Modern Railing Designs

Railings are an architectural detail that can make or break a stairway, and contemporary stairs deserve a beautiful modern railing design.

There are few items in a home that have greater impact than a beautiful staircase, and a great staircase without a great railing is like a little black dress without a great accessory. It looks alright, but appears to be lacking something. Railings add a degree of beauty and are very important in the world of interior design.

Stair railings offer designers and homeowners a great opportunity to be creative. They can personalize a space, make a statement, or blend in with the surroundings. There's a wider variety of railing designs available today than ever before, and almost endless options of styles and materials available.

Wood has and always will be a popular material for stairway railings, but modern railing designs come in several different materials. Metal, glass, and cable are among them.

Metals used for stair rails include steel, stainless steel, wrought iron, and aluminum. These materials are very good for their high weight to strength ratio and they require little to no maintenance. Metal railings are economical and can be bent and molded into different shapes and design patterns.

Vinyl and cable railing materials are also very popular in modern design. They are the least expensive synthetic material and offer a long range of life without any color change or deterioration.

Don't forget to think about safety. While cable railings look great in modern homes, they aren't the safest option if small children can fit through them. When it comes to homes with children safety considerations come first.

Glass is very popular for contemporary railing designs. Not only is it clean and streamlined, it allows for an uninterrupted view. This is why glass is becoming increasingly popular for use outdoors. A curved glass railing is particularly elegant.

The material used in staircase railings makes a huge difference in the look of the home, so think carefully before deciding on the right one.

When choosing a modern railing design it's important to take into consideration the architecture of the house, the interior design style, and the lifestyle of the homeowner. The railing should compliment the décor and enhance the architectural style of the home. It should be pleasant in appearance and comfortable to use.

Do some research and comparison-shopping before settling on a design. Take a look at interior design magazines and see what catches your eye. Look for homes similar in style to yours and see what kinds of railings are used.

Consider each railing component and how it can be used when you design your stairs. The components of railing designs are posts, top and bottom rails, and vertical or horizontal balusters, sometimes called pickets. Modern designs frequently feature straight, streamlined pieces.

An Internet search will come up with a variety of railing manufactures. Have a look and see what appeals to you. Check out prices and find out what's available. Here are a few to get you started.

• American Railing Systems Inc.
• Hollaender
• Virginia Railings and Gates
• Stair Service
• Wagner

If you're still not sure what you want or what design will work best consider consulting an interior designer. Not only can he or she help you settle on a design, they can direct you to reputable manufacturers, and if you so desire, handle the purchasing and installation.

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