Last Updated: 01.05.26
If you’re thinking of having a curved stairlift fitted in your home, there are many different things you will need to consider before ordering.
This is usually not a quick decision. Curved stairlifts are made to measure and the design is based entirely on your staircase, so there isn’t much room for “nearly right”.
Curved stairlifts, by their very nature, are both more expensive and more complex than standard straight stairlifts. As such, you will need to do extensive research before proceeding with an installation and take your time to fully understand the implications of installing a curved stairlift.
The main reason is the rail. It’s custom-built, shaped to every turn and change in direction, so accuracy matters from the start.
Unlike straight stairlifts, a curved stairlift is widely used for people who struggle with any mobility at all or have a complicated or long staircase.
They can span several flights of stairs in a single continuous rail if required, as well as straddle almost any type of staircase.
In most UK homes with bends, half landings or tighter Victorian-style staircases, a curved system is often the only option that actually fits properly without compromise.
Due to their complex design, a curved stairlift will nearly always be bespoke, or certainly to some degree. Therefore, you need to make sure you have taken all the key aspects into consideration before placing your final order.
Once the rail is manufactured, changes are limited. This is why the survey stage is so important.
Some of the things to consider include:
Choosing A Reputable Company
It’s important to research companies before ordering a stairlift, but when installing a curved stairlift, look for companies with experience in designing and installing them.
Look for online reviews and speak to local healthcare professionals who may know of some companies to start your consultations with.
A good installer will measure properly, explain options clearly and not rush the decision. If anything feels rushed, it usually is.
Additionally, curved stairlifts often have more moving parts, so check the warranty terms and conditions offered by the companies you meet with.
Ask what happens if something needs adjusting after installation, not just what is covered on paper.
Can Your Goal Be Achieved With Multiple Straight Stairlifts?
ven if you have already established the need for a curved stairlift, it may still be worth inviting a couple of companies to your home to discuss the possibility of using multiple straight stairlifts instead. This can be both simpler and more cost-effective.
This is often a better option when the staircase is broken into clear sections with landings in between.
Multiple straight stairlifts are useful when you have one or more partial landings – essentially splitting your staircase into two or more straight runs of stairs.
You will also need your user to be mobile enough to move between each straight section on the partial landings, but again, this is well worth considering before continuing with your curved approach.
If standing and walking short distances are realistic now and are likely to remain so, this option can reduce costs and complexity quite a bit.
Environmental Considerations
A curved stairlift is a fantastic solution if you have multiple sets of stairs or a curved staircase. They can also be used for a straight run of stairs with a small curve and a further minimal rise onto a landing – the types of stairs traditionally associated with semi-detached houses in the UK.
There are many homes like this across the UK, especially older builds where stair layouts aren’t simple straight runs.
There are many factors to consider when it comes to your environment. For example, how much space will the curved element of the track take up? Are you still going to have room for people to walk past on foot if required?
If the rail narrows the staircase too much, everyday use by others in the house can become awkward.
If not, will you need a section of the track to fold up? If so, will it need to be lightweight or have a lock?
These small design choices affect how easy it is to live with day to day, not just how it looks on installation day.
The easiest way for you to fully consider all these factors is to have professionals visit your property. A proper survey should feel practical, not sales-driven. Measurements, photos and questions about daily use. That’s what matters.
While they will be there to provide a quote and try to secure a sale, if you have done your research and only invited reputable companies, they will be happy to answer any other questions you have.
If they don’t ask how the stairlift will actually be used, that’s usually a warning sign.
Usual Stairlift Considerations
In our article about buying a straight stairlift, we discuss common considerations for that type of product. However, many of those same considerations should be factored into any decision-making regarding a curved stairlift.
They include:
Seating Position: Will the user be sitting or standing? Or furthermore, will the stairlift need to accommodate a stairlift?
This matters more over time than people expect, especially if mobility changes.
Safety Features: What safety features will you need on your stairlift? Everything from backup power and locks to fold-away seats and seat belts can be added to achieve different levels of safety and convenience.
Think about daily use, not just installation day.
Swivel Seat: When the stairlift reaches the top of your staircase, which way is the seat facing? Does it need to be able to swivel in toward the landing to make it easier to get on and off?
A swivel seat is often what makes getting on and off feel steady rather than awkward.
Get In Touch Today
We’ve been working with customers to identify and install the perfect stairlift for many years. If you need more advice or want to talk about the next steps, why not contact us today?
You can call us directly on 0151 525 3610, or complete our quick enquiry form here and a member of our friendly team will call you back at a time convenient for you.
A short home visit is usually all it takes to work out what fits properly. No pressure, just clear advice based on your staircase and how you actually use it.