Your staircase is more than just a route to your bedroom or the loo—it can be a reflection of your personality and the character of your home. Often, it’s the first thing guests notice when they walk through your door. It might even double as a place to hang coats or lean against during a chat. So why not make it a feature that truly stands out?

There are three main types of balustrades to consider: spindles, glass, and metal. Let’s explore each to help you decide which suits your style and space.

Spindles

Spindles are a classic and versatile option. They’re the most popular choice because they’re cost-effective and come in a huge variety of styles. Whether you want sleek 32mm square spindles or intricately turned designs to match a 100-year-old Victorian staircase, there’s an option for everyone.

A wooden staircase with beige carpeted steps, wooden balustrades. Cream-painted walls surround it.

Take these oak spindles, for instance. They add warmth and timeless character to this landing area, drawing attention for all the right reasons. However, oak’s darker tones can sometimes make a space feel smaller, which might not work if your goal is to open up the area.

For a more adaptable option, consider a hybrid balustrade.

Modern staircase with white balustrades, oak handrails, and herringbone carpet, illuminated by natural light from a nearby window.

Hybrid designs combine a hardwood handrail with painted spindles or other materials. This approach not only reduces costs but also offers a sleek visual effect, with the handrail drawing the eye along the staircase. Practical and stylish, it balances form and function beautifully.

Another budget-friendly option is pine balustrading, which offers a blank canvas for customisation. Pine can be painted to match existing woodwork, making it ideal for loft conversions or as an extension of an existing staircase.

A newly installed wooden staircase with unfinished steps and spindles. The area above is under renovation with exposed beams.

Pine balustrading is also great for loft conversions when the exisiting staircase is already balustraded. Once installed it can be painted to match the existing seamlessly and made to look like it's always been there.

Keep in mind that light-coloured finishes, such as white handrails, can highlight dirt and fingerprints more easily—but with regular maintenance, they’ll stay looking fresh.

Glass

For a modern and minimalist look, glass balustrades are hard to beat. I use only 10mm toughened glass for domestic projects, which is thicker than the standard 8mm, ensuring both durability and peace of mind. There are two main styles: inset and brackets.

A modern staircase with beige carpeted steps bordered by black trim, glass balustrades, and dark grey frames. White walls and ceiling lights illuminate the space, with a round mirror and radiator on the left.

Inset glass sits neatly within the handrail and baserail, creating a nearly invisible barrier that lets light flow freely through the space. It’s a clean, seamless option, although it’s less flexible if you ever need to adjust or remove the panels.

A modern staircase with beige carpeted steps bordered by black trim, glass balustrades, and dark grey frames. White walls and ceiling lights illuminate the space, with a round mirror and radiator on the left.

If you’re looking for something with a touch more personality, bracketed glass might be your choice. The brackets themselves come in various shapes, like round or square, and finishes to complement other design elements, such as door handles or light fixtures. A big advantage of this style is how easily the panels can be removed—for instance, when moving furniture or for cleaning.

Metal

Metal balustrades are becoming increasingly popular, blending modern aesthetics with traditional charm. While they can be more labour-intensive to install, the end result is striking and full of character.

A modern staircase with grey carpeted steps, white railings, and black vertical balusters. Wooden handrails and a light grey carpeted floor complete the bright space.

Metal balustrades come in a range of designs, from sleek, simple rods to intricate patterns that add a touch of individuality to your staircase. Whether you’re after something bold or understated, there’s plenty of room for creativity with this material.

A staircase with unfinished white steps, black decorative balusters, and wooden handrails. Beige walls, a small window, and wood-effect tiled flooring are visible below.

Hopefully, this has given you a clearer idea of what’s possible when designing your staircase balustrade. If you’d like to explore these options further or have any questions, feel free to get in touch. At Axton’s Staircases, we’re here to help you make the best decision for your space and your style. Let’s create something exceptional together.