would you consider painting them?

Yes! What color would you suggest?

Those are bad. I think I would bite the bullet and replace them.

I agree, they are terrible. They bring down the style of the house.

Those are very unique spindles.... Don't think I've ever seen anything quite like them! Unfortunately, I can't say that paint would be a solution to disguising the outdated look. I agree with Interiors... "Bite the bullet" !

I'm afraid I may have to. Even just replacing the spindles would be a hard achievement since they are face front balusters. :(

If you have to paint... Go with black!

I guess I am a lone voice because I absolutely love their rustic look and think they would look adorable in a gingerbready cottage, which doesn't appear to be your home. But decorating is all about what you like so if you can't replace them painting them a dark color makes them recede so they're not as obvious.

Here's another thought... What about painting the walls a nice warm complimentary color to blend the two?

Talk to a tradesmen about trimming them down. You then need to add a few but at least they would be just a straight board.

Could you just tear them all out and build up half walls on all the stairs there and the landing with a nice handrail? The spindles are ghastly.

I'm a thrifty, practical sort... I would give paint a try, in a creamy neutral glossy color. Match the wall color, so the spindles fade into the background. Maybe then create a handrail in a functional and metallic... In the loft, create a shelf over the railing, and hang an interesting tapestry that picks up the colors below. These are low cost fixes... Worth a try, I think.

I would also paint the bottom of the stairs, and then runner carpet to pull the eye from the banister... Choose a rich pattern. These spindles are just unfinished... Give them some polish and the whole space will brighten up and hold together!

Put your dollars into the overall look with more interesting walls and art... The banister will function, and be a less noticeable element. Really, don't get hung up on something so easy modified.

If replacing them is off the table, you may be able to frame right over them and create a contemporary solid railing structure which you can then paint and veneer with panels, designs, etc

Thank you for the suggestions. I may get an estimate for total over haul then go from there.

Here are some ideas for stair railing using stainless steel cable. http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4579344/thumbs/Residential-Cable-Railing-by-The-Cable-Connection

I think they are fun and unique. I would try painting them a glossy black or white before replacing them.

replace them another style....

This is interesting - stp your own photo might be the solution to your issue. I think each board could be detached, trimmed into a classic profile and put back with the same fasteners for not too much. The look would still be a flat profile, but could be unique and fit your southern house - (like the flat aluminum yet curvy legs for tables you could get for a while at ikea) I think with some research on your part, you could come up with a profile that could work. Major issue is to preserve no more than 4" passage between each element to stick to code. Then, you need a finish carpenter who will give you a day rate - it should take about 3 days and if you plan ahead, after he cuts and sands, you can paint them before he puts them back in.

libradesigneye's got a great approach but another option would be to see if a good carpenter could trim out the top and bottom with molding similar to what is in the "two tone" pic you posted. It could be charming.

If you decide to change the balustrade, check out www.flourishde.com.