Worried your staircase might be too narrow for a stairlift? You’re not alone; it’s one of the most common concerns we hear. But the good news is you absolutely can get stairlifts for narrow stairs, including curved or other layouts.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best stairlift options for narrow staircases, including slimline and perch models, and what to consider before making a decision. Whether you’re dealing with tight corners or a narrow hallway, this post will give you everything you need to move forward with confidence. We provide stairlift solutions across the UK, including stairlifts in Leeds, Bradford, Manchester, and more.
Looking for personalised advice? Book your free home survey.
Contents
Is My Staircase Too Narrow for a Stairlift?
In most cases, no, even if it feels cramped.
There’s no official minimum width for a domestic staircase unless the property was specifically designed with disabled access in mind. That means almost any home can accommodate a stairlift with the right model and setup.
Generally, homes built after 2010 tend to have staircases that are at least 80cm (31.5 inches) wide, which is often perfectly fine for a slimline stairlift, depending on your needs and the user’s build.
Still unsure? A good test is to sit on a chair side-on to the stairs and measure from your back to your knees (or feet) to the opposite wall. If it’s around 75cm or more, you’ll likely be good to go.
What Stairlifts Work Best for Narrow Stairs?
Here’s a breakdown of your best options when space is limited:
Slimline Stairlifts
Best for: Straight or gently curved, narrow stairs
If you’re looking for a space-saving solution without compromising on comfort or safety, a slimline stairlift is the way to go.
Some of the most popular options include:
- Leodis 1100 – sleek, ultra-slim and whisper quiet
- Leodis 180 – ideal for narrow curved stairs
- Minivator 950+ – compact and great value
These stairlifts feature folding armrests, seats, and footplates, making them ideal for shared homes where others still need access to the stairs. They also come with optional powered swivel seats, remote controls and key switches.
Installation typically takes just 3–4 hours and doesn’t require any changes to your home – stairlifts are fitted to the stairs, not the wall.
Our experienced team has fitted slimline and perch stairlifts in all types of properties, from terraced homes in Sheffield to semi-detached houses in Warrington and bungalows in Scarborough. No matter where you’re based, we’re likely nearby.
Perch Stairlifts
Best for: Users who find sitting difficult or uncomfortable
Perch stairlifts are designed for those who can stand but find it hard to sit or bend their knees and hips. Rather than sitting down fully, you gently perch in a semi-standing position, supported by a secure seatbelt and optional backrest.
Because there’s no bulky seat extending outwards, perch stairlifts take up far less space, making them one of the best solutions for very narrow staircases.
Key benefits:
- Ideal for users with arthritis or joint issues
- Slim design frees up more hallway or stair space
- Great for narrow or steep staircases
Note: You’ll need to be able to stand for a short period, and sufficient headroom is required.
All Handicare stairlifts come with emergency stop switches and remote controls for added safety.
Bespoke Curved Stairlifts for Narrow Spaces
Best for: Homes with tight corners, landings, or complex layouts
If your staircase isn’t straight or you need a stairlift to follow a bend or turn, a custom-built curved stairlift might be the right choice, even for narrow staircases.
These stairlifts are designed to fit the exact shape of your stairs, with tailored bends (from 42 to 80 degrees), and a raised track that allows more floor space at the top and bottom for other users.
Ideal if:
- You can’t stand for a perch model
- Your staircase includes a landing or turn
- A standard slimline lift just won’t fit
We offer free home surveys across Yorkshire, Lancashire, and the North East, including areas like Huddersfield, Preston, and Durham. Booking is quick and easy — and there’s no obligation.
How Do I Know If a Stairlift Will Fit My Stairs?
Here’s a quick DIY test:
- Sit sideways on a chair at the bottom of your stairs
- Measure the distance from your back to your knees (or feet)
- If it’s 75cm or more, a standard stairlift may fit
But don’t worry, the best way to be sure is to book a free home survey. We’ll measure everything, explain your options, and give honest advice with no pressure. Or call us on 0800 542 6045 to chat with our friendly team.
Installation: No Mess, No Fuss
One of the best things about modern stairlifts, especially on narrow stairs, is that they don’t require wall mounting or structural changes. All our stairlifts are attached to the stair treads, meaning:
- No damage to walls
- No redecoration needed
- Quick and tidy installation
We cover this in more detail in our guide to after-sales stairlift care.
Not Sure Yet? Renting Might Be a Good Option
If you’re still deciding or only need a stairlift temporarily, renting could be ideal. We’ve put together a full guide on whether you should buy or rent your stairlift, covering costs, flexibility and what’s included.
You can also explore our dedicated Stairlift Rental page for more info.
Need Help With Costs or Funding?
We understand cost is an important factor. To learn about average prices, read our updated guide on stairlift costs, or explore your options with our blog on grants for stairlifts.
For running costs, see how much it costs to run a stairlift.
And yes, finance is available!
Why Choose Leodis?
We’ve been helping customers across the UK for over 30 years, and we’re proud to be a Which? Trusted Trader, with hundreds of five-star reviews.
We don’t believe in pressure selling — just honest advice and top-quality stairlifts. Learn more about our no-pressure approach here.
Next Steps: Get a Quote or Speak to Us
✅ Request a quick quote online or Get in touch here
✅ Or simply call us on 0800 542 6045
We’re here to help you find the perfect stairlift for your narrow stairs with no pressure, ever.