Which Type of Handrail is Best for Your Staircase?

More than just an important safety feature in the home, a staircase handrail is a key element in defining the functionality and aesthetics of your stairs. Whether you’re designing a new staircase or renovating an older one and need to match its style, choosing the right handrail is important. This article will explore the different types of handrails available on the market, including styles, profiles, materials and finishes. It also explores the differences between balustrades and wall-mounted handrails to help you decide which is the best fit for you or your customer’s staircases. 

Balustrades

A balustrade for a staircase is made up of vertical posts (balusters or spindles, plus a newel post at each end) that support the handrail (also known as a bannister) and create a freestanding barrier along the side of the staircase. They offer a slightly more ornate and eye-catching appearance that is suited to large, spacious homes or grander staircases to make a stronger architectural statement.

Balustrades can be made from various materials including metal, wood or glass and the design possibilities are endless when it comes to the individual spindles and newel posts. Stair balusters come in various profiles, such as Edwardian, chamfered, twisted or straight, so you’re sure to find something to suit both traditional and modern stair designs. 

As well as being aesthetically pleasing and perhaps better suited to more intricate and substantial interior designs, balustrades offer functionality and safety too. A high-quality, well-built stair balustrade and bannister offers support when walking up and down the stairs, as well as preventing falls from the sides of the staircase, which might be especially important for children or those with mobility issues. Ideal for larger or open staircases, balustrades can help to divide up the room in spacious homes or open-plan living spaces. 

Wall-Mounted Handrails

Wall-mounted handrails are installed directly onto the wall that a staircase runs next to. Comprising of just a handrail, end caps and some wall-mounting brackets, a wall-mounted handrail is well-suited to more contemporary, minimalist living spaces due to its simplistic, sleek appearance. These handrails are also an excellent choice for smaller homes or those with limited space around the staircase, as they don’t take up any extra room like a balustrade might. 

Wall-mounted handrails can also be made from various materials including wood, metal and glass, and feature many designs from modern, streamlined profiles to the more ornate and traditional. There’s a high degree of customisation when it comes to wall-mounted handrails and they’re a lot quicker and easier to install than an entire balustrade which requires a handrail, base rail, spindles, newel posts and caps. 

They offer excellent support and safety for household members walking up and down the stairs, including children and the elderly. They are easy to hold onto, and one of the most appealing things about wall-mounted handrails is that they can be installed at any height on the wall, so it can be tailored to the specific needs of the household. 

Stair Handrail Designs and Profiles 

When you’re selecting your handrail, the design and silhouette are important. Some shapes might be better suited to balustrades or wall-mounted handrails, and you’ll need to consider what style will complement the rest of the interior space. Some popular choices include:

Round Handrails: With a smooth, cylindrical shape that is easy to grip for support, rounded handrails are suited to both traditional and modern interiors thanks to their simplistic aesthetic. Their design is ideal for wall-mounted handrails, and they’re often made from metal. 

Square Handrails: For a more contemporary or ‘industrial’ look, square handrails have clean, rigid edges and give a robust appearance. Popular in minimalist, modern living spaces, a squared handrail can work as a statement piece on a balustrade or wall-mounted handrail. 

Mopstick Handrails: A mopstick handrail is cylindrical with a flat bottom, making them ideal for wall-mounted handrails as the brackets can easily fit onto the underside of the rail. They can also be used on balustrades with solid panels, such as glass, as opposed to spindles and posts.

Pig’s Ear Handrails: A common type of wall-mounted handrail, pig’s ear handrails feature a traditional, curved design that resembles an ear, hence the name. They’re a great cost-effective choice as the design doesn’t require any brackets or patrices – the handrail can be attached directly to the wall. 

Stair Handrail Materials

The material of your stair handrail can dramatically influence the look and feel of the overall staircase. Some common materials used for handrails include:

Wooden Handrails: The most common choice for stair handrails, a wooden handrail offers a warmth and natural beauty that can be suited to both modern and traditional interiors depending on the design of the overall staircase. Available in various finishes and designs, wood handrails can be made from oak, pine, mahogany, walnut and much more. Solid, strong and highly durable, wood handrail silhouettes can range from simplistic to ornate, and they can be bought finished and ready to install, or unfinished and ready to customise to your preferences. 

Metal Handrails: Metal handrails can be made from stainless steel, wrought iron, or aluminium, and are common in industrial and commercial settings. They can be used in the home too, though – depending on the type of metal they can suit chic, modern interiors or timeless properties too. Stainless steel handrails are the most durable as they are very strong and resistant to rusting and corrosion, while wrought iron handrails offer a traditional, ornate appearance reminiscent of the 1800s, with intricate details and patterns.

Glass Handrails: For an ultra-modern look and feel, a glass handrail can help to create a sense of openness and light in contemporary homes. They are usually tempered to aid safety and can help to make smaller living spaces appear a little larger. You’ll often see a glass handrail paired with wooden accents for a sophisticated visual appeal. 

Choosing the Perfect Handrail for Your Stairs

Once you’ve familiarised yourself with the materials, styles and finishes of handrails available to you, you’ll be better suited to choosing one for your staircase. Consider the overall style of the home and the amount of space you have available. You should also think about who will be using the handrail to make sure it provides the right safety and support. Cleaning and maintenance are factors to consider too, as well as the method of installation and how much money your customer would like to spend.