere started discussing her «unrecognizable» face.
Why ’This Is Me… Now’ may be her final album.
In a recent interview, Jennifer Lopez shared some surprising news for fans eagerly awaiting her upcoming album, “This Is Me… Now”. The multi-talented star hinted that this album might signal the end of her music career.
Discussing the album’s creation process, Lopez revealed that they explored various album cover designs to create something special for her fans, ensuring they had collector’s items to cherish. However, she admitted uncertainty about her future in music, stating that she doesn’t know if she’ll ever make another album after this one.
In a light-hearted moment, Lopez jokingly mentioned not wanting her manager Benny Medina to know about her thoughts, saying, “Don’t tell Benny that that’s what I’m thinking — this might be my last album ever.”
Reflecting on her previous album, “This Is Me… Then,” released 22 years ago during her relationship with Ben Affleck, Lopez acknowledged the evolution of her personal and professional life since then. Despite the possibility of this being her final album, she remains open to new opportunities, emphasizing that while she would “never say never,” she put her heart and soul into this project and feels fulfilled. For Lopez, “This Is Me… Now” symbolizes the end of one era and the beginning of another.
The star had a minimal makeup look.
Dressed elegantly in all-black with gold hoop earrings, Lopez looked stunning as she shared insights about her latest projects. However, her appearance sparked mixed reactions. Some viewers found her look “unrecognizable” and “different” from her usual glamorous style.
Comments on social media platforms reflected a mix of opinions on Jennifer Lopez’s recent interview appearance. Some viewers were taken aback by her minimal makeup, with comments like, “Her eyes look weird,” and “Where are her eyelashes?” questioning the departure from her usual glamorous style. Others speculated about possible reasons for her appearance, with remarks like, “What happened to her face?” and “She looks tired.”
Fans flocked to the comments section to share their thoughts. «I feel like she did her own makeup… Like she didn’t even put on lashes, or at least mascara…like she tried it!».
«Now understand when my grandma told me once, literally one day you wake up and you start looking your age. Her day got here,» commented one. «This is why celebrities need to stop using filters. Once you see the real them, it shocks us how „old“ they look. JLo looks great for her age,» added another.
However, amidst these critiques, there were also positive reactions, with some praising Lopez’s overall look as «beautiful» and «gorgeous.» These comments show how people see things differently when it comes to celebrities. Some might not like changes from the norm, while others appreciate authenticity and natural beauty.
«She’s 54! Get over it! She’s got a lil wrinkle here and there…she looks great even with less makeup,» one wrote.«She looks beautiful embracing her age she looks more natural and more her age she’s glowing,» added another.
Someone wrote that people will always find something to criticise celebrities for. «If she wears too much makeup people say ’Why is she wearing so much make up? Why is she trying to be young?’ And still hate when her makeup is minimal!»
She also talked about her husband Ben Affleck.
Lopez also shared that her recent reunion with her husband, Ben Affleck, inspired her to return to songwriting. She mentioned that music tends to flow more when she’s happy and in love. Affleck’s unwavering support was pivotal during the creative process, as Lopez referred to him as her “biggest fan and cheerleader.” Therefore, the album holds sentimental value for her, symbolizing a chapter in both her love life and career.
Some comments suggested that Affleck had caused Lopez to appear older. One commenter wrote, “Ben has aged her,” while another remarked, “She seems fixated on Ben.” Conversely, others disagreed, highlighting Lopez’s natural beauty regardless of whether she was dressed up or in more casual attire.
Jennifer Lopez has been at the peak of fame for over 20 years, and every move she makes is discussed worldwide. Her personal life is no exception. Recently, people started questioning why Ben Affleck looks unhappy in photos with his wife. JLo couldn’t withstand the scrutiny and provided an answer.
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