Stairway Railing Ideas

This wrought-iron stair railing was custom-made in two sections and treated to a subtle decorative finish of silver and gold. The scrollwork was inspired by a French design in an old book.

The board-and-batten look seen on this stairwell and railing is a design element that pays homage to local farmhouse architecture.

This balustrade features stainless-steel cables, which are reflected in the galvanized-metal chairs and the adjacent kitchen's stainless-steel appliances.

This grid staircase railing rises all the way up from the floor, adding texture and character to this staircase.

Fancy fretwork adorns the spaces between balusters, giving a lift to anyone ascending this staircase. Although the crafted inserts don't fulfill any structural necessity, these stairs would seem woefully underdressed if any of the scroll-sawn frills had been left out.

This entry received continental flavor with a wrought-iron staircase railing hand-forged by a local artisan.

The stainless-steel and glass railing seen here echoes the living room's subtle silver-gray paint scheme.

A line of embellished metal shafts adds detail to this cleanly designed stairway.

Like a captain of the regimental guard, a stout newel anchors this balustrade that marches up the stairwell. A newel stands at the base of a staircase and must be strong enough to stabilize an entire assembly of handrails. And because newels are so often positioned near the entry of houses, these posts have a decorative assignment as well.

The difference between a basic space and a grand space is in the details. This foyer's millwork, from the trim to the balusters, complements the space.

The wrought-iron railing and chiseled-edge travertine steps form the perfect lead-up to a grand set of mahogany doors.

A pair of cherries seem ripe for the picking as they hang just under this handrail. This simple bangle proves the adage that less is more. By adding only a bit of ornamentation to the balustrade, this small fret piece makes a big statement.

Solid boxes between the balusters add visual interest to this traditional wood railing. A hefty newel stretches from the floor to the ceiling and anchors the railing to the space.

This railing--made out of wire cables--is safe and functional while giving the stairwell a very open feeling.

This balustrade reinterprets traditional forms in a distinctively Swedish manner, calling to mind both classical urns and Alpine gingerbread work.

This railing and banister reflect attention to detail and were inspired by 18th- and 19th-century country houses in England and France. The Romanesque arches featured in the wrought-iron railing were made to match those found throughout the rest of this home.

Custom-made in a local ironworks shop, the gently curved iron balustrade features open scrollwork.

Wood blocks connecting the balusters give custom style and a bit of sturdiness to this staircase.

For traditional-style homes, the tightly tailored look of a classic white-and-wood tone stairwell is often the best choice. Here, simple, square baluster uprights are perked up with a line of white stringers running beneath the natural wood handrail.

An old plantation design inspired the look of these filigree iron balusters, which leave the structural work to the less-ornate rods that sit between. The anthemion floral motif dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans.