The outside of a home says so many things about the homeowner, but it the interior that screams it more. The inside of a home is a form of art designed by the owner and represents their personality.
Deciding the stair handrails for your staircase is one of the many details homeowners take into consideration. After all, it is one of the biggest points in the home. Choosing a handrail that fits your home is different for everyone.
Take a look at these tips that will help you make picking the best handrails for your home easier.
Consider Space and Safety
First and foremost, the best handrail for your home is one that fits your space. If your home is limited in size, you could still get away with adding one. Spiral staircases, for example, would work better than straight stairs when installing handrails.
If you do have the room, there’s more leeway. L-shaped stairs would be a perfect idea. Before adding a handrail, you want to consider safety, especially if you have children.
Their love for fun and excitement will have them running around the house. They may have a ball sliding atop the handrails. There’s a huge possibility they could hurt themselves.
You can still have attractive handrails with children, but ensure they don’t have any jagged edges that may scratch them. Your stairs shouldn’t have large spaces between them either. Parents can purchase a safety gate if they deem it necessary.
Concerns are similar when you have an older adult in the house. In most cases, handrails are more helpful because they have something to grip as they walk up or down the stairs.
Stair Handrails by Type
Stairs and handrails should balance each other. The type of handrails you choose will depend on the layout of your staircase and personal preference. There are two primary types of handrails:
- Wall-mounted handrails
- Integrated handrails
Wall-mounted handrails are fixed to the walls. The design will vary, but the most popular styles are mopstick handrails and pig’s ear handrails.
Mopsticks are secured via brackets that add as an element of decor. The other type is mounted to the wall with the need for bracks. The grip is superb, and it is ideal for narrow staircases.
Integrated handrails run along with the spindles of your stairs as part of the balustrade in open spaces. In order to make sure the stairs are secure and connected, grooved or ungrooved handrails are two types you can choose.
Grooved handrails often come in a standard length between 32-41mm and its main function is to provide dimension. Some will have an open channel along the bottom to accommodate panels. Ungrooved handrails, however, might be the better choice if you opt for panels.
Stair Handrails by Material
The theme of your home will probably be the base you use in deciding what type of material you want. Most handrails are made of wood. The type of wood is what sets every design apart. Timber handrails like Walnut, Ash, and Oak are loved by many homeowners.
Other beautiful finishes include Maple, Cherry, and Red Oak. The quality and stain Baird Brothers offer for hardwood handrails is worth every cent.
If you want your home to be more unique, you could even go with lesser-known, but amazing, wood types like Lyptus, White Oak and Brazillian Cherry. With the right company, wood material remains polished and sleek for years.
If you aren’t much of a wood person, you could also choose metal or steel handrails. They’re great for those looking for a contemporary theme. Either type can let in light which is beneficial for stairs installed in darker areas.
Glass railings are another choice that gives off a sense of elegance. It works as a modern or avant-garde theme.
Wrought iron material will match people looking for a boho or classic theme. It is one of the more expensive types of material. If you want to offset the cost of the material or customize it more, you could mix and match items.
Stair Handrails by Form and Height
Hailrails follow the formation of your stairs. There are many designs such as straight, spiral, L-shaped, gaps, cage, or geometric. Handrails that have geometric shapes provide a minimalistic touch to your home.
How high does your ceiling go? Whether you have a short or tall ceiling you can make your home appear larger with handrails. You or a professional should measure the height of your staircase.
The measurements you calculate determine how high your handrails should go. The numbers also ensure the landing will fit your staircase.
To Decorate or Not
Quality handrails look amazing without added any added touches, but if you wanted, you could embellish it. Engraving your handrails is a simple, tasteful way to add embroidery.
If you want to add a splash of color to your handrails, you could throw in extra material such as caps, brackets, or beads. Some people may add flowers and shrubbery to their layouts as a cheaper idea that’s still attractive.
Stair Handrails That Fit Your Home
When something is out of place, you can tell. If something doesn’t match what you desire, you can also tell. Designing your home takes brainstorming and time to find out the things that are right for you.
Finding stair handrails doesn’t have to be a difficult process if you can narrow down what you like. After you consider your space, you can choose what type, material, and form you want that suits your home’s personality.
If you found this article helpful, take a look at other informative posts on our website. We have other topics on architecture and design that may perk your interest.