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Spindles/Balusters/Handrail
The spindles or balusters take up most of the space. These are the series of rods or columns extending from the top rail (another component) to the bottom rail (yet another component). The top rail is also called the handrail, an obvious reference to its role as the main hand support when going up or down the stairs.Next to the risers and treads, the railing is the next most important part of a stairway. Its primary role is functional, providing people with an easy and safe way to go up and down the stairs. It also influences the overall stairway and space decor. There as many ideas for the railing as there are for the stairway flooring. They range from fun and unique nautical rope railings to clean contemporary glass and steel rails with dozens of other great stairs railing ideas in between. Depending on the style and type of railing, there are several important components of a stairway rail. Mixing and matching among these components can produce a wide variety of unique styles.
Hardwood
There is a certain beauty in plain hardwood that many homeowners have come to appreciate. So, if you don’t want even an inch of your staircase hidden from site, leave it as it is. One advantage of hardwood staircases is their ease of maintenance. You don’t have to worry about staining or trapped smells.
Carpeting
Carpeting gives the stairway and extra dose of warmth and coziness. It can also help in reducing noise when people are going up and down. If you have kids, carpeting acts as an extra safety feature in case they fall. Two main carpet ideas to choose from: full carpeting or stair runners.
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Full carpeting – covers every inch of the stairway floor. It comes in handy if the stair flooring is not too appealing. If your stairs have a bit of wear and you don’t want to do a full remodel, full carpeting will cover the aging. On the downside, a full carpet is harder and more expensive to install. Talk about the costs with your contractor before you begin.
Carpet runners – leave the edges of the stairs visible. Runners are ideal when you don’t want to fully cover your beautiful stairway. Runners will add some warmth without hiding the looring. Runners are easier and cheaper to install. If you are handy with home mprovement projects you can even install the runner yourself. Most homeowners opt for boldly patterned runners to add detail and texture to an otherwise neutral space. Find a unique pattern that blends in with the surrounding décor but still draws the eyes towards the staircase. You can also opt for neutral non-patterned carpeting if you want a plain minimalist style. This is also where you can add some interest with texture.
Tile
This is not as common, but it has its own sizable following. The tiles are commonly attached to the riser not the tread. They can be faux tiles, which are easier to install, or actual tiles. Choose a nice vivid pattern that gives your stairs a bold look.
Painted Surfaces
If you don’t want to cover your stairway but don’t want to leave it plain either, try your hand at illusions. With some creativity and a pro’s help, you can transform your plain stairway into anything you want. One popular trick is to create a runner illusion. The stairs are painted such that they look like they have a carpet runner on them. You can also go full artsy and create a movie or nature scene on the stairway. This can be especially handy for long staircases as the art provides a distraction from the long journey up.
Wood Runner
An updated painted stair twist that departs from standard wood stairs. The wood acts as the runner and the white paint freshens up the space.
Bonus Tips
The newel post and balusters get all the attention, while the exposed side of most staircases is largely ignored. But with the addition of decorative stair brackets, a bland stringer can become an elegant eye-catcher.