Banisters and Railings for Contemporary Spaces

While your staircase is primarily a practical architectural feature that lets you get from one floor to the next, it’s also something that can make a statement.

There are so many different options to choose from for stair banisters and railings. Striking the right balance between function and form is vital, but you’ll also discover there are lots of ways to have fun with your chosen design.

Want to give your hallway an instant refresh? Gain some staircase and railing ideas below before heading over to our staircases page to browse brilliant designs that can be tailored entirely to your home.

Modern stair railing and banister ideas

Your banisters and railings needn’t be boring! In fact, there are a vast number of modern stair banister ideas to take inspiration from, with even the simplest options, for example painting the banisters a certain colour, making a big difference to the overall look of a room.

Selecting a modern stair railing is a fantastic way to bring subtle style into your home. Consider the age and overall aesthetic of the building; older period homes will pair better with elegant wrought iron or hardwood. If your house is ultra-contemporary, feel free to play with sleek steel, glossy glass or concrete finish. You could even turn your staircase into a work of art by choosing eye-catching laser-cut steel spindles for your banisters.

The shape of your stairs can have a significant impact, too, making it something worth considering if you’re renovating your entire hallway. Straight, angular stair banister ideas can go in almost any age or style of home. Alternatively, experiment with organic forms by adopting a more curved structure, easy on the eye.

Different material combinations for railings & banisters

One of the best ways to make a statement with your stair railing design is to mix up your materials. Try combining several different materials instead of simply going for classic wooden banisters for stairs in your home.

Oak and glass are a match made in heaven in the architectural world. You can quickly embrace this look by selecting treads in a hard-wearing wood and then swapping more traditional banisters and railings for cool sheets of glass.

Contrasting two or more materials will instantly add an aura of sophistication to your home. When deciding which ones to use, you might want to draw inspiration from the history of your home.

Need help deciding on the ideal modern staircase for your room? Take a look at our full range of bespoke luxury staircases. We’ll work with you to find the perfect design and ensure it’s totally unique to your home. To get started, request a free visit from a Neville Johnson design consultant today or discover more staircase inspiration by ordering a brochure.