The second photo is a more detailed, close up pic of the one on the left

The one on the right. But then I tend to like things with straighter lines.

me too,the one on the right,and yes to alternating too

I prefer the one on the left -- it seems more classic and understated. The one on the right seems a little busy to me. I'm all for making a bold statement, but not necessarily for a railing.

Personal preference for me is the one on the left. I agree it is classic and understated. What is your style and style of the house?

I think your decision should be informed by your trim. The one on the left is as someone already mentioned more classic. I like the one on the right with a plain rod personally.

I prefer the one on the left. But then I love Ted Muehling Egg & Dart candlesticks, too ;)

The balustrade on the left is more delicate with the curves and no shoe. The sample on the right is more common. If the style is to make a bold statement the one on the right would be the choice. But, if your style is more formal and elegant, the balustrade on the left

I'm not sure what my style is lol. The house is circa 1985, and the staircase has 6 steps then a small landing, then turns for some more steps. There's a little "balcony" up top, with more balusters and handrails. The foyer is pretty small and plain so I'm re-doing the stairs and painting.

I'm leaning toward the one on the left, I think the "knuckle" style may be a little busy. The next question is whether the design on the iron should be a single or a double.

Thanks, Heather, do you mean alternate with a plain one?

the right one.

By the way, I'm also replacing the treads with wood

The one on the left because it is not as common. The one on the right is seen in houses from low end to high end. Different makes others think of "custom".

Single or double on each baluster and would you alternate with a plain one?

I just chose the knuckle for my house. My pattern is two plain, one single knuckle I love it with a square baluster

The left, it's softer and won't catch as much dust, be easier to clean and won't scrape you if you bump up against it. It also seems more timeless. The square one is too trendy and possibly short lived.

The one on the right...

Left. Classic.

Like the one on the right. Assuming you are replacing the bottom newel? The railing will be wood?
Consider this layout... 3 straight ballusters-1 single knuckle balluster-1double knuckle balluster-1single knuckle balluster-then repeat with 3 straight ballusters, etc. The single-double-single ballusters create a diamond pattern and offer a change up to a simple format.

I'd go with single design on each baluster and yes, alternate with a plain one.

Scott, yes, am replacing everything. Using a box post, plain, stained wood, new handrails, too. That's interesting, re: diamond pattern, but I like simple and there are only 6 steps going up.

CJohnston, that's what I was thinking. The stair guy thought maybe no alternating on the lower portion, but alternating on the "balcony"? I'm not sure about that, though.

I can kind of see why your builder would suggest no alternating for the lower portion, and if that was your only railing, I'd agree. But I think the two railings should match, and the alternating pattern will look very elegant.

That's nice,Scott, thanks

An example of a before and after that we did in 2011 that shows a softer curve in the balustrades. In this design we used a shoe so that we could cover any damage the prior post caused in the treads.

http://www.scottscreativehome.com

That's a nice transformation! Gives me an idea how mine will look, thank you:)

An example of a square design in an ornamental balustrade.

http://www.scottscreativehome.com

The left is more streamlined. Not certain if it is helpful, but I know a contractor who can make custom Ballusters. Lives in Telluride, and confident he is the best in the biz.. Would not suggest if he was a hack. Has custom pieces in many stores and homes all over the State of Colorado from stair case work to custom light fixutres and hoods for kitchens.