When it comes to the style of your home, the little things can have a big impact. Nowhere is this more true than with your stairway railings.
More than just a safety feature, railings can act as a visual centrepoint reflecting your overall aesthetic. Switching from timber to glass balusters, for example, can transform a room from rustic to modern in an instant.
Stairway Joinery have designed and installed all types of railings, from understated metal to intricate wood. Read through our post for inspiration on railing design ideas you’ll love.
1. Modern Glass Railings
If you’re looking for a contemporary style, glass is unbeatable. Its smooth, simple lines create a clean look, while its transparency gives the illusion of greater space.
Glass railings can be topped with a handrail for extra character, or left as is for an ultra-sleek, ultra-modern aesthetic.
In this example, we fixed a connected glass baluster onto the staircase, leaving it untopped. The enlarged bolts on the outside of the glass invoked a vintage, industrial design, especially when paired with the dark-coloured steps and exposed wall.
2. Matching Colour Railings
Matching the colour of your handrail to the staircase creates a gorgeous sense of consistency. It’s an excellent way to complement your existing colour scheme, or to create a new colour scheme to build around.
In this staircase example, we painted the timber balusters white to match the solid risers, and painted the handrail black to match the treads. Black and white next to one another created a striking contrast, and the lack of elaborate patterning kept the design from being overly busy.
3. Metal Baluster Railings
Although metal staircases are usually associated with factories and warehouses, a railing with metal incorporated can make for a unique and creative design feature for your home.
For this staircase, we paired shaped metal balusters with light brown timber handrails. The geometric metal design invoked an Art Deco aesthetic, while the timber softened the look to keep it from seeming cold or factory-like.
4. Ornate Timber Railings
Dripping with luxury and grandeur, an ornately designed handrail fits perfectly in a period or traditional-style home.
The staircase we worked on features rounded spindles carved into intricate shapes. The handrail curves elegantly down to the newel posts at the foot of the stair, which were capped for the perfect finishing touch. The colours were kept the same, both for a classic style and to keep the focus on the ornate woodwork.
5. Simple Timber Railings
Of course, not every railing needs to make a statement. If you don’t want to take attention away from another centrepiece, or just prefer a simpler design, an understated railing like the one pictured above may be best.
In this example, we fixed squared balusters to the steps, leaving both unpainted for a natural feel. The newel posts were topped with a plain square cap to complete the look.
If you’re looking to breathe new life into your staircase, the specialists at Staircase Joinery will convert your current railing into one that will transform your home’s design. We have decades of experience working on all aspects of staircase design, and will work with you to create a railing you’ll love for a lifetime.
To get a quote on our services, fill out our online form or call us on 01202 622826.
