A balustrade improves your home with both beauty and functionality. Aesthetically, a balustrade is a design element that can finish an overall look, making your stairs not just a functional part of the house, but a part of its statement. Balustrades are also a safety feature, providing security and support at an area of the house that has daily traffic.

When it comes to installing balustrade components there are many aspects that need to be considered in order to achieve a successful outcome. If all aspects are considered equally it will result in a balanced end result that will keep you safe and enhance the design of your residential or commercial spaces.

From choosing the right materials for the job to knowing what your safety concerns are, and ensuring everything is properly installed and maintained. The team at Ackworth House has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to interior balustrade design ideas. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide of considerations you’ll need to keep in mind when planning your project.

Whether you’re in the planning stages or ready to install, when choosing the right balustrade for your home, here are some of the most important things you may want to keep in mind:

Planning with Purpose

First and fore most the most important thing to do is have a clear understanding of the purpose your balustrade needs to serve. In any application you need to achieve a balance of aesthetics and functionality. Make sure accessibility is never compromised by the desired design of your balustrades. Even the most ornamental, bespoke staircases need to be kept safe. This is where considering the strength of your chosen material, size, and style all need to be designed in a way that will enhance rather than hinder your space.

When choosing the desired material for your balustrades it is important to pick something that will lend itself to the existing structure you are working with. For example, Timber will work well in traditional settings, however it may be easier for spiral staircases and other unique structures to go with a more versatile choice like steel balustrade systems.

The Amount of Daylight in your Home

Space and daylight are major considerations when choosing the design and make of the balustrade. Glass balustrades are an ideal option for letting light travel throughout the house. Depending on your home’s facing and the kind of glass used, it can create a clean, minimal look that can help make your home appear more spacious, allowing natural light to pass freely through balconies and stairways.

This important design element, called daylighting, is a form of passive design that home designers incorporate in their layouts. The New Zealand Building Code recognizes its importance with a clause for natural light, which states that homes “shall provide adequate openings for natural light and for a visual awareness of the outside environment.”

In addition, daylight in both homes and work spaces has been shown to boost productivity, efficiency, health, and well-being. Well-positioned windows and careful design can take advantage of this natural feature of your home bouncing it off light or reflective surfaces and textures, and moving through balustrades, partitions, skylights.

The Interior Design Direction of Your Home

Balustrades improve the appearance of the household’s interiors.  Much of contemporary design incorporates clean, sleek outlines. Architectural stairs with steel or glass balustrades make great statements if you’re going with neutral base colours and a pared-back aesthetic. Steel balustrades come in various shapes and sizes, so designers can also use them to add personality to their interiors.

Timber balustrades, on the other hand, are a good match with more traditional homes. Its warm, timeless look is a popular choice because of its versatility, making it easy to work with. Timber goes well with houses designed to look more homey, family-friendly and lived-in.

Modern design trends are also incorporating wooden elements, such as the popular Nordic or Scandinavian aesthetic. These minimalist designs incorporate natural textures such as wood, leather, hemp and fur, while focusing on simplicity and functionalism.

Traffic and Maintenance

Always take into consideration areas of high traffic in your property and how they will effect the maintenance and upkeep of your balustrades. This can also effect the materialistic choices you make before installation too. Balustrades will usually line staircases which are naturally high traffic areas. This is why it is important to choose something durable that will be able to stand the test of time. If you are designing for your home and have young children or pets around frequently it might be a good idea to opt for something low maintenance when it comes to cleaning. For instance glass will start to show fingerprints and marks faster – needing more regular cleaning; where as steel is relatively low maintenance and much more kid friendly!

Always know the maintenance required for the material you pick. Timber will need to be coated or finished and this will usually need to be updated every few years. If your steel balustrades are located outside or in coastal areas make sure they are regularly coated and cleaned to avoid rust. Glass will also need regular cleaning and repairs if any chips or cracks start to show to avoid further breakage. The modern stair balustrade can be designed out of a variety of materials so it is important to make sure you choose the one that suits your lifestyle or property best.

Beautiful and Functional Balustrades

Here at Ackworth House, we offer the finest selections of glass, steel and timber balustrades that will complete not only your staircase but your entire home. As the leading manufacturer in New Zealand, our team uses industry-grade materials and follows strict building requirements to ensure a hassle-free installation process.

For over 40 years, our family-owned business has been inspiring customers to improve the beauty and functionality of their homes. We at Ackworth House have been providing exceptional services and products that deliver beyond the customer’s expectations.

Visit our showroom to see more of our collection of high-quality balustrades. Contact us and make an appointment today.