Let’s look closer glass and steel staircase railings to understand the effects of their use

12 March 2025

The first and most important function of staircase railings and parapets for internal or outdoor stairs, is clear and obvious, it turns out to be that of protection. Railings, parapets, balustrades etc. are born from the need to safeguard the safety of users of environments and elements.

This is true as we have often said, even for internal staircase railings, whether they are large internal stairs or internal staircases with space saving spiral or suspended  stair, which have a straight or curved course, basic and traditional or the result of considerable creativity.

I would also add that, in conjunction with the increase of ideas for lining staircases available on the market, the aesthetic and stylistic importance of staircase railings  has also taken a greater prominence than some time ago. The choice of materials and shapes is also expanded for stairs and railings especially in the most careful interior projects, and in general its specific weight of a detail, such as an internal stairway railing, has increased considerably even within a profane approach.

We focus on two types of internal staircase railings in this article, and we see below what are the main features of stainless steel railings and glass stair railings, the differences in use and maintenance, of styles and possibilities. 

Steel internal staircase railings: internal staircase railings that make everything current and modern

Just look at it: stainless steel is amazing as a material for modern staircase railings, space-saving or large internal stairs, wooden interior stairs, natural stone interior stairs, you name it!

Regardless of personal taste, objectively the stainless steel staircase railings give a dynamic and a modern effect to any installation; leaving an essential, minimal footprint, used in multiple references in an interior, creates a kind of aesthetic continuity between the environments.

Sober if you like (e.g. a cable railing) but also inspired by a more refined and futuristic use, stainless steel is a solution not too expensive to give internal stairs and stair treads safety and durability, given the intrinsic characteristics of the material itself: robust, durable, versatile, sustainable because recyclable up to 90%, easy to clean and maintain, a stainless steel stair railing and a hand rail result even relatively simple in fixing.

Staircase railings are absolutely able to enhance the maximum warm materials such as wood or natural stone bringing it back to a contemporary dimension.

Resisting the signs of time is a prerogative of stainless steel, in particular are avoided the signs of oxidation, and keep it unchanged – whether it is glossy but also satin – is really simple: with a non-abrasive cloth, the neutral soap and water your railings will remain perfect! 

Beyond the simplicity of maintenance and the chemical-physical characteristics of the material that infuse safety, the aesthetic aspect is what strikes at first sight: stainless steel staircase railings, a stair railing kit too, can play with geometric lines or adapt to a cleanliness of the forms, in any case always with a strong effect of enhancing the design of the element. 

We do not forget that a stainless steel stair railing, as indeed a deck railing, is also perfect for external use, in fact outdoor stairs can’t use a better choice to cope with the weather.

Glass balustrade for internal stairs: internal staircase passepartout railing 

If the ratio of your choice, for various reasons, is light, no doubt glass balustrades for the internal staircase are what you need.

A glass stair railing is adaptable to a classic style as well as modern, to a traditional design of interior stairs in masonry as to a contemporary mood that iron stairs can convey; but the common thread that unites very different installations with glass balustrades will always be brightness and versatility: the nude effect and the energy of light that can spread without constraints are unmatched.

Despite what it may seem, glass is an extremely solid and durable material! When tempered, for example to act as a parapet, it reaches a quadruple resistance (also ideal for outdoor use thanks to the remarkable thermal resistance).  You could choose the glass of your staircase railings in the extra clear and bright version but also for example the opaque variant, which creates another type of bright game; however, the final effect of internal staircase railings in this material will always be elegant and light, airy but at the same time of strong effect.

The cut of the balustrades will do the rest: in some projects of internal stairs they can be perfect glass walls – with full height- or more geometric shapes, close to metal finishes, enhanced by spotlights with reflections, placed in recessed rails or fixed with different methods, it is also possible to opt for softer profiles according to taste. We can attribute to the glass in its variants, used as stair railing-parapet, the maximum of adaptability, with the ability to integrate perfectly into any project.

As regards the maintenance, although cleaning should be avoided when the plate is exposed to direct light, the glass surface simply needs to be dusted first, then wiped with a cloth preferably in microfiber and dried carefully (always it’s still valid the alternative of newspaper).

You can combine specific glass cleaning products with home products, such as the use of water and baking soda, vinegar but also mild soap. In any case, nothing too complicated or expensive to maintain the best splendor of glass internal stair railing, methods valid for balustrades and other types of glass.       

Internal staircase railing: the importance in a project 

Whatever are the ideas for staircase cladding that you are inspired by for a project that starts from scratch, or in a renovation of your rooms, do not forget to give the right importance to the staircase railings! Even without being in the sector, you will also notice from images of projects already completed, more or less innovative, that in the overall design every little detail adds an important piece to the stair element as a whole.

Wooden stairs for modern or rustic interiors, wrought iron spiral stairs, traditional or innovative masonry internal stairs, iron stairs for contemporary interiors or timeless elegant natural stone internal stairs … How much difference can the presence of the right railing make, consistent with the desired style! Nowadays it is possible to satisfy the tastes and meet the needs of all, using both handmade and customized work, as well as modern facilities made of excellent materials produced in series, with different costs and results consistent with the desired standards.

What really matters is having a general aesthetic result, whether it concerns the interior staircase project you are heading towards, classic-traditional or super modern project, large and budget project,or a small functional project with less financial resources… You can choose staircase railings more or less embellished, customized (or stair railing kit) in iron, wood, wrought iron, stell, glass and other types, with stair handrail with wall mount or built into the railing- parapet.

Based on this idea, maybe also helped by a specialist in the field who can give useful information or some ideas, you will also choose the staircase railings and hand rail more suitable for your purpose.. 

Discover modern staircase railings by Officine Sandrini

If you want to elevate the design of your interior, special staircase railings can become the real distinguishing feature. With their refined style and perfect functionality, they represent 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!