Choosing a staircase

[frazzled101]

We are starting a roof space conversion in the coming weeks and one of the first big decisions is to choose our stairs. Our hallway is very wide so we have space for a normal straight staircase as opposed to spiral. Our existing doors and skirting downstairs are all oak.

After Googling open and closed stairs I think closed would be safer as we have 2 young children.

I've attached some that I've been looking at but I'd love to hear what you love/hate about your stairs.

I was talking to a family member that has oak/white stairs and she hates them, said they're too pale and never look clean.

I like the idea of a glass panel as I think it won't leave the hall feeling to blocked, but wonder if it's worse the cost and the cleaning. Considering carpet to reduce noise, but overall very undecided!

We have wooden stairs with glass panels, and it is less intrusion. Finger prints show up though.
We decided not to paint the wood as that becomes a job for life. They will probably need a new coat of varnish (or whatever it is) but that much easier to apply IMO.

I'd go with traditional banisters and spindles; they really don't bIock the light in any significant way. I also really don't like the look of glass panels and think you'd be constantly polishing off handprints. And I'd definitely go for closed stairs. Much safer, and I know a lot of people who wouldn't look at buying a house with open stairs. Closed also gives you the option to put shelves or other storage underneath.

I have less strong feelings about carpeting. I do love the look of the plain wood but the dog would have terrible problems skittering down them. Of course we could just not allow the dog upstairs but she does make an excellent hot water bottle and with energy prices going up....