I don't think painting the railings is a good idea. Clear-finished wood camouflages dents and dings much better. Chips in white paint need constant touch up.

Stairs should be within code if no more than 4 Inch apart The pine step could be stained to match railing or stained then paint railing. My husband grew up with stairs open and very steep and they all survived. They only had a a hand rail very rustic My father in law had RA severe deforming joints and used the stairs for 30 years. So check space between steps cause there are codes now and insurance issues if your renters get hurt. I would follow trend for your rental market what will get you more income So copy the neighbors :)

I agree with Waynette. I'd be afraid of major injury on those stairs.

If all else is to code, for safety and aesthetic contrast, I would add a metal rail to the wall.

I’ve seen that same railing painted white, and another painted light gray. They both looked good

Those stairs need nothing. They are perfect as is, and perfectly suit the great bones of an 80’s Contemporary. Doing anything hideous with them like painting them white, or :shudder: gray, or covering them with fake plastic wood, would seriously devalue the house. Original details matter. They are valuable. Leave them unmolested.

I'd recarpet the steps to avoid liability.