How To Choose The Correct Balustrade For Your Stairs & Landing

If you are thinking of giving your staircase an uplift, but you don’t want to rip everything out, one of the simplest ways to have the greatest impact is by replacing a few components - for example, the balustrading.   

Balustrade for staircases, landings, and balconies with glass panelling (see glass balustrade staircases for inspiration) or traditional spindles (see traditional staircases for inspiration).

The balustrade of your stairs is the part that is comprised of the handrail, base rail, and newel posts, this is the part most often used to give a totally new feel. So how do you choose a new balustrade that is perfect for the look of your home? The team at Central Joinery Group have some designer tips and suggestions.

Plain White Balustrade

Many people like to give the integral fittings of their home a timeless and traditional look. This is an intelligent move if you wish to future proof your house and prevent its decor from appearing dated too quickly, but some people prefer to install something unique that can changed and updated as time goes by and trends change.

If you prefer the traditional type, you'll probably want natural timber stair parts. Oak is always a great material to choose as it ages very well and offers a warm, soft colour that complements its surroundings without diminishing their appeal. Pine parts are popular choices when a rustic look is desired due to its naturally knotty appearance, or when working to a tighter budget, and it’s a wood that is easy to stain to your desired colour.

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Glass Balustrading With Wooden Treads

There are so many options available when it comes to the way in which your staircase design ties in with the decor of your wider house. If you love patterns and colours and really wish to make an impression, there’s nothing stopping you from having a staircase as opulent as its surroundings. On the other hand, you can choose to use the stairs as a focal point - almost a work of art in itself - by leaving the rest of the space simple and unfussy while opting for a more eye-catching balustrade.

Another option is to decorate the room itself with bold colours and/or standout design features and cut through it with a really simple, sleek set of stairs with nothing ornamental added. For example, some handrail profiles are simple square shapes, rather than the curved profiles found on more traditional designs.

We also have newel posts finishes that range from simple square or pyramid shaped newel caps to beautiful hand-hewn finials that will give your newel posts a lavish and ornamental look. Glass can be used with parts from ranges where the modern glass panels are mixed with traditional timber parts.

To look further into any and all of these options, all you need to do is have an idea about the type of styles you love and arrange a discussion with a Central Joinery Group design manager. One of our friendly advisors will be happy to discuss your requirements with you and suggest options for your new staircase.