Trying to decide what style to choose for your home’s railings and stairs? Today we’re bringing you a convenient primer of different style handrails and options, and which styles they can complement best. If you’re still not sure what looks best in your home, feel free to ask the expert staff here at Pinto Carpentry! With more than 20 years experience, our knowledgable staff is very adept at helping our clients select the best materials to suit their home and project for the perfect interior handrail style.
Traditional interior style 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.
Modern interior handrail 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.
Contemporary interior handrails focus on comfort, practicality, and function, and most generally feature netural 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether you’re looking for a residential or commercial project, our expert indoor handrail and stair carpenters here at Pinto Carpentry will deliver top tier results. Whether you’re looking to update or replace part of your existing handrail system, or replace or repair an old staircase, our knowledgable crew can take care of that for you.
At Pinto Carpentry, we’re committed to bringing you the best of the best! Give us a call or send us an e-mail to get the ball rolling! We are ready and able to provide our clients with a wide range of custom services and options to elevate your home or business. We’ll get you scheduled for a personal consultation where you’ll be provided with a custom quote and estimate for your pending project. We can’t wait to work with you!
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