50 Handy Tricks

Step 15: Stairway/Cabinet

Need some storage space? Need a staircase?
This piece of furniture solves both problems at once.

photographed in the Shitamachi Museum, Ueno, Tokyo, Japan

Comments

[ArtsyFartsyGirl]

They are beautiful to look at. If when I move, I have taller ceilings, I'd like to make a loft bed and this would be the perfect "staircase" for me. I couldn't risk the usual ladder type steps since I'm not a teenager anymore! Plus, this would be great storage!

[gumby_kevbo]

Even with my size US14 feet that would not be a problem IF you back down it like a ladder.

[LilithAvalon]

There are a lot of those steep staircases in Japan. I saw them a lot, especially in older buildings when I went there. They're climbed a little like a ladder going up, but are scary coming down. It saves horizontal space.

[urtlesquirt]

Good design, but wayy to steep. also steps must be woder.

[egriff]

Wow that thing would be awesome with wider steps.

[HamatoKameko]

That's terrifying. I have nightmares about staircases that go nowhere, end in an abrupt drop, et cetera. Narrow stairs figure into that as well. It's a fantastic piece of furniture, but for crying out loud, the steps should be wider. D:

[roosta]

no westerner could use that, japs have small feet! look how narrow theose steps are!

[greatpanda]

I've heard the Dutch have similar problems regarding stair proportions...

[leebryuk]

I don't want to start a e-dagger contest...but the word "jap" is derogatory. It was used heavily in WWII to demonize the Japanese people. Think of it as a bit like the "N" word. Not as harsh, but it won't win you any friends with the Japanese Community (especially with the elders.) They had to endure concentration camps in the US, had their businesses and homes stolen and their patriotism questioned.

[brighterfusion]

I agree about the word "Jap" being derogatory, but I have to object to the use of the word "concentration camp" to describe the internment camps. They were unjust, sure, but they weren't murder camps. People weren't sent there to die.

[eulaliaaaa!]

(removed by author or community request)

[brighterfusion]

eulaliaaaa! - Please read more carefully next time before posting a reply. Thanks.

[roosta]

sorry mate. didnt know that! lol. i just used it cos i cant spell japanese! lol.

[leebryuk]

Not a problem. Thank you for apologizing.

[Ensignlunchmeat]

It's called a "Tansu chest," I think, and it's more like a step-ladder than a staircase. It usually leads up to a kind of crawlspace storage or sleeping area.