Top 70 Best Stair Railing Ideas – Indoor Staircase Designs
Even the most extravagant and well-crafted staircase demands a functional railing to keep you secure and protected.
When building or remodeling a home, stair railing ideas may be something of an afterthought. After all, the main purpose of railing systems is safety. You might feel that as long as your rails meet your local building code requirements, that is enough.
While practicality is always a good thing to consider, giving a little more thought to stair railing design can turn your staircase into a stunning focal point. Creative stair railing ideas exist for every type of home, from traditional wooden banisters and rails to modern glass panels and wire cables. Take a look at 70 of the top staircase design ideas and find out how to incorporate them into your dream home today.
1. Wood Handrail Stair Railing Ideas
Wood is quite possibly the most flexible of all materials used to bring your stair railing ideas to life. From traditional turned spindles and wooden finials, to the sleekest, glossiest modern railings, wood can be shaped and finished into nearly anything that suits you.
There is no reason that a wood stair railing has to have straight vertical balusters. Look for premade wood panels that replicate the patterns found in fancy lattice screens, or simply use beams installed in an x-shape—something that fits particularly well into a rustic setting. If you enjoy the look of metal, you can still keep the comfort of a wooden handrail while incorporating cables or iron railings into your design.
Capture the elegance of a European estate by trimming stone steps with a wrought iron railing, then topping it with a wood handrail stained to match your front door. Intricate, French-inspired scrollwork brings life to wrought iron balusters, while angular panels bring a sense of Hollywood glamour to your foyer.
If you have a casual or coastal-themed home, solid white wood posts pair well with an oak or maple-finished handrail. Continue the oceanic theme by decorating your stair risers with narrow tiles in sand, white, turquoise, and brown, arranged in a contemporary chevron pattern. Or opt for flat matte white tiles set at an angle, to add interest to an area that is usually not embellished. A wooden handrail also pairs well with floating wooden plank stairs and chunky black metal beams.
2. Glass Railing Ideas for Stairs
Using glass or plexiglass panels instead of traditional balusters may not be your first choice, especially if you have small children or pets. Glass surfaces require frequent cleaning to remain smudge-free when little hands and noses make contact with them all day. However, if contemporary, modern, or mid-century design defines your home—and you don’t mind a little extra cleaning—no other material can match the sophisticated openness of a clear glass railing.
Perhaps as a nod to the clarity of water, glass panels also work exceptionally well in modern coastal homes. Installing glass with a soft blue hue helps to bring the sea and sky indoors. Lightly tinted glass adds a modern touch to an otherwise cottage-styled staircase when used in place of traditional balusters. Glass panels provide security but disappear into the background, allowing the clean appearance of white tiles and a silver handrail to shine in a more formal oceanside estate.
You can even use glass panels in a more rustic setting, especially if your style trends toward the eclectic. Mixing and matching textures, colors, and finishes is a hallmark of modern rustic or industrial design. It’s possible to make stone, velvet, fur, wood, and metal all mesh beautifully together in one room—especially when glass replaces busy stair railings. Consider glass stairway panels if you have large picture windows and a view that you cannot bear to block in any way.
3. Stair Railing Balusters Ideas
Balusters—also called spindles, guardrails, and posts—are the structures extending between a stairway’s handrail and each stair tread. Although they serve a functional purpose, balusters are also a frequently overlooked feature where it’s easy to stamp your own style signature.
Instead of a basic, all-wood railing system, replace the spindles with straight black wrought iron rods. This is a classic look that extends across multiple interior design schemes, from modern to traditional. For a little more creativity, alternate embellished iron rods with plain ones.
Newel posts are a special place to add a design touch that makes this first post stand out from all the other balusters. If your traditional home seems to require using the same spindles along the entire staircase length, add visual interest by creating a scroll or ring of spindles on your first or second step. In a coastal home or beach cottage, you can replicate the welcoming warmth of a lighthouse by topping a wide tapered post with a domed metal light fixture. See some more creative staircase lighting ideas here.
Building code dictates that balusters must be no more than four inches apart, but you are free to install them as close together as you like. You can also purchase pre-made balusters that give the appearance of two, three, or more thin spindles set close together. Narrow, ceiling-to-floor chrome rods turn a basic set of concrete steps into a stunning work of art in a modern foyer.
4. Metal Handrail and Banister Ideas
Even with metal balusters, most people prefer the feeling of a wooden handrail. However, certain spaces demand a metal banister for design continuity. While it’s uncommon to see horizontal wooden balusters, it is common to see metal handrails that continue the banister’s horizontal lines down to the stair treads.
Metal staircase railings don’t have to follow clear horizontal or vertical lines, nor do they have to match finishes. You can top chrome balusters with a shiny brass railing, or use jet black spindles and a brushed bronze handrail. An offset horizontal panel pattern is reminiscent of bricks and looks exceptionally great in a modern or industrial space.
Common powder coating finishes for metal handrails and balusters include black, pewter, bronze, and white—although many manufacturers offer a virtually unlimited number of custom colors to choose from. Blackened steel and galvanized steel are good choices for homes in coastal areas or other harsh environments. Aluminum railing posts are a durable, affordable option when a soft silver hue is desired.
5. Modern Staircase Railing Ideas
Modern homes are deceptively complex in their simplicity, making use of a variety of materials to create a peaceful, uncluttered abode. Wood, stone, metal, and fabric make individual statements while contributing to a cohesive whole. Although a simple color palette is one rule of modern design, the simplest colors can make the strongest impact. A white background is a perfect blank canvas to showcase a stunning wood or metal modern staircase.
Whether your modern style more closely reflects the past with a nod to midcentury, or if it reflects all the newest contemporary trends, your staircase should flow with the surrounding architecture. Switching from vertical balusters to horizontal beams gives an immediate modern flair to any staircase. Run four, seven or ten metal bars sideways to provide security while following the lines in the surrounding living space. These metal rails can be wide and flat, thinly angular, round, or any custom shape you desire.
A curving modern staircase becomes Asian-modern when shiny, golden brass is used instead of steel or wrought iron. With rectangular balusters shaped like antique Asian window panes and a glossy, black base, this dramatic stairway looks perfect beside a floor-to-ceiling picture window and a large-scale monochrome mural.
Other ways to use metal on modern staircases include installing panels instead of individual balusters. Solid, flat, brushed metal panels not only look impressive, but they also help buffer noise. To soften the harshness of metal railings, try a free-form arrangement of narrow metal rods, randomly crisscrossed to mimic the natural lines in a field of tall grass. Lattice screen patterns and other grid-like panels also add interest without overwhelming a simple, modern design.
6. Traditional Stair Railing Ideas
If you purchased an original Victorian or Craftsman home, chances are that you inherited beautiful vintage woodwork. If so, make the most of it by staying true to period design. This can mean having painted or natural stained wood on your banisters and spindles.
If you love the look of natural wood but your stairs are covered in several decades’ worth of paint, stripping the paint is a must. However, before launching into a DIY paint stripping project, make sure you have the right safety equipment. You can also have a paint chip tested to see if it contains lead or other potentially harmful substances.
A classic traditional stair railing mixes white painted surfaces with natural wood finishes. For example, your stair treads and banister may be a natural cherry or walnut finish, while the balusters and risers are painted white. Often, the steps in a traditional home feature a carpeted runner that picks up the natural wood tones nearby.
7. Cable Railing Ideas for Stair Railing
Cable railings are second only to glass for providing a sense of openness around your staircase. Cable railing can fit into many interior design styles, including modern, farmhouse, and rustic/industrial. They look equally attractive attached to wood or metal staircase frames.
Cable stair railing kits are available for DIY enthusiasts and are fairly simple ways to add a modern element to a classic stairway. Cable railing systems are often made from marine-grade stainless steel or aluminum, and you may be able to find cables powder coated in custom colors. Check out the following video to see how easy it can be to install your own metal cable stair railing.
Rustic cabins or vintage cottages are great places to add cable railings to an otherwise open wooden frame. Cable railings are most often found in modern and contemporary homes, especially along floating staircases where an open appearance is favored.
Stair Railing FAQs
I just moved into a fixer-upper that has a wooden staircase with several missing spindles. Is it possible to keep my handrail and just replace the spindles (balusters)?
Yes. This is one of the easier DIY home renovation projects you can undertake—provided that you measure and cut with care. If you cannot find the exact size and shape of the existing balusters, you can replace all of them at once with a new design.
If all of the measuring and cutting feels too daunting for your DIY skill level, purchase adjustable wrought iron spindles that are easy to install. Pairing metal balusters with a wooden handrail is a classic combination that can be designed to work with any interior style. You can also remove vertical spindles entirely and replace them with horizontal metal cables. Purchase a metal cable railing kit that comes with pre-cut cables, screws, and everything else needed to DIY this modern design feature.
On which side should we install our staircase handrail?
Commercial staircases must have a handrail on both sides because this is the safest option on every staircase. However, the choice is yours when designing your stairway. Most often, you will see hand rails on the right side as you go down the steps. Because few staircases are fully walled on both sides, most interior stair railings follow whichever side the banister is on. Note that building codes may vary by location, and you must adhere to the specific handrail requirements in your state or town.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
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Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.