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Few elements in a home make a greater impact than a stunning staircase. In fact, the importance of a well-designed, eye-catching stairway should not be underestimated.
While helping to ensure safety, railings are also architectural elements that imbue stairs with distinctive visual appeal. As such, railings for indoor applications need to strike a subtle balance between form and function.
When chosen thoughtfully, the right railing can personalize a space, make a statement, or even blend in seamlessly with its surroundings. In fact, a railing has the ability to transform an ordinary staircase into a work of art that will elevate the interior of any home.
So, what should contractors keep in mind when recommending an interior railing? Following are three elements to consider.
Pay Attention to Design
When recommending an interior railing solution, always take into account the architecture of the house and interior design style, along with the homeowner’s lifestyle. The railing should complement the decor while also harmonizing with exterior railings and decking to create a cohesive aesthetic.
To aid in the railing selection process, learn as much as possible about the client and their home. Ask questions about the colors, textures and materials used in the spacealong with the preferred design aesthetic, and use the resulting insights to propose railing options and color schemes that will set the space apart.
Explore the Options
Stair railings present the perfect opportunity for contractors to help homeowners express their creativity. Fortunately, more railing designs and materials are available than ever before, providing almost endless design possibilities.
Available railing infill types include:
Horizontal and Vertical Cable Railing. Crafted from marine-grade stainless steel, this infill type is known for its durability and minimal maintenance requirements, while providing an elegant, clean-lined look that proves “less can be more.” Feeney’s CableRail infill can be paired with wood, metal and composite-sleeved railings, and complements multiple architectural styles – from transitional to rustic to contemporary.
Laser Cut Aluminum. Available in a range of iconic patterns and nature-inspired looks, laser cut aluminum panels feature a durable powder-coated finish on both sides and are available in a variety of classic and trend-forward hues. These panels can also be customized to create virtually limitless designs.
Resin. For customers looking to bring a touch of the outdoors inside, resin infill embedded with organic materials such as bamboo, grasses and leaves creates a stylish connection with nature. A sandstone finish on both sides provides a durable finish with subtle texture while the lightweight design simplifies installation.
Stainless Steel Mesh. Stainless steel mesh infill makes a statement with its distinctive patterns and geometric lines. Multiple patterns are available with a variety of wire diameters, crimp patterns, and spacing – making it possible to achieve a wide range of striking designs.
Tempered Glass. Glass is a popular choice for more contemporary railing designs. Similar to cable railing, glass infill is sleek in appearance while allowing for an uninterrupted view. Feeney offers a choice of clear or custom-tinted tempered glass panels in a powder coated aluminum frame for a clean, minimalist look. This infill can be configured in a variety of ways to create a striking, sophisticated look.
Vertical Pickets. Pickets constructed of durable powder coated aluminum add streamlined beauty to a stairway and landing while minimizing the need for maintenance. When combined with matching aluminum top and bottom rails, vertical picket infill creates a seamless, integrated look with understated appeal.
Frame the Scene
Top and bottom rails and posts can include materials such as wood, metal (including aluminum) and composite materials.
Feeney’s DesignRail® aluminum railing frames can be powder-coated in a variety of ColorEasy™ colors to achieve just the right look. The new color offering makes it easy to coordinate Feeney railings and awnings with interior and exterior color palettes. A mix of 15 classic and trend-forward hues – including Commodore Blue and Oil Rubbed Bronze – along with three realistic wood grain finishes provides a spectrum of style-forward looks.
For a more dramatic effect, a lighter rail color can be used to create contrast with darker wooden treads and hardwood floors while a darker-hued rail can balance lighter treads and flooring. The same railing frames and infill types can also be used for landings and balconies to create an integrated aesthetic that ties spaces together. They can also be mixed and matched for a truly one-of-a-kind design.
Today’s railing options provide the opportunity to brings interior spaces to life in unexpected – and distinctive – ways. Learn more about Feeney’s DesignRail® Aluminum Railing solutions, CableRailinfill, and other infill options.
