Modern, compact stairlifts are much more discreet than they once were. A old fashioned stairlift is cumbersome and awkward, poking out from the staircase at right angles. It protrudes into your living space so it’s not so great if you have a narrow staircase, or a small home.
The compact stairlifts of today are much greater at saving space in your home. Take a look at this one which is far more minimalistic.
Compact Stairlifts – Resting Position
Another major development of stairlifts over time has been the resting/charging position of a stairlift. While traditional stairlifts has a single resting point at the top or bottom of the staircase, a modern, compact stairlift is more versatile.
So, if there’s a corridor or doorway at the top/bottom of a staircase, the stairlift can sit on the rail out of the way.
The Thyssen Homeglide even has a retracting rail to maintain space at the bottom of the staircase for a doorway or corridor.
So, how can you get the stairlift when needed if it’s not at the bottom (or top) of the staircase?! Simple! With modern stairlifts you can call them from a remote device placed at the top and bottom of the staircase.
Depending on your staircase configuration, space saving stairlifts can also be stored around the corner, out of the way.
The Thyssen Flow 2
Compact Stairlifts – Folding Seat & Footrest
Modern compact stairlifts also have folding seats and footrest. Some even fold up with the touch of a button! Take a look at this model (Thyssen Flow 2), which, in this picture has just been installed – hence the handrail holes are visible. (See also stairlift installation).
As you can see, the stairlift protrudes into the stairwell, leaving very little room to get past. However, this is the resting position of the stairlift. Once folded up, it flattens to the wall and becomes more compact, folding away to only 380mm wide!
Downward Facing
During transit, this stairlift faces downstairs (see image below). This kind of compact stairlift can navigate a staircase as narrow as 61cm (24 inches) wide, auto swivelling the seat as it goes to allow maximum legroom. For more details see Thyssen Flow 2 stairlift and the Thyssen Flow X stairlift.
A traditional (outward facing) stairlift wouldn’t be able to navigate this kind of staircase as it’s very narrow. But with modern compact stairlifts, such as the Thyssen stairlifts, very narrow and awkward staircases aren’t out of bounds!
Summary
Compact stairlifts and space saving stairlifts have made it easier to install a stairlift in almost any home, no matter how small or awkward the staircase is!
With their fold away design, ability to be stored anywhere on the rail, and downward facing travel position, almost any staircase can be navigated by a modern, compact stairlift.
If storing a stairlift at the base of the stairs is out, they can be stored on the staircase and called with a remote device placed at the top or bottom of the staircase.
No space at the bottom of the stairs? No problem, the Thyssen Homeglide even has a fold away rail, leaving more space in your hallway.
If you’re in the market for a stairlift and have concerns about the space in your home, give us a call and talk to one of the team. You can reach us on 0800 046 3438 or visit our contact us page.