35 Stair Railing Ideas That Will Level Up Your Staircase

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Modern Meets Traditional

This unusual staircase design by Heather Peterson Design fuses both modern and traditional details. The way the treads and risers project over the sheetrock wall was inspired by the Restoration Hardware Modern Flagship in L.A., and the spindles curve and fade below them in a manner inspired by the servants' stairs in Downton Abbey.

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Wood and Wire Railing

wire and wood staircase — Credit:
Nash Design Group, Vivian Johnson Photography

One of the inherent sticking points of a stairwell is that it can feel dark and narrow. For a light, bright feel, opt for pale wood banisters and wire cable railing. Matching wood steps tie this staircase design by Nash Design Group together beautifully.

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Rustic Staircase Railing

Lean into a rustic aesthetic with your stair railing by utilizing rescued wood with some character. In this design by Bria Hammel Interiors, the banisters are rich in knotty tone and texture, and complement the wood walls and light fixture beautifully.

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Geometric Cutout Stair Railing

For intrigue and some artistic flair, install a cutout stair railing, as pictured in this home designed by Anne McDonald Design. This unexpected and creative detail adds instant charisma, and the cutouts are an inventive way to let light into the stairwell.

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Large Glass Railing

Glass Staircase Railing — Credit:
LaRue Architects, Chase Daniel Photography

Instead of a traditional baluster, LaRue Architects opted for sheaths of glass against pale wood stairs and black trim. The result is a minimalist aesthetic with clean lines that blend beautifully into the home's modern interior.

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Artistic Stenciled Stair Railing

Take your cue from Verner Architects and really tap into your creative side. This exquisite stair railing, designed by Adam Feibelman, features a swirling floral design that essentially doubles as an art installation.

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Glass and Metal Railing

glass and metal stair railing — Credit:
Nash Design Group, Vivian Johnson Photography

Glass stair railings also work on smaller staircases, as demonstrated in this simple design by Nash Design Group. For some extra dimension, incorporate black metal handrails.

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Winding Wood Railing and Slim Spindles

This gently winding staircase by MMB Studio features an elegant, high-polish wooden handrail that matches the steps. It's paired with ultra-slim spindles with decorating knob details and a tan-hued runner ties it all together.

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Framed Floating Stairs

The floating staircase, designed by Mark Odom Studio, was created to filter the natural light through the steps and baluster. Notice how the light filters differently through the density of stair elements.

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Modern Black Railing

Modern Stairs — Credit:
Specht Novak Architects, Casey Dunn Photography

When an upper level was added to this mid-century suburban ranch in Austin, Specht Novak Architects opted for a striking modern railing made from black metal, which is complemented by wooden stairs.

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Two-Toned Staircase With Arched Entry

two toned stair railing with arched entry — Credit:
Bria Hammel Interiors, Spacecrafting Photography

In this historic home, preservation with modern details was the name of the game. The beautifully arched entry makes the stairwell feel more inviting, and the two-toned steps create contrast and intrigue.

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Subtly Curved Iron Railing

curved iron railing staircase — Credit:
Maggie Griffin Design, Brian Bieder Photography

If you like the look of black iron railing but want to infuse just a little more warmth and softness into the design, weave in curved details, as pictured in this beautiful design by Maggie Griffin.

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Cozy Staircase Nook

cozy nook in stairway — Credit:
Studio BV, Jessica Stoe Photography

If you've got a double staircase, consider creating a cozy reading nook on the middle landing. This design, dreamed up by Studio BV, incorporates a cushioned ledge with multi-colored cushions and a pelt.

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Minimalist Stairs With Glass Finials

Minimalist With Glass Finial — Credit:
Caitlin Jones Ghajar, Vivian Johnson Photography

This ultra-modern design by Caitlin Jones Ghajar keeps things sleek and simple with a thin wood handrail and slim spindles. A bit of whimsy and sophistication is added through the inclusion of globular glass finials on the newel posts at the top of the staircase.

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Geometric Double Staircase

If you're lucky enough to have a sweeping double staircase in your home, aim to keep things symmetrical, as pictured in this design by Adam Hunter. White balusters and a black handrail feel crisp and clean, while a navy blue runner on either side infuses a bit of lush royalty.

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Graphic Lines

In this project, Heather Peterson Design matched the graphic lines and warm wood tones of the staircase with an equally graphic black-and-white wallpaper in the desk nook underneath the stairs, taking advantage of every square foot.

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Classic Curved Staircase With White Spindles

This classic curved staircase features a handsome newel post at the base—stained in a medium wood tone—and spindles painted a crisp white. The cream-colored runner adds to the traditional look.

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All-White Stair Railing

This light and bright space by Bria Hammel Interiors calls for a stair railing painted with a creamy white hue. The existing carved wooden banisters and baluster offered the perfect canvas.

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Floating Stairs With Matching Guardrail

Staircases that extend from one floor to another can be tricky to design. Studio BV opted for a matching guardrail on either side of the lower-level staircase to create an open feel while prioritizing safety.

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Modern Curved White Wall

Instead of a traditional staircase with a series of vertical balusters, consider a crisp, solid white wall as seen in this design by A. Naber Design. It lends a sense of simplicity and refinement. A wooden handrail that matches the steps adds a bit of contrast, too.

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Mid-Century Modern Stair Railing

Midcentury Modern Railing — Credit:
Adam Hunter

This staircase railing gives off a mid-century aesthetic with its textured glass and geometric metal details. For some intrigue, it's paired with a patterned black and white stair runner and features a sleek black handrail that curves at the base.

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Small Floating Staircase

Small floating stairs — Credit:
Re: Design Architects, Conor Harigan

When your home's footprint is on the smaller side, it's important to get creative in order to maximize square footage. This tiny home designed by Re: Design Architects nailed the assignment with a set of chic floating stairs that look great and take up hardly any space at all.

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Curved Staircase With Carpet Runner

curved iron staircase with stair runner — Credit:
Maggie Griffin Design, Robert Peterson

In this design by Maggie Griffin, a gently curved architectural design and black metal railing lend to a contemporary feel. The inclusion of a neutral-colored, lightly patterned stair runner adds cozy warmth.

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Wood and Metal With Wall Paneling

Wood & Metal With Wall Paneling — Credit:
Curated Nest Interiors, Jacob Snively Photography

Look closely at this striking stair railing design by Curated Nest Interiors and you'll notice a handful of details that come together seamlessly. A mixture of pale wood banister with metal spindles creates contrast, while a black and white stair runner and paneled walls lend a luxurious texture.

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Modern Sculptural Staircase

Sculptural Staircase Design — Credit:
Yond Interiors

Tall wooden slats encase this staircase in this lively home designed by Heather Peterson Design. The wooden slats on either side give the staircase a modern, sculptural feeling while letting natural light stream through.

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Wood Banister With Neutral Stair Runner

Neutral Carpet Runner — Credit:
Morse Design, Heidi Harris Photography

A dark wooden banister sets the stage for this handsome stair railing designer. And when in doubt, you can't go wrong with a neutral stair runner. This low-pile option features black trim for defined edges and a more modern look.

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Simple White Balusters With a Wooden Handrail

For a clean and traditional stair railing idea, take inspiration from this beautiful design on a slightly curved staircase by Kriste Michelini Interiors. Traditional-style posts are painted a crisp white, as are simple white spindles leading up the staircase. A dark wooden handrail adds definition and contrast.

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Large Glass Windows

If your stairwell feels dark or cramped, installing a large window can quickly solve that problem. This particular design features a tall glass window and a skylight, lending to an open, bright, and airy space. The architecture is complemented by the minimalist glass stair railing.

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Tile Risers and Ornate Metalwork

Ceramic tiles are the perfect way to infuse personality into your staircase. These are carefully placed on each riser and accented with each step's glossy wooden surface. Ornate metal framework proves that sometimes more is more.

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Handsome Wooden Stairs With Jute Runner

For a classic stair railing idea, opt for carved wooden posts and balusters stained in a gorgeous wood tone that complements your decor. For an earthy take, incorporate a textured jute or woven stair runner.

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All Natural

rustic main house staircase with driftwood banister — Credit: Maura McEvoy

If you're going for a rustic, earthy look, sometimes the best railing ideas can be found in nature. This one is made with a tree branch, seamlessly bridging the gap between the indoors and the great outdoors—which is just beyond the adjacent window.

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Stately Glamor

staircase with blue and orange runner — Credit:
Elizabeth Bolognino

This set of stairs is as elegant and tailored as a navy suit. Tying it all together is the railing, which has designs resembling stately columns. The red carpet stripe adds an extra pop of color to the mix.

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A Painterly Descent

staircase with landscape mural — Credit:
J. Banks Design

Wall murals are the perfect backdrop for a picturesque staircase, transporting you into another world as you ascend the stairs. Here, the detail in the railing pairs perfectly with this picturesque backdrop.

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Light and Airy

sunny modern staircase — Credit:
Tobin Davies

When you have a beautiful front yard, sometimes you don't have to make as grand of an entrance. Here, the view and natural light fill the entryway, so the staircase and railing feel more minimal and pared-back, letting these natural elements really shine.

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Transparent and Contemporary

red staircase — Credit:
Justin Miers/Bockus Payne

For a contemporary look, a glass railing can give the illusion of floating, while still offering support when ascending and descending the steps. Here, it lets the red accents on the stairs really pop and perfectly complement the other symmetrical elements in the home.