The closed metal balustrade: a metal stair railing with special effects on interior design

23 April 2025

Stair railing with  stair handrail, parapet, balustrade… called in different ways to indicate the same element (even if there would be some difference between one term and another), an element that for a long time, too long represented only and exclusively a function and nothing else. Certainly the very first distinctive factor, of an indoor and outdoor stairway railing, is to be a protective measure for the safeguard of those who use the stairs, with anti-fall function also of objects between the elements that make up it. 

Like any useful element, even a stair rail can be transformed into something more: with an eye to the potential of interior design and therefore to the aesthetics of internal stairs, railing stair installations and parapets take on a new role, a new importance. In this article we will focus more on the visual effect given by the use of a full-slabs metal stair railing, closed iron balusters mainly in natural metal for internal stairs able to give a strong style. 

Staircase railing: the basics of design 

Before thinking about the aesthetics we start from the ABC related to the design, construction and installation of an internal stair railing. Whether it is a traditional/classic railing, or the opposite of a modern internal staircase railing, some points related to structure and measures are strictly regulated by Italian legislation, which provides for two main limitations for the railing stair parts:

• Minimum height of one metre, measured vertically from the last element, which could also be a hand rail, limiting the vacuum facing to the tread, in the case of steps.
• If the stair rail is not full, as in most cases (e.g. a modern stainless steel square tube/circular horizontal railing, stair railing kit, or a decorative wrought iron stair railing)  there must be no possibility of a 10 cm ball crossing; This guarantees against the fall of dangerous objects, as well as providing for the safety of those transiting on the staircase.

Technology flanked by the study of materials, in conjunction with the acquired value in terms of aesthetics and design, tend in recent years to make a common front to make special railings and parapets, light, durable and personalization elements as real furniture.

Natural iron in modern interiors: staircase railing and other elements

Iron and steel in particular have been appreciated for a long time and widely used when there was a need for some type of railing, including indoor stairs railings (all this is also valid for steps outdoor stair railing installations with the necessary precautions, or a handrail for outdoor steps).

The many advantages derived from the use of metals in these circumstances are certainly not a novelty: wide processing possibilities and consequently great versatility compared to resistance, extreme durability, and indeformability over time.

The metal stair railings, modular or created by drawings, can certainly benefit from the possibility of customization of the material element in question: iron and wood, iron and glass are perfectly combined, but a metal stair railing, an iron baluster, can prove to be real design objects. In particular, once forged iron is fascinating, adaptable to rigid and curvilinear shapes, the indications of use are almost infinite and, even with regard to a staircase railing, you can go as far as creativity can go (naturally according to the law). 

The metal can adapt to any color and its neutrality makes it perfect in combination with various materials, creating really interesting combinations, for example with wood in various essences. The iron in the interior finds a balance in the vicinity of the woody material to which it contrasts in perfect harmony. In some cases, however, the metal is “warmed” with special finishes, bronzed or pink varnishes that completely change the final effect.

Thus a metal stair railing consisting of full parapet painted to sample with a golden/bronzed cloud fits ideally in a space with neutral and warm tones, contemporary and bright. On the contrary, closed metal stair railings with a more aggressive spirit, which we have mentioned, dark, almost black (or real matte black  iron railing, satin black metal stair parapet as an alternative to a modern  stainless steel stair railing) like a rough canvas that extends over various levels and in various environments, possess a more pervasive personality, gloomier if you will.

The use of this metallic finish is also perfect for structural elements of furniture, bookcases, fixtures, in a game of references in interiors, among which LED lights stand out, for example, structural glass, wood or clear lacquer. 

Metal staircase railing (natural or painted) with closed panels: contemporary or vintage style 

Certainly a metal stair railing made as a closed parapet, a “blind”natural iron stair railing, has a completely opposite effect compared to, for example, the use of indoor outdoor glass balustrades or a bright and glossy stainless steel stair railing: in this case it is not the search for the expansion of spaces or the passage of light that interests us.

The relationship with light develops in these circumstances in a very different way: the raw finish especially has its own allure, bright and never equal games, original declinations and, why not, luxurious. Especially craft management can give that extra edge to the subject. 

In recent years, the raw natural finish (black iron) is more appreciated, in some cases with an antiquated effect that makes it similar to wrought iron: a transparent paint is enough and the dark, uneven sheet is wonderful especially for vertical coatings, such as an indoor metal stair railing;  alternatively, an anthracite textured paint can be used, or a Corten effect can be obtained, which allows an oxidation process to progress at a given point and then be blocked with a very particular effect.

The industrial style above all, who often loves open spaces, in which are valued concrete, resin, raw walls, is perfect to accommodate a steel stair staircase or a   black stair made of iron or coated with other materials, perfect in particular for an iron stair railing, a closed metal stair railing .

A contemporary environment requires stairs projects and railings on par with some high standards, able to honor the architecture of spaces and design details that refer to each other, such as exclusive finishes with high impact materials. And they will be what really makes the difference.

Discover some special metal stair railing ideas by Officine Sandrini

If you want to elevate the design of your interior, a special metal stair railing can become the real distinguishing feature. With its refined style and perfect functionality, it represents an ideal synthesis between aesthetics and practicality, perfect for modern and contemporary environments.

Discover the exclusive proposals of Officine Sandrini: fill in the form and receive our brochure for free. Give yourself a custom space, where every detail is designed to amaze and inspire!