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How to Select the Perfect Interior Handrail Style to Fit Any Interior Design Aesthetic

Updated: Oct 9

birds eye view of staircase with railing to the left

Are you trying to find the perfect interior handrail style to match your home’s design? Whether you're leaning toward a sleek modern look or prefer a rustic, farmhouse vibe, Pinto Carpentry is here to help. With more than 20 years of experience in interior handrail installation, we’ve guided homeowners like you in selecting handrails that not only complement their home's design but also enhance safety and durability. Let's explore the best options for your space!


Handrails come in a wide variety of styles, each bringing its own unique touch to your interior space. From classic designs that evoke a sense of timeless elegance to modern, minimalist railings that suit a more contemporary feel, the choices are vast. But how do you know which style fits your home best? To help you decide, we’ve broken down some of the most popular handrail styles and the design aesthetics they complement.


Traditional Handrail Styles: Timeless Elegance


traditional all wood railings

Traditional interior handrails are inspired by more 18th and 19th century European and colonial design. These can be modernized to a more transitional style by adding black or stainless steel thin metal balusters to complement the more ornamental and carved wooden handrails and newels. By opting for metal instead of traditional wooden spindles or balusters, you’ll add a touch of contrast and visual interest that fits with more modern living. This style is quite flexible and works with most interior design styles and is great for flexibility.

  • Best for: Homes with classic decor, vintage-inspired interiors.

  • Popular materials: Carved wood, stainless steel balusters.


    Pro tip: Adding metal balusters can modernize a traditional style without losing the charm.



Modern Interior Handrail Styles: Sleek and Sophisticated


modern horizontal stainless steel and wood railings

Modern interior railing styles generally feature a lot of dark woods with stainless steel bars, or light wood in a squared handrail and newel with black metal bars or cable. Adding a touch of wood to contrast the heavy use of gloss, metals, and black & white can add some warmth to modern interiors. Some homeowners opt for glass panels with the metal handrail and connectors. The glass panels do allow for more natural, ambient light to filter through the home, but this may not be the right fit for homes with elderly family, pets, or children. You’ll find this style has a touch of the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

  • Best for: Urban lofts, modern homes with minimalist decor.

  • Popular materials: Dark wood, stainless steel, glass.


    Pro tip: Consider glass panels if you want to allow more natural light to flow through your home, especially for open-plan spaces. Just keep in mind that glass may not be ideal for homes with young children or pets due to safety concerns.



Contemporary Handrail Styles: Practical and Stylish


contemporary interior railings

Contemporary interior handrails focus on comfort, practicality, and function, and most generally feature neutral colors and bold, strong lines. A good suggestion for someone looking for contemporary style railing would be a less ornate rectangular or rounded design, with horizontal bars, or sleek black metal with a decorative “knot”. Iron balusters can add a touch of robustness while allowing for design panels to alternate for interest. This look was very popular in homes during the 80s and 90s.


  • Best for: Functional spaces like family homes, condos, and apartments.

  • Popular materials: Iron, powder-coated metals.


    Pro tip: Opt for sleek iron balusters with decorative elements like knots or twists to add subtle charm without overwhelming your space.



Scandinavian Handrail Styles: Minimalism Meets Nature


scandanavian handrails metal and wood

Scandinavian interior handrails mimic the chicness of 20th century Northern European design from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, etc. This look heralds a minimalist but functional and elegant ode to nature, with clean lines, natural wood, slightly curved edges, and organic flow.  This often features a square to round newel and baluster, and may feature some powder-coated or stainless steel metal bar accents.  This is currently seeing an uptick in trending interior styles thanks to a fondness for charming Danish design trends and blending antique/mid-century finds with modern line and color.

  • Best for: Homes with a minimalist, modern, or Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic.

  • Popular materials: Light oak, stainless steel, natural wood.


    Pro tip: For a soft, natural aesthetic, choose handrails with organic lines and subtle metal accents that enhance the space without overpowering it.



Coastal Handrail Styles: Light, Airy, and Relaxed


coastal metal and wood railings

Coastal interior handrails are designed to be reminiscent of beach homes, vacation resorts, and maritime style. They often feature light, airy, and open designs.  Clients seeking this style may opt for rectangular handrails in a rich, warm wood and accent them with primed white newels and balusters, or wooden handrail with stainless steel cable railing in place of traditional balusters or spindles. Some also opt for utilizing reclaimed wood for a more “weathered at sea” look. The resulting finish calls to mind a waterfront balcony or a ship’s deck.

  • Best for: Coastal homes, beach-inspired interiors, or vacation homes.

  • Popular materials: Reclaimed wood, stainless steel, white finishes.


    Pro tip: Using reclaimed wood for your coastal handrail can add character and a touch of history, giving your home a more rustic, seaside feel.


Rustic Handrail Styles: Embrace Natural Beauty


rustic metal and wood modern railings

Rustic interior handrail styles may feature live-edge handrail or stained dark, natural grain wood handrails with a wide rectangular style. Homeowners looking for this style may also lean towards the “log cabin” look for balusters and newels.  A unique look to marry more modern design with the rustic cabin look is to opt for satin black metal balusters or black horizontal bars to complement the natural wood look. This design aesthetic generally is found in cabin and lodge style homes, and can also be fused with a modern look for something more trendy.

  • Best for: Rustic or log cabin-style homes, country-inspired interiors.

  • Popular materials: Live-edge wood, black metal, reclaimed timber.


    Pro tip: Pair natural wood with black metal accents to achieve a modern rustic look, perfect for fusing traditional charm with contemporary elements.


Farmhouse Handrail Styles: Rustic Charm Meets Modern Living


farmhouse style railings

Farmhouse interior marries the style of farm houses with modern living to create a soft ambiance with a hint of sophistication. This style focuses on letting more natural light into the home and often features wood railing systems that marry rustic charm with elegant clean lines, curves, and a touch of softness. Farmhouse looks that are currently popular feature wood and metal, all wood, primed wood with black or stainless accents. They may remind you of farm or barn style gates and fences and rustic country style.

  • Best for: Farmhouse-style homes, rustic-modern interiors.

  • Popular materials: Primed wood, metal accents, natural finishes.


    Pro tip: Farmhouse style thrives on simplicity—choose designs that maximize natural light and feature both wood and metal elements for the perfect balance.



Finding the Perfect Handrail for Your Home

Choosing the right handrail style is more than just a design decision—it's about creating a functional and aesthetic statement that complements your home’s overall vibe. Whether you gravitate toward the cozy charm of farmhouse railings or the sleek sophistication of modern handrails, the right choice can enhance the look and feel of your space, tying together your interior design seamlessly.


Remember, your handrails are one of the first things people see when they enter your home. They set the tone, whether it's minimalist elegance with Scandinavian style or a bold statement with contemporary ironwork. The materials, finishes, and even the curves or angles of your railings can reflect your personal taste, making your staircase a focal point that elevates your home's aesthetic.


It's also important to consider practical aspects. Do you have pets or small children? In that case, materials like glass might not be the best fit, but metal or wood can offer durability and style. Thinking about long-term maintenance is key too—some materials like stainless steel or powder-coated metal are low-maintenance and stay looking sleek for years to come.


Ultimately, your home should reflect not just your taste but your lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to mix and match elements like wood and metal or experiment with different textures. Creating the perfect handrail system is all about balance—balancing the old with the new, the functional with the stylish, and the practical with the artistic.


Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of different handrail styles, the next step is to bring your vision to life. Contact us today at Pinto Carpentry for expert guidance and a custom consultation—we're ready to help you turn your ideas into reality with our beautifully crafted, custom handrails.

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