Stairways are more than just a functional element. The stair railings, handrails, and treads can be designed in a way that enhances the aesthetics and connects different floors to create a cohesive space.
Inside railing ideas run the gamut from traditional designs that feature wood to modern designs that make use of today’s technology to create perforated panels and powder coated options. Railing ideas for inside space can take a design from standard to stunning by integrating a range of elements and customization options.
Take a look at these inside railing ideas to bring new inspiration to your next project.
Create Depth and Substance
Whether you choose from a prefabricated perforated pattern or go with a custom design, these metal panels are great inside stair railing ideas. They provide style and substance to a staircase design to fully ground it as an integral part of the aesthetic as well as a functional safety element. Our perforated patterns fall into three categories — Primary, Organic, and Geometric — to enhance the overall feel of the space. These stainless steel panels can be powder coated in the color of your choice to further enhance the design.
Add Interest with Patterned Glass
Glass infill options include Colored Interlayer Glass and Digitally Printed Glass that add depth to the glass railing design. In this railing design at Worthington Middle School, our SHOETM Glass Railing System is paired with a digitally printed glass infill and a stainless steel handrail to create a sleek appearance that can stand up to daily use by lots of teenagers.
Protect the View
In expansive interiors, maintaining visual continuity is essential to preserving a sense of openness and flow. Clear glass railing systems offer a sophisticated solution by allowing light to travel freely and providing an uninterrupted line of sight. When paired with modern stair designs, the glass panels can be mounted directly to structural elements, eliminating bulky supports or obstructions. This not only enhances safety but also protects the view, allowing the surrounding space to feel connected, airy, and visually expansive.
Brighten the Space
A bright and inviting atmosphere can be achieved through the thoughtful use of color and natural materials. Light-toned walls help reflect natural light, enhancing the overall sense of openness and energy. Minimalist railing systems, such as those with slender posts, contribute to a clean and airy feel. Adding natural textures—like wood details or stone elements—introduces warmth, creating a balanced and welcoming environment that feels both fresh and comfortable.
Include Structural Interest
The posts of our BLADETM Multiline Railing System create a structural element that adds interest to the railing system. Powder coated black posts paired with wood handrails add even more character and make the railing system a design element in its own right.
Commit to One Material
While mixing materials can add interest, some designs benefit from the simplicity and cohesion that come from using a single material throughout. This approach can create a clean, unified look that feels intentional and well-balanced. Using a single material—be it metal, wood, glass, or something else—can create a unified look and highlight the space’s architectural details.
Include Customized Touches in Unexpected Places
When you’re evaluating inside railing ideas, consider adding customized touches in unexpected places. In this design, a star enclosed in a circle is included on each panel along the stairway and balcony. With our ability to customize our railing systems to your exact specifications, you can create a design that fully realizes your goals.
Achieve Powder-Coated Perfection
Incorporating color into functional elements is an effective way to enhance both design and performance. Powder-coated metal panels and posts offer durability along with a clean, finished look, making them a smart choice for projects that call for color integration. Available in a wide range of standard shades—or customizable to match a specific vision—powder coating allows for creative expression without compromising on strength or longevity. This approach adds character to a space while maintaining a cohesive, polished aesthetic.
Integrate Lighting
Integrating LED lights into a railing increases visibility to make the stairway, ramp, or walkway a safer place. It also adds ambiance and can be customized to provide as much or as little light as necessary for the space. Our iRAILTM Illuminated Railing Systems provide the option of warm or bright lights and a clear or diffused lens.
Work with Us to Create Your Railing Ideas Inside Your Space
Staircases span multiple floors and as such are a key element in moving a design though different spaces. Stair railing designs can help realize overarching design goals—from grand, fully exposed feature staircases spanning multiple floors to simpler, purely functional stairways.
Contact the experts at VIVA Railings today to share your inside railing ideas and see how our products can help you achieve them.