A Great Banister Can Make a Staircase Stunning
I work as a blogger for businesses although I do a variety of different types of writing. I particularly enjoy writing about all aspects of design and creativity. I think that your home should reflect your personality and that it should change as you change. More about me at www.kathrynvercillo.com and http://diaryofasmartchick.com.
I work as a blogger for businesses although I do a variety of different... More »
A great staircase can dominate a room in a pleasing way. I am partial to the spiral staircase myself but have also had my eye caught by the floating staircase as well as the artfully decorated staircase. A staircase doesn't have to have these powerful designs to be a strong visual center of a space, though. In fact, simply adding a terrific banister can turn any normal staircase into a stunning work of art.
What defines a great banister? Material is important with wrought iron being a favorite of mine. This is due to the fact that it can be shaped in such creative ways. Color, the direction of the banister lines and unusual choices in size are also important in creating a cool banister.
In general, I think that the banister should complement and enhance the staircase itself. However, I have also seen gorgeous examples of banisters that contrast with the stairs in a fascinating way. It can take some time to come up with the perfect banister look for the home but once it is chosen it will be well worth the effort.
What defines a great banister? Material is important with wrought iron being a favorite of mine. This is due to the fact that it can be shaped in such creative ways. Color, the direction of the banister lines and unusual choices in size are also important in creating a cool banister.
In general, I think that the banister should complement and enhance the staircase itself. However, I have also seen gorgeous examples of banisters that contrast with the stairs in a fascinating way. It can take some time to come up with the perfect banister look for the home but once it is chosen it will be well worth the effort.
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| Everything about this banister is amazing. It is made from wrought iron. It has a lovely whimsical design. Its curvatures are set starkly against the geometric shape of the stairs themselves. The effect is stunning. |
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Most stairway banisters use vertical lines to connect the banister to the stairs. Here we see how horizontal lines on the banister can create a terrific visual effect.
by SoCal Stairs
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There are three features I love here. First, I love the dark vertical lines against the lighter wood of the banister. Second, I love how the shape of the light is reflected in the shapes adorning the banister. And finally, I love that they chose to end the wooden banister straight into the wall rather than continuing it up the wall on that left side. Very creative!
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There is something very visually intriguing about this stair rail with it's parallel-lined front portion and metallic diagonal lines. I think it would look better set against modern dark stairs, though.
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I absolutely adore how the traditional banister is replaced here with strong vertical lines that go all the way up to the ceiling. What a strong effect!
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What I love here is the great color selection. The combination of black and white has been done so perfectly here that it works even with the very simple shape of the banister.
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| You can do terrifically interesting things with glass staircases and glass banisters. The combination of glass and metal for a banister is always a good choice. |
by Nicole Hollis
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From a distance, this looks merely like an interesting color choice for the banister. Up close, you see that it is rope wrapped around poles, adding a creative natural twist to a hardened material.
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It is definitely the bold, multi-layered, black banister that makes this staircase stand out in the room.
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It is important to remember that a good banister will enhance the outdoor staircase as well. I like the way that the curved bend of this banister is set against the strong lines of the staircase wall.
Comments
InterDesign Studio Airplane cable wire along with a combination of both woods used on the project enliven this staircase. 
3 years ago · Like
April Driggers What I want to see is how to decorate the WALLS of these huge sweeping staircases. We have one similar to the first.... and it's this big....curved.... empty space! I hate it but no clue what to do with it!
3 years ago · Like
Great Divide Builders Thank you for the wonderful examples of eye catching staircases, which when done right can be the focal point of a room. Attaching a photo of a three story staircase that was recently built for a custom home with a mix of wood and steel. 
3 years ago · Like
Alan Brookman example #2 wouldn't pass a building code inspection--a 4" sphere is not allowed to pass through a guardrail, and those cables are clearly more than 4" apart
3 years ago · Like
Karen Schaefer Louw another interesting spiral staircase with wrought iron banister 
3 years ago · Like
Linda McMahon I am frantic to change my staircase; I've decorated my home in a modern style, but my staircase is traditional. I thought the most inexpensive fix would be to stain the railings dark (to match my dark hardwood floors) and paint the spindles white (same shade as my trim). The whole arrangement is curvier that I'd like but I can afford to replace the whole shebang. Anyone had any experience with this? 
2 years ago · Like
terrymichelehouse I would also think about getting rid of the bowling balls on the end posts. Try toping them with some stained minimalist square caps. You have the right Idea to make them disappear. Have you thought of replacing the small spindels with simple metal ones?
21 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on July 28, 2010.
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