Iron balusters add an upscale touch to a staircase.
Wrought iron and wooden staircases combine natural elements to create an aesthetically pleasing focal point. This upscale, design-savvy look replaces the older staircases with matching wooden handrails, balusters and steps. Staircases are often viewed as an opportune design element instead of a purely functional one. Combinations of wrought iron and wood staircase designs are unlimited, with many companies displaying staircase idea pictures on their websites to inspire your creativity. Some manufacturers provide an interactive, online program for creating your one-of-a-kind staircase design. Does this Spark an idea?
Style
Consider the style of your home's interior before selecting a wrought iron and wood design for your staircase. Contemporary homes are conducive to simple straight lines and should avoid ornately-sculpted, wrought-iron balusters and wooden handrails that are typically seen in traditional decor. Sleek, black wooden handrails combined with straight, silver-patina, wrought-iron balusters enhance the contemporary style. Also, examine any unpainted wood trim surrounding the staircase area. If your staircase area has natural, light oak baseboards, trim and floors, adding a mahogany handrail would be a visual disaster. Wood types should complement each other when they are in close proximity.
Handrails
Stairway handrails provide a support to hold onto when you are ascending or descending a staircase, helping to prevent accidents. A strong and sturdy wooden handrail is ideal, since its primary function is to prevent unnecessary injuries that can result from falling. Handrails in darker woods -- cherry, red oak, walnut, mahogany -- add a bit of upscale sophistication to the staircase. Lighter woods -- birch, pine, white oak, poplar -- lean towards a lighter, more country cottage feel.
Balusters
Using decorative iron inside a home has been around since the 16th and 17th century in France and Italy. Wrought-iron balusters, or spindles, add a touch of elegance to any staircase design. A common color for wrought-iron balusters is black with a satin finish. Other decor-enhancing patinas include: textured or brushed bronze, antique or brushed nickel and veined copper or silver. Wrought iron can be shaped into a myriad of designs, providing an ideal opportunity to express your individuality. Iron balusters with filigree designs, ornate scrolling and nature motifs are a few available options.
Sanitizing
Your hands carry a lot of germs. When you touch contaminated objects or surfaces and then touch your face -- nose, mouth or eyes -- you might be transferring those germs directly into your body. Staircase handrails are an ideal source of germs, since they may have numerous hands touching them throughout the day. A specially formulated antibacterial surface protectant can be sprayed or wiped on handrails to create a long-lasting, non-toxic, invisible and environmentally friendly biostatic barrier between you and germs that can make you sick.
Tags: wooden handrails, wrought-iron balusters, Iron balusters, iron wood, staircase area, staircase design
