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Modern railing designs


Modern Stair Railing - Stainless Steel Stair Parts

Whether youre upgrading your current staircase or starting a brand new project, modern stair railing and staircase parts can be tough to find. Luckily, weve curated a collection of contemporary handrails, brackets, newels, balusters, and more so you get the options you want, without wasting time trying to find them.

Horizontal Round Bar - Hollow - 8'

$15.75

Round Bar - 5' length - Free Shipping

$72.00

Exterior Aluminum Round Bar for Deck Railing

$190.00

6002 Contemporary Handrail - No Plow

6084 Modern Handrail

3-1/2" Contemporary Newel

$98.00

Round Bar Handrail Stem

$12.00

Wall Handrail Bracket - For Flat and Round Bottom Handrails **NEW**

$17. 00

Modern Handrail Bracket

$69.00Sale price: $54.75

5360 Contemporary Baluster

$12.00

Modern Square Wall Rail Bracket

$70.00Sale price: $59.00

Round Bar and Wood Handrails

For sleek looks and cleaner designs, modern horizontal hollow round tubing makes for a great contemporary stair railing. With several options to choose from including satin black, stainless steel, oil-rubbed bronze, and more, it's easy to bring your ideas to life.

Strong and sturdy with an economical price, you cant go wrong with your contemporary upgrade. Round bar handrails give your staircase an open flow and minimalist style. For information about installation, watch our round bar video guide.

We also offer modern wood handrails and contemporary wood handrails with no plow. Each of these come in several different finishing options including red oak, hickory, mahogany, and more. Complete your contemporary staircase project today with handrails from Stair Warehouse.

Newel Posts

Newels provide the majority of the structural integrity for most staircases. For a contemporary look, make your newel posts stand out with sleek finishes such as hard maple, walnut, ash, or even Brazilian cherry. With so many options to choose from, youre in full control of your staircase upgrade.

Coordinate the design of your stair parts because the details will all be covered. Our hardware accessories come in plenty of designs, all which come in the best quality and a wide variety. We will also be glad to assist you in picking the right accessories. At Stair Warehouse, weve got everything you need.

Contemporary Balusters

Balusters run vertically from your staircase handrail to the floor. They provide some structural support and give your home a modern look. Complete your staircase with contemporary balusters which come in a wide variety of finishes. Available in mahogany, maple, hickory, and more so you have as many options as possible when designing your staircase.

Remember it's easy to match your balusters with the rest of your staircase components for a cohesive style. Get started on your modern staircase project today. We're always here to support you if you need assistance choosing the right parts and answer any questions you may have.

Brackets and Rail Supports

To finish your modern staircase look, be sure to include stainless steel wall rail brackets and rail supports. Stainless steel is a great contemporary material that gives you the sleek and clean look youve been looking for. Pair with our other modern staircase parts for best results.

Choose our Stainless Modern Handrail Bracket for top-of-wood newel posts. You could also opt for the Stainless Square Wall Rail Bracket which is best for flat bottom handrails. To match either of these options, we also offer a Stainless Wall Rail Support for flat bottom handrails to complete your staircase project.


Modern Stair Railing That Goes Far Beyond the Basic Style

By Brittney Smart | Published on Reviewed by Vera Dordick

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Modern stair railing is a necessary part of your home’s architecture if you have stairs. It is important, even required, for safety purposes. But you don’t have to sacrifice your style for a cookie-cutter stair railing.

Most staircases are perfectly functional, but jazzing up the railing on you interior stairs take the space to a whole new design level.

Modern Stair Railing Design Ideas

Here are modern stair railings that enhance the style and décor of the surrounding spaces while still fulfilling their functionality. That’s a win-win.

Charming Nautical Rope Railing.

This is a creative example of stair safety that makes a stylish statement. A light monochromatic color palette helps the unique silhouette and shadows of the rope railing stand out.

There is a good choice of angular lines throughout the space – in the furniture, rug, and even in the “waterfall” effect of stair treads and risers. We also love the detail of the excess rope knotted and hanging on the wall as though it is, in and of itself, a piece of artwork.{found on Riley Architects}.

Traditional Closed Riser Stair with Clean, Contemporary Railing Lines.

Gorgeous woods are awesome on a staircase, because the wood is exposed from multiple angles. This particular staircase combines Brazilian cherry (risers) and jatoba (treads). It would be a shame to incorporate any railing that detracts from those beautiful materials.

The beauty of this stair railing, with its open sawtooth-style iron stringers, is that it uses simple design to enhance and showcase the stair treads’ beautiful craftsmanship. Overall, the effect is stunning.{found on specializedstairs}.

Twisted, Torqued Wood Railing.

These stairs themselves look like they might be something out of a Dr. Seuss book (in the best way possible), with their gentle twisted spiral effect. But the ultimate detail that puts these particular interior stairs over the top is the twisted look of the wood at the center curve.

In a tall, narrow space that is all white and neutral, it’s this kind of architecture that makes the staircase space something special.

Easygoing Coastal Stair Railing.

This stair railing successfully intersects a laidback, beach-style, greyed-out wood that looks like driftwood. These interior stairs have cottage, barn, or farmhouse appeal thanks to the “X” design.

It’s a versatile statement, however, with its elements of modernity with slim cable safeguards running horizontally. The treads match the railing for continuity in the look, which is a good idea design-wise, because there is a lot going on with all the crisscrosses and lines.

Modern Stair Railing with Cable Steel

In a completely modern, minimal space, the stair railing should definitely reflect that style. This modern staircase accomplishes this to perfection. Open risers provide greater visual freedom through the space and keep the open, airy flow and feel.

We love that there is a clear view, not only through the stairs themselves but also through the stainless steel and cable stair railing. The metals are a great choice here in combination with the whites and medium tones of warmer wood. {found on theuncommonlaw}.

Industrial, Small-Space Shelving Railing.

This design is decidedly unique and quite thrilling. The railing is open without being fully open. And it’s an excellent choice to pair a wooden stair railing with what appears to be concrete treads. It creates a kind of urban chic, industrial vibe without feeling like a cave or a box.

This stair railing gives an interesting, almost honeycomb, feel to an otherwise enclosed space.  It’s a modern aesthetic that creates the illusion of windows. However, it also provides critical small-space function and modern aesthetic architecture.

Contemporary One-Tone Stair with Metal and Wood Railing.

Whenever a staircase is long, or there are multiple staircases that come together, a visually lightweight stair railing is a good design choice. This is because it does not weigh down the entire space.

These railings in particular remain true to the home’s style. The stainless steel has its contemporary look, but even more than that, the railing appears to have an adjustable mechanical system. The its screws and fittings somehow bring presence to an otherwise architecturally simple space. {found on elementalarchitecture}.

Simple, Elegant Railing.

The interior design of this space leans toward the simply elegant. It has a large glass and a brass pendant hanging from a high vaulted ceiling. Along with that, the tall detailed baseboards and door panels in a simple white tone are a stylish statement. The wrought iron railing with a simple, elegant design is the perfect complement to this staircase project.

The scale of this railing mimics the pendant in the same visual plane, further adding cohesion to the scheme. This is an understated, sophisticated choice.

Balanced, Eclectic Staircase & Railing.

When your modern stair design is the focal point of a space, you’ve got a prime opportunity to make it worthwhile. This is a perfect example.

The juxtaposition of a thick, chunky wood tread with a discernable wood grain against slender, vertical cables is spot-on. The stainless steel cables play off of the wood and the elements enhance each other as well as the home’s style.

The accent wall with its slim black-and-white wallpaper print is a nice combination with the slim cables as well.  It all comes together in a lovely blend of yin and yang.

“Invisible” Glass Modern Staircase.

This elegant, glass modern staircase is a visual stunner. However, it’s also an impressive architectural design. Each stair is supported on one side only, cantilevering out of the solid wall. On the other side of the stair treads, two floor-to-ceiling rectangular sheets of glass act as stair railing.

The effect of the thick glass stair treads “floating” in space and the glass railing is brilliant and minimalist. This modern stair setup makes the entire space fabulous.

Minimalist wood railing with built-in handrail

You can actually see this modern staircase if you ever visit the Bloomberg office in Hong Kong. Studio Neri&Hu designed it.  These interior stairs are super simple with clean lines but at the same time they stand out in a great way.

The detail that makes this staircase so special is the built-in handrail design.  It becomes part of the wall on one side and part of the wooden stair railing on the other.

Unique staircase railing made of Lego pieces

There’s a saying that you can pretty much build anything out of Legos.  Given the wide variety of pieces that they offer, it’s true. Looking at this amazing staircase project from studio I-Beam Architecture.

This entire modern stair railing is made out of Lego pieces, even the newel posts. It has little windows that you can see out of and little bits of color sprinkled throughout. There’s even an integrated handrail.

Built-in handrail with hidden lighting

It’s the little details that often make designs stand out. In the case of this wooden staircase project from Fraher Architects, that comes in the form of hidden accent lighting.

The warm LED lights put an emphasis on the built-in handrail. Not only does the lighting make it more visible at night, but it also gives the entire staircase a modern, sophisticated appearance.

Spiral staircase with glass railings and lights

Quite often, the interior stairs become a focal point for the overall space. So, why not build on that idea and use it in your favor? That’s the idea behind this beautiful design from studio Archways.

This staircase project has a spiraling and sculptural shape. Underneath, the landing is a pedestal with built-in LED lights. As it curves and twists, the transparent glass railing follows its shape. The sleek attached handrail accentuates the design.

Classic staircase with modern glass railing

This modern home has a staircase that is simple with a classic, fairly traditional design. What helps it stand out and gives it a modern appearance is the glass railing.

The clean, transparent glass and its subtle blue tint contrast with the wooden stairs. It helps keep the staircase looking bright and airy. This is a design from US Glass Fence.

Wood, glass and stainless steel staircase

Most staircases can be a prominent feature, like the one in this beautiful interior from by Amanda Martocchio Architecture.  The stylish look is in part due to the palette of materials.

The combination of wood, glass and stainless steel gives the interior stairs a robust but lightweight and airy appearance. The glass railings and the slender handrails work together to frame it without obstructing its sculptural design.

Cantilevered stairs with backlit handrail

Most staircases have a railing so it’s unusual to see one without a safety railing.  In fact, this is one of the reasons this exquisite design is so special. Studio Paulo Martins Arquitectura & Design created this staircase that takes minimalism to a new level.

Floating cantilevered stairs that make their way up alongside the wall have a handrail that almost completely blends into the wall during the day. At night the handrail is illuminated and highlighted with a soft and elegant glow. This style of modern stair railing has no newel posts and is ideal for a modern home

Floating staircase with desk and glass railing

The staircase design you see here responds to a limited amount of space and a desire to combine multiple functions into one spot.

Studio Swisterski Design came up with the idea of a wooden staircase that has a solid and sturdy base. It then transitions into a series of floating stairs treads with an almost invisible glass safety railing. But that’s not all. They also integrated a minimalist desk underneath the stairs.

Staircase makeover featuring a curved metal railing

This staircase started out with a very traditional design including a classic railing with ornate wood posts and white pickets. Studio Odami helped transform this entire entryway with a more clean and modern aesthetic, meani thatng the staircase no longer suited the surroundings.

They replaced the railing with a minimalist, solid white wall that curves gently as it reaches the landing. It’s topped with a short metal railing that has a very sleek and lightweight design.

Coastal staircase with rope handrail

The rope handrail is a staple of coastal and beach-style interiors and for good reason. It fits perfectly and it adds texture and style to the staircase and the space around it.

Here’s a beautiful coastal cottage entryway from Kate Jackson Design which showcases a nautical rope handrail that twists and curves as it follows the stairs. It’s absolutely perfect for this space and it also stands out by having this rather unusual shape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

How much does a railing stair cost?

The cost of modern stair railing depends on the materials used to make it. In general, the cost per linear foot, including labor, for the least expensive option is wood at $30 to $75. Aluminum styles will run from $70 to $80 while steel goes for $60 – $110. Wrought iron railing costs from $100 to $900 and custom options can go up from there.

How many types of railings are there?

On a basic level, there are just two main kinds of railings, handrails and guardrails.

Which steel is better for railing?

In general, 304 stainless steel is the best choice for interior stairs. Not only is the look modern, but it’s also sturdy and long-lasting.

What are stair posts called?

The vertical pieces that connects the stair to the railing are called newel posts. Spindles are the prices between the posts and are the safety system for the staircase.

What color should stair railing be?

Unless you have a bold color scheme going, most experts recommend choosing a neutral color for modern stair railing. Black or dark brown are good choices and pair well with other materials in the stairs.

Should stair railings match floor?

Matching your staircase and flooring is not essential but coordinating them is. Choose materials and finishes that blend well and go with the overall design of your home for the next modern stair railings.

Modern Stair Railing: Conclusion

Interior stair railings are necessary for safety but can also be a marvelous design element, especially in a modern home. Choose a unique railing that fits the style of your home and create a fabulous entry space to welcome friends and family.

Types of railings, their features and materials used

29 October 2020 08:55

Handrails are used on stairs to facilitate ascent and descent. They are equipped with supports and comfortable handrails, the main function is safety during the operation of stairs. The side of the span is closed so that no one falls.

An additional function of the railing is aesthetic, but sometimes it comes to the fore.


Rules for the installation and operation of railings

The minimum height of railings for stairs in the house is 90 cm. If there are more than three steps, then this parameter increases. However, standard height handrails are still used for stairs in private and apartment buildings. With an increase in the width of the flight of stairs to 120 cm or more, there is a need to install structures on both sides.

To make the railings safe, durable and reliable, they are equipped with balusters - special side posts, the distance between which is no more than 12–15 cm. One of the important requirements is that wooden railings are not installed outside. They are designed for indoor use. The exception is children's towns, but there the railings have other functions. nine0003

In office premises, stairs have two bowstrings on the sides. When equipping the entrance area of ​​trading floors, they use at least three crossbar railings.

Handrail types

There are different types of railings depending on the materials used, scope, design. This is not to say that there are better materials for handrails and supports, but some types of structures are more reliable and durable. It is important to choose such stair railings so that they last as long as possible and retain their original appearance. nine0003

When choosing designs, it is important to remember that some of their varieties are appropriate only for specific objects. In small private houses, wooden railings are often installed. However, such supports are inappropriate outside, where they will be exposed to natural precipitation.

Handrail material selection

All types of railings can be divided into groups, taking into account the materials used to create them:

Metal structures are used everywhere. They have found application on staircases, balconies, loggias, terraces, verandas. Such fences can be seen on fire escapes. They are appropriate for large public facilities for any purpose, and even in kindergartens.

Metal structures attract the attention of designers. Experts create beautiful designs in modern style from chrome steel and stainless steel. For the manufacture of railings in a classic style, metals are also used. The art casting looks very interesting. nine0003

Wood is less durable. Even its most expensive breeds cannot compete with metals. Therefore, these types of railings for stairs are most often used where they will be subjected to a relatively small load. Like metal, wood performs several functions, including aesthetic. Products made from this material can look elegant and aristocratic, and are often used to decorate front stairs. Not only simple single, but also double railings are created from wood. You can make spectacular handrails from natural wood, and the base from metal. This combination looks very impressive. Untreated wood is also widely used today. nine0003

Concrete is a material for making spectacular railings in a classic style. Such handrail systems are used in theaters and palaces. Often they are not very convenient and perform only an aesthetic function. It is extremely difficult to grab onto such handrails in order to climb. Such railings are built immediately along with the stairs. An analogue of concrete fences is structures made of stone, brick.

Glass is an ambiguous material for the manufacture of railings. Glass structures are rarely used in private homes and are usually found in offices. Here they impress with their unique geometry, patterns, shades. Stained glass elements can be inserted into the design, tinting can be used. The development of such stairs is carried out according to a previously created sketch with the visualization of all the details. Glass goes well with steel. nine0003


Plastic is another controversial material. Often, structures of this type have a collapsible structure and are used in private homes. The elements of the system are firmly connected to each other. However, metal structures will always be safer.

Choice by purpose

There are different types of railings that are used in dozens of areas. The purpose of such structures is protection and decoration. However, today more and more railings are made for use in a specific area: nine0003

Handrail selection: criteria, materials used, design

Stairways must be made safe. To make them really become such, fences are used. The choice of railings for stairs raises many doubts related to the material, the characteristics of individual elements, deviation from the standards. nine0003

If there are small children and animals in the house, then you should not refuse balusters. In other situations, everything is individual, so you first need to figure out the selection criteria.

Handrail selection criteria

There are requirements for fencing that cannot be bypassed. When choosing, you need to understand the following:


  1. Stair railings are safety. If fences do not fulfill this function, then they are useless. When a person uses a ladder, the railing should act not only as a support, but also as a limiter. Sudden dizziness can cause a person to fall off a flight of stairs. The railing must hold him back, and this places certain demands on their strength. nine0031
  2. Fences must be suitable for everyone. At least this applies to railings in public places. During the production and installation of these structural elements, dimensions and proportions that are comfortable and safe for all users are taken into account. The height of the railings, the distance between the balusters, materials - all this is thought out from the very beginning.
  3. The materials must be really strong and the installation must be reliable. This is also related to security. It is necessary to use technologies that guarantee resistance to mechanical damage. nine0031
  4. Railings can have high decorative properties. Some fences are real works of art. However, the aesthetic component is of secondary importance even where very serious requirements are placed on interior design (or exterior design).
  5. The railing needs maintenance.

The above does not mean that handrail selection should be based solely on practicality. Today, manufacturers combine reliability with superior design performance, using materials that were not originally considered durable. This applies to glass, which changes properties after hardening, aluminum, brass. nine0003

Basic requirements for structures

Handrail selection recommendations pay a lot of attention to materials, structural details, dimensions and proportions. Fences are developed by engineers, they take into account the comfort parameters for the average user. To make recommendations more targeted, railings are developed taking into account the scope of operation. Particular attention is paid to:

  1. Handrail height. The standards specify several parameters, taking into account where the fences are installed. In a private house, the structure can have a height of 90 cm. In public institutions, the height of the handrails starts from 100 cm. In homes and institutions where there are children, additional handrails can be installed at a height of 45–55 cm. The elements can be removable, and then it will be easy to dismantle them.
  2. Features of the nature of the design. There are no strict requirements here, and most elements can be of any shape. It is allowed to use balusters of all shapes, so they sometimes carry a serious aesthetic load. Instead of balusters, a network of patterns or solid material (wood, glass) is sometimes used. Horizontal elements most often have a tubular shape. nine0031
  3. Surfaces. According to the standard, surfaces should not have defects such as sharp protrusions, burrs. It is desirable to make the coating completely smooth.

Despite existing requirements, the choice of railings still remains quite extensive. You can choose fences from different materials.

Types of handrail depending on the material of manufacture


Railings are made from different materials: wood, metals, glass, plexiglass, polymers, concrete. When choosing a railing, it is important to think about the safety of people and the durability of the structure. The most optimal and versatile options are metal structures and combined models. They are suitable for exteriors and interiors, are presented in different style solutions, withstand increased loads. nine0003

Metal railing

What railing to choose for the stairs? Metal structures can become a universal solution. However, here everything is ambiguous - there are quite a lot of metals. For the production of fences use:

Aluminum is a lightweight material that many do not consider suitable for fencing. However, it has a lot of hidden advantages, and aluminum structures also look stylish. In the production of such fences, it is important to choose the right thickness of all components. If this parameter is insufficient, then the railing will begin to deform. nine0003

Aluminum structures look futuristic and dignified, they fit perfectly into modern interiors. Fencing elements made of "flying" metal are lighter than parts made of other metals. Therefore, they are easy to transport to the site. The material is easy to process, which makes it possible to form elements of complex shape, which are highly decorative.


Do not underestimate aluminum structures, they are durable and reliable. However, these are usually not used where increased requirements are placed on fences. The choice of railings made of metals is not limited to aluminum, there are other interesting solutions. Stainless steel, which is used everywhere, is in high demand: nine0003

The scope of stainless steel is quite extensive. Usually prefabricated structures are made from it, which have an important advantage - they can be quickly dismantled. Perhaps this is not the most comfortable solution in winter, but the material is durable and looks modern. nine0003

Stainless steel is not suitable for classic interiors, it looks too dynamic. But for high-tech rooms, this is the best and inexpensive choice. It is believed that the material can serve indefinitely when used in the entrance groups. But a lot depends on the category of stainless steel - some varieties are designed for indoor use only.

Metal profile is a simple, cheap and practical material. To create a railing, you need to cut a part of a certain section into segments, connect the elements by welding and cover with powder paint on top. Such a fence will serve for a long time, it can even be used outside. The advantages of choosing are obvious: nine0003

Metal structures are universal, they protect against falling, help to rise, but at the same time they are not devoid of aesthetics. Not everyone likes them, but they are distinguished by restraint and are suitable for modern interiors. Such designs decorate rooms in the loft style. You can use more balusters in the design, if necessary. If necessary, such fences are made collapsible. This will require more effort, but is implemented in a short time. nine0003


Cast iron is a fairly expensive and very heavy material. This is a classic that does not lose its relevance, but is rarely used in private homes. Cast iron hints at luxury, conservatism, tradition. Manufactured segments cast in ingots are mounted using reliable fasteners.

Another interesting solution for private and commercial properties is the choice of brass railings. This is a fairly light colored material, it is more reliable than aluminum, but the elements still need to be made thick enough. Segments made of aluminum pipes or profiles are suitable. Outwardly, this metal resembles gold, it transforms the interior and looks unusual. Such railings are recommended to be cleaned once a year with a flannel, as they are covered with patina. nine0003

Wrought iron railing

How to choose railings for classic interiors? It is worth paying attention to forged solutions. They are produced by cold and hot forging from metal. Today, such work is rarely done manually - the segments are produced using special equipment. However, railings in this category are still quite expensive. They decorate classic interiors, and if you wish, you can find handrails in a modern style. Fences are characterized by impeccable reliability. They withstand heavy loads and do not deteriorate. nine0003

If you use such fences outside, then they will have to be monitored. It will be necessary to clean the special coating from the surface every few years, remove rust and apply a new one.

Combination handrail

What railing to choose if there is no desire to install metal, cast and forged structures? Today there is an original solution - combined fences. They are distinguished by practicality, thoughtful design, high quality workmanship. Combined railings combine metal with glass, wood, plastic and plexiglass. At the same time, optimal combinations of materials are selected that are in perfect harmony. nine0003

In the design, you can combine not only two, but also three materials. Such decisions need to be thought through as much as possible, but they can also look decent.

Fencing areas

With regard to metal and forged models of handrails, recommendations for choosing railings come down to one thing: such railings are suitable for both modern and classic interiors. Much depends on the design, composition, use of additional materials, but in general, metal handrails will decorate any home, office, business center. nine0003


Combined solutions are not appropriate everywhere, they are classified as non-standard. However, they are truly original. Using the combined version of the railing, you can transform the interior.

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