Stairlifts for Narrow Stairs: Compact, Comfortable, and Custom-Fitted
Think your staircase is too narrow for a stairlift? Think again. At UK Stairlifts, we specialise in installing stairlifts for narrow stairs, even in homes with awkward turns, tight spaces, and unexpected obstacles like radiators or doorways.
Many years ago, we had to turn customers away because their staircases were too slim for traditional stairlifts. That’s why we invested in training, technology, and new models designed specifically for tight and twisting staircases.
Today, we regularly fit stairlifts in spaces that other companies say are impossible. Whether you need a slimline curved stairlift, a compact seated model, or a standing/perching stairlift, we have a safe and comfortable solution for your home.
📞 Call 0800 046 3438 or request a free quote today — our engineers can usually tell you on the spot if we can make it work. If not, we can arrange a free survey in your home, to make sure. Contact us through our contact page and leave a message, or give us a call on the number above.
Can Stairlifts Be Fitted on Narrow or Twisting Stairs?
Yes – even the most compact staircases can often accommodate a stairlift. Whether your stairs are narrow, have tight corners, or unusual angles, our experienced engineers can find a safe, space-saving solution for your home.
Best Stairlifts for Narrow Stairs
We recommend three main types of stairlifts for narrow stairs:
Thyssen Flow X Stairlift – The Ultimate Solution for Narrow Stairs
The Thyssen Flow X is one of the most advanced stairlifts for narrow and awkward staircases. Designed with patented technology, it can pivot and climb simultaneously, allowing the seat to rotate during travel. This means it can face either up or down the stairs, giving you more leg room from the very first step.
Key space-saving features include:
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Powered swivel seat that rotates automatically while moving
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Foldable arms, seat, and footrest to maximise available space
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Custom curved rail designed to fit even the tightest turns and landings
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Smooth, quiet operation for comfort and discretion
The Flow X can typically navigate staircases as narrow as 61cm in width — and in some cases, even less, thanks to its ability to travel sideways. This makes it the perfect choice for homes where other stairlifts simply won’t fit.
Learn more about the Thyssen Flow X stairlift →
The only way to know for sure is to give us a call and have one of our engineers give you a free assessment.
Stannah 600 & 260 – Smart Design for Narrow Staircases
The Stannah 600 (straight) and Stannah 260 (curved) are excellent choices for homes with tight or narrow stairs. Unlike many other models, their ride position sits further back on the rail, giving you extra knee and leg room — a key factor when fitting a stairlift in smaller spaces.
By positioning the chair closer to the wall or rail, Stannah stairlifts create maximum clearance without compromising comfort or stability. This clever engineering means the 260 model can handle staircases as narrow as 67.9cm in width.
Built with Stannah’s trademark robust construction, these stairlifts are known for their reliability, smooth ride, and long-lasting performance, making them a smart investment for both comfort and durability.
Learn more about the Stannah 600 and the Stannah 260 stairlifts.
Stairlifts For Narrow Stairs #3: Standing or Perching Stairlifts
These are ideal if:
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You have a very narrow, straight staircase
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You’re able to stand or perch safely while using the lift
However, they’re not suitable for everyone. If your mobility is likely to change, a seated option may be a better long-term choice. We tend not to recommend these kinds of stairlifts as they are suitable only in a few scenarios; for example if your condition is only temporary, such as with an operation.
Often, standing stairlifts are recommended for those who struggle to sit. A seated stairlift is generally recommended over the standing model. That’s to ensure your stairlift is going to be suitable for years to come.
Should your condition decline, and standing becomes more difficult, or even dangerous, a standing stairlift may become redundant fairly quickly. Replacing with a seated option then becomes expensive if you’ve installed a standing version.
Not Sure What Will Fit? Book a Free Assessment
The only way to know for sure is to let our trained engineers take a look.
✅ No pressure
✅ Free advice
✅ Tailored recommendations
We will always recommend the right stairlift for your home and your budget. With no pushy sales talk, we will help you according to your needs, using the best solution for you!
📞 Call 0800 046 3438 or fill out our contact form here to book your free home assessment.
Real Customer Example: Narrow Staircase Case Study
We recently fitted a stairlift in a property with an extremely narrow, curved staircase. With a custom rail and the Flow X model, the customer was able to move between floors easily again.
This staircase was very narrow indeed! Another fitter declined the installation because their stairlift models wouldn’t fit. We stepped up to the challenge – this stairlift installation was very important and was needed urgently after a hospital discharge.
See the video below of this narrow installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s The Narrowest Stairlift On The Market?
The Flow X from Thyssen Krupp (now Access BDD) is the narrowest stairlift on the market. It also has a patented technology which makes it more suitable for difficult and tight fittings where there’s little space. The technical minimum stairlift width for a Flow X is 61cm.
Can a stairlift fit on my narrow staircase?
In most cases, yes. We offer a range of slimline and rotating seat models designed for tight spaces. We particularly recommend the Flow X if no other models will fit, or the Stannah if it will fit. A thorough assessment of your staircase will determine which stairlift is most suitable.
Do I need to stand up on a narrow stairlift?
No. We often recommend seated stairlifts with folding arms and footrests, like the Flow X, even on narrow stairs. A standing stairlift can help if you have problems sitting down, but it’s not always the best solution. Should your condition worsen, the standing stairlift may easily become redundant in just a short space of time.
How much space is needed for a stairlift?
It depends on the model and the type of stairs, but as little as 61cm (or less) may be enough with the right stairlift. If you have a larger space, we often recommend a less expensive model according to your needs and budget. Less expensive makes and models can cope with slightly wider stairs, such as the Stannah 260 which can cope with stairs as narrow as 67.9cm in width.
Will The Flow X Fit My Staircase?
| Stairlift Model | Minimum Width Supported | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Thyssen Flow X | ~610 mm | Auto swivel + folding; tightest fit |
Even with a top of the range stairlift which offers the maximum agility such as the Flow X, there’s still limitations. Whether this stairlift can solve the problem for you is down to our engineers as each one is a custom fit. Give us a call and we will book an assessment to help determine whether it’s an option for your stairs. We offer free, no obligation assessment of your home, so you’ve nothing to lose! Give us a call today!
Get Expert Advice Today
Whether you’re looking for the best stairlift for narrow stairs or just want to know your options, UK Stairlifts is here to help.
📞 Call 0800 046 3438
📩 Contact us here for a free quote and advice.
Don’t let a tight staircase hold you back—we make stairlifts work where others can’t.
Checkout these two videos showing stairlift fitting on narrow staircases:
You can also see more of our videos on our YouTube channel here.