staircases leading nowhere

From the ethereal public art pieces to cheeky interior design deception, staircases leading to nowhere are unique and intriguing everywhere they are found. These staircases, also known as "phantom staircases," are designed to deceive the viewer into thinking they lead to another floor or room when, in reality, they are purely for show.

Traced back to the Renaissance, decorative staircases were status symbols and signs of wealth. In modern times, Escherian and Penrose-esque staircases have become an equally popular design element in contemporary homes and public spaces.

Designer Wang Yong from studio WUUX installed four life-sized wooden spiral stairs floating above product shelves in the Beijing Youli storefront.

The steel and concrete staircase-like structure runs through the center of all three stories in Nendo's Stairway House. In an unexpected combination of form and function, the staircase houses storage and hidden doorways to the other side of the home.

A combination of puzzle and playground, these staircases will continue to mesmerize and delight.