Balustrades consist of five key parts – the handrail (or bannister), baserail, spindles (or balusters), newel posts and newel caps.
Together, they help make your staircase as safe as possible by enclosing one or both sides, while also allowing you to get creative with different designs.
If you’re looking for ways to upgrade your stairs without breaking the bank, replacing parts of your balustrade could be the solution you’re looking for.
But where to start?
Here are five simple – yet stunning – ways to give your balustrade the refresh it needs.
1. Grab the paintbrush
If you’re happy with your current staircase design, there’s nothing like a fresh lick of paint to give it its mojo back.
Whether you go for a little splash of colour or sway more towards a sleek neutral shade, paint is a great way to make your staircase stand out.
Painting just one element of your balustrade is enough to bring it back to life, but why not take it a step further and paint multiple parts – such as your handrail, spindles and baserail, for example?
Either way, your staircase will thank you for showing it a little TLC.
2. Switch out your spindles
Wooden spindles are so last decade.
For the ultimate modern staircase twist, try replacing your old, worn-out spindles with glass panels.
Perfect for lovers of clean, minimalist décor, glass panels will help open and brighten up your space, and they’ll look great with other wooden balustrade elements if you’re not quite ready to part with them yet.
3. Upgrade your newel caps
Newel caps are the decorative top of the newel post, and they help elevate the final look of your staircase.
There are a plethora of different designs available, and although only a small part of your balustrade, they certainly have a big impact.
Choose from highly decorative carved wood designs, or go for metal for a more contemporary touch.
4. Mix and match materials
If you’re looking to enhance the look of the wooden elements of your staircase, mixing and matching them with different materials – like glass and metal – will help you achieve a whole new look without having to spend a fortune.
You could replace wooden spindles with glass panels, and opt for brushed chrome handrails and fixings to set everything off nicely.
5. Restain your timber
If you prefer the natural timber look, you can’t go wrong with simply re-staining your balustrade.
Due to the wear and tear it endures, parts of your balustrade might be looking a little run down, but re-staining will help bring everything back to life.
There’s a world of different options, so whether you stick with what you know, go a shade lighter or a few shades deeper, you’re sure to find something you love!
Need more expert tips?
With the number of possibilities, deciding what to do with your balustrade can be a little tricky.
But with the help of the staircase design experts at Pear Stairs, creating your dream staircase on a budget has never been easier.
For more expert balustrade ideas, get in touch with their team today!
