I agree. Cable railing always looks like a giant egg slicer to me. :O)

Shouls I go with black or white?

I dislike the cable. I do like the black metal, and I like black better than white.

I just don't want it to look bulky and dark.

Black metal = dramatic, not bulky and dark.

Do you have children who might climb on it? Have you considered glass panels instead?

Glass is too expensive

I like the second option. If you do have children, don't let them play on the railings - ever.

I love the second option but would choose white. The dust is far too noticeable on black railings.

Black is definitely the more popular option. I haven't seen very many white metal railings but the welder said it is possible. I'm leaning more toward this one. Just not sure how it will look.

Another question - I have the option of having my spindles going vertical or horizontal . What do you think?

First find out if the cable railing is to code where you live . Uaually no horizontal railing is code. I do not think the glass would cost much more than the all metal railing and IMO the best choice and could you show all the areas where the railing is needed or if this small space is it and the rest just hand rail that IMO will have a big effect on the choice you make.

Hi Patricia! This is the only area the railing will be. Just going down to fill in the gap. We were quoted almost double for glass and can't afford it.

I like the picture with the vertical rails, better than the horizontal. Black isnt all that hard to clean. It does show dust, but, the dust is there with any color, so just means, you may clean a bit more often. I have a lot of black in my house, and its not anymore work, than white would be.

I'd go with something plain and white. You've already got a lot going on with 3 types of flooring converging there.

Bichonbabe, this is white metal railing. Is this what you had in mind? Is white better than black? Worried now there will be too much going on if I go with black

I think the white railing you posted above would look best. You need to check code to make sure horizontal railing is allowed.

Does the fabricator have any metal mesh options?

I think white or wood color like the flooring there would blend better than black. And would match the white in the kitchen. To me Black would stick out too much , look out of place there.

What about a stainless metal with an oak railing?

How about thick, vertical cables like these installed between the white sloped surface to the left of the staircase and the sloped ceiling directly above it, accompanied by handrails on the opposite walls, one leading upstairs and one leading downstairs? You could paint the cables an interesting color.

Let us know what you end up choosing , picture too 😃