Railing: 80 ideas to inspire your home
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / LEONARDO MULLER
Railings are protective structures used in elevated environments such as balconies, walkways, mezzanines and stairwells. They are the ones that prevent someone from falling from places with high unevenness. But in addition to ensuring safety, it’s important to remember that it’s also part of the decor. Therefore, when choosing which model you prefer, it is essential to know how to harmonize it with the style and atmosphere of the environment.
There are so many models, materials and accessories available that you may be in doubt about which is the most suitable for your home. To help, we spoke with architect Nathércia Quiroz, a specialist in sustainable construction and environmental certifications, who, in addition to clearing some of our doubts, helped us to put together a short list full of inspiring models and environments. Follow:
How important is the railing?
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / BERNARDES ARCHITECTURE
Elevated places need protection to keep people from falling to the lower level. And that’s exactly what railings are for! “This element used in civil construction is a kind of low wall used in environments with high unevenness to protect passersby. As it is a safety item, it must follow the correct installation and height rules”, explains the professional. But, in addition, of course, it also serves to decorate and give more style to spaces.
What materials are available?
Railings can be made from a wide variety of materials, from metals such as stainless steel and iron to wood, glass and masonry. Furthermore, it is possible to mix more than one material and create different and unique pieces. “Often, a masonry stop is made at the bottom and the railing is fixed on it. In others, cast iron or stainless steel models receive glass plates to increase safety. Everything will depend on the style and location in which it will be used”.
Metal
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / FGMF ARCHITECTS
Stainless steel or iron railings are widely used on balconies, mezzanines and balconies of buildings, as in addition to allowing air circulation, they integrate spaces and bring lightness to the facade. Furthermore, they are very durable and easy to clean.
Glass
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / ROBERTO MIGOTTO
Glass is perfect for anyone who wants to give space to small spaces. Railings made with this material can be used in different environments and styles. Balconies, stair halls and mezzanines are the most common places.
wood
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / RUSCHEL ARCHITECTURE URBANISM
Versatile, the wood can be used both outdoors and indoors, it all depends on the model and the combination of colors and styles. In addition to being beautiful, wooden pieces make any place more cozy and harmonize with different materials.
Masonry
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / BENDER ARCHITECTURE
Masonry railings are mostly used on porches and outdoor areas. They are usually fully closed to prevent objects from falling downstairs, ensuring greater safety and comfort.
What is the ideal height?
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / ANTONIO ARMANDO DE ARAUJO
According to the professional, to ensure safety and comfort, “the minimum height of the railings is 1.10 cm, counted from the ground”, she explains.
80 railing models for inspiration
But, after all, what is the ideal model and material for your home? Be it wood, stainless steel, iron or glass… Everything will depend on the style and decoration of the environment. Therefore, we have separated 80 models of railings in different compositions and combinations for you to choose your favorite ones and use as inspiration:
1. Stripped and super discreet
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / PERSON ARCHITECTS
The wrought iron railing followed the industrial style of the stairs and was at the same time discreet, simple and charming.
2. For a stylish decor, bet on curves
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / BERNARDES ARCHITECTURE
To gain a more modern and stylish feel, the plaster railing gained a rounded and curvy shape.
3. High ceilings and neutral colors in a clean decor
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / FELIPE HESS
The iron railing in straight lines is a great option for those who want something discreet. In this composition, he harmonized perfectly with the room’s neutral color palette.
4. Matching the floor and handrail
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / SANDRA PICCOTTO
Here the railing, handrail and wooden floors stand out on the white walls and ceilings, forming a beautiful color palette. In addition, choosing the same material for the three items gives a sense of continuity and increases visual breadth.
5. Facade with highlighted wooden railing
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / REINACH MENDONÇA
The facade of this house prioritized high ceilings and wide and fluid spans. The wooden railing without large openings was highlighted and guaranteed privacy to the rooms on the second floor.
6. Industrial style decoration
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / OD VO
For those who like a more industrial footprint, the iron railing is always an excellent option. In this combination, the white walls and gray floor left the railing highlighted, but at the same time, discreet.
7. Apartment with predominant white color
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / ANTONIO ARMANDO DE ARAUJO
This apartment with a predominance of white received a guardrail of the same color to match. The highlight of the decoration is the objects and furniture.
8. Wooden facade and hollow railing
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / REINACH MENDONÇA
For those who want fluidity and integration of spaces, the hollow railing is a great choice. In this example, the wooden model matched the material for the walls and ceiling.
9. Room valuing the external landscape
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / WORKSHOP CONCEPT ARCHITECTURE
In environments that value the external landscape, the glass railing is a good option. In this room, the chosen piece was an all-glass railing, attached to the floor by a low masonry jamb.
10. Wooden bench on the facade
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / JACOBSEN ARCHITECTURE
How about a railing that also doubles as a bank? In this project, the railing used on the balcony is a little lower and wider than the conventional one, in addition to protecting, it can be used as a seat.
11. Clean, simple and functional
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / PERSON ARCHITECTS
In this atelier, the industrial-style painted iron railing, in addition to being functional and practical, harmonized perfectly with the relaxed style of the place.
12. One piece, three functions
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / ACASA
And how about a guardrail that, in addition to protecting, serves as a piece of furniture? This guardrail became a bookcase and, in addition to ensuring security, served to decorate and store books and other objects. A great idea for those who want to enjoy all the spaces in the house.
13. House with stone and glass facade
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / REINACH MENDONÇA
The glass railing is the perfect match for this stone-fronted house. In addition to providing fluidity, it does not create visual barriers and allows the connection between the external and internal areas.
14. Bet on glass to enlarge small spaces
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / ROBERTO MIGOTTO
If your idea is to give space, the glass railing is always a great option. On this balcony, the entire piece of glass and without details was discreet, did not pollute the environment and allowed the view of the landscape.
15. Garden combining wood and iron
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / ELIANE MESQUITA
High-story gardens combine with enclosed railings to prevent sand, plants or objects from falling downstairs. A good option to get away from sameness is to mix materials and styles. In this composition, the mixture of wood and iron created a taller railing that, in addition to being safe, allows ventilation and integration with the external landscape.
16. Wood and glass for a cozy atmosphere
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / JACOBSEN ARCHITECTURE
The large living room, with glass walls, gained a discreet wardrobe and also glass to match. Thus, the wood of the ceiling and floor were highlighted and helped to make the environment more cozy and beautiful.
17. Elevated garden with masonry railing
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / WORKSHOP CONCEPT ARCHITECTURE
This garden on the roof of the building received a simple and practical masonry guardrail. To enhance the piece, the solution was to apply a wooden skirting along the entire length, which, in addition to matching the furniture, made the item more charming.
18. Harmonizing vibrant colors
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / PERSON ARCHITECTS
Colored walls always add charm. For those who like to mix colors, a good option is to opt for a simple and discreet railing. This one, made of iron, perfectly matched the flat style of the apartment and didn’t fight for attention with the colorful walls, furniture and floors.
19. Wood and glass in a rustic setting
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / MAREINES E PATALANO ARCHITECTURE
The house facing the sea has a rustic and cozy style. To take advantage of the natural landscape and integrate internal and external space, this project opted for the all-glass railing.
20. Range and mix of materials
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / REINACH MENDONÇA
The facade of this house bets on wide spaces and a mix of materials. The hollow railing reforms this amplitude and combines with the wood present on the second floor.
21. Style and practicality
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / SBARDELOTTO ARCHITECTURE
In this project, the railing was transformed into a workbench and, in addition to serving as protection, it worked as a work table. Excellent for anyone who wants something functional and practical.
22. Wood and glass for a perfect match
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / JACOBSEN ARCHITECTURE
This all-wood environment needed a discreet rail that didn’t stand out. The option was a glass railing, without any details.
23. Cozy and relaxed mezzanine
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / BENDER ARCHITECTURE
This mezzanine gave life to an all-wood game room. To help create a relaxed atmosphere, the bet was a green iron railing with straight lines and geometric shapes.
24. Brushed stainless steel railing
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / AP ARCHITECTS
Easy to clean and durable, steel is the perfect material for those who want practicality. In this project, the catwalk received a brushed steel railing, which, in addition to being functional, is super neutral and goes with everything.
25. Iron and glass railing on the balcony
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / GISLENE LOPES
The iron railing was made safer with the glass plates. Furthermore, the glass gave greater fluidity and delicacy and broke with the coarse style of wrought iron.
26. Geometric shapes in harmony
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / MAREINES E PATALANO ARCHITECTURE
This stainless steel railing with curved lines was the perfect match for this room with its burnt cement floor and geometric structures.
27. Detached balcony in wood and glass
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / ROBERTO MIGOTTO
The crate-shaped wooden porch needed a railing that would give it breadth and break the solid, inaccessible style a little. The solution was a guardrail without details and made entirely of glass.
28. Minimalism and neutral colors
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / JACOBSEN ARCHITECTURE
For those who like minimalist decorations, this glass railing, formed in one piece with the stair rail, is an excellent option.
29. Combination of different elements
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / WORKSHOP CONCEPT ARCHITECTURE
The set of the wooden floor with the white brick wall and the ground floor lights already made this corridor quite charming and cozy. The wooden railing with steel and iron, forming a pair with the cat’s tail , made everything even more beautiful.
30. Facade with mixed materials
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / PERSON ARCHITECTS
Merging materials makes any facade more stylish. The entire wooden second floor required a discreet railing, which did not compete for attention. The glass piece perfectly matched the proposal and the stainless steel details, which in addition to serving as support, added even more charm to the environment.
31. Warm and bright environment
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / REINACH MENDONÇA
For those who prefer a classic and at the same time modern style, this all solid wood railing without details is perfect. To give it more fluidity, the option was to combine it with glass walls and doors.
32. Discreet and simple decoration
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / PERSON ARCHITECTS
Those looking for a discreet and uncluttered decoration can bet on the cast iron railing. Simple and functional, this type of material is suitable for different decorations and spaces.
34. Curves and stainless steel for an elegant decor
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / AQUILES NICOLAS KILLARIS
The hollow railing is excellent for integrating spaces. To match the elegant and sophisticated style of the decor, the best option was the curved stainless steel model.
35. House with different and unique design
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / MAREINES E PATALANO ARCHITECTURE
This house with glass wall and stone wall is already so beautiful and with such a unique design, that a simple railing was enough to complement the decoration.
36. Space stripped with discrete elements
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / BERNARDES ARCHITECTURE
Hollow railings fit perfectly in lofts and mezzanines. This atelier gained a discreet and uncluttered model, which in addition to combining with the glass door, integrated the first and second floors.
37. Walkway with a discreet and hollow guardrail
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / REINACH MENDONÇA
The hollow railing model with horizontal metal lines was simple and prioritized functionality and discretion. A great choice for outdoor environments.
38. Aluminum and glass model guarantee amplitude
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / RODRIGO MAIA
Mezzanines ask for a railing that prioritizes the integration between spaces. In this composition, the aluminum model received glass plates to be more secure, without sacrificing fluidity.
39. Building facade with brick and glass
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / WORKSHOP CONCEPT ARCHITECTURE
Made of glass and stainless steel buttons, the railing was discreet and did not compete with the brick wall of the façade.
40. Grayscale facade
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / MAURICIO MELARA
Gray never goes out of style! Anyone who wants to make the facade of their home more beautiful, bet on different shades of gray and complement it with glass elements.
41. Simplicity and charm
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / ANTONIO ARMANDO DE ARAUJO
On this balcony, the hollow white aluminum railing matched the colors and material of the door. The choice for geometric lines left the model at the same time simple and charming.
42. Balcony in earthy tones and glass
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / RUSCHEL ARCHITECTURE URBANISM
The different shades of brown and the light floor give a cozy atmosphere to the porch of this house. The glass railing with stainless steel details was discreet and at the same time elegant.
43. Wooden facade with white wall
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / SANDRA PICCOTTO
The facade of this house prioritized wood as the main material. The balustrade followed this trend and created a beautiful and harmonious visual effect.
44. Combining wooden elements on the porch
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / REINACH MENDONÇA
In this project, the floor, ceiling and railing follow the same pattern of wooden beams placed side by side. To differentiate the three pieces, each received beams of different widths. Ensuring similar yet different items.
45. Balanced material mix
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / JOBIM CARLEVARO ARQUITETOS
The mix of materials and a palette of neutral tones is the main concept of this composition. The glass and steel railing was discreet and in accordance with the project proposal.
46. Rustic house with almost imperceptible railing
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / JACOBSEN ARCHITECTURE
Wood and straw are great options for rustic-style homes. In this project, the pool on the second floor required a super discreet guardrail, which did not clash with the decor and was safe. The solution was an all glass piece, without any details.
47. Template with creative and different design
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / WORKSHOP CONCEPT ARCHITECTURE
For those who like environments full of personality, this guardrail is a great inspiration. In addition to being durable, the unique design draws attention and makes you the protagonist of the decor.
48. Geometric railing
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / LEONARDO MULLER
The black and gold iron railing matched the hall’s color palette very well. Discreet geometric features highlighted the chandelier and extended the space.
49. Sophisticated and elegant decor
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / AQUILES NICOLAS KILLARIS
Glass railing is super wild and suits many styles and environments. To harmonize with the sophisticated style of the decoration, the option was to use shiny metal bases.
50. Arabesques and minimalism
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / FELIPE HESS
The arabesque wrought iron railing has an elegant and classic style. A great choice to balance the modern and minimalist decor of this room.
Check out 30 more projects with railing now
The important thing is to choose the railing that best matches the decor and proposal of your project. To inspire you and help you decide, see more tips for railings in various environments and in different styles and materials:
51. Rounded railing on wooden balcony
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / FGMF ARCHITECTS
52. Living room in glass, wood and stainless steel
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / RUSCHEL ARCHITECTURE URBANISM
53. Wooden facade with glass railing
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / JACOBSEN ARCHITECTURE
54. Sophisticated environment with planned lighting
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / AQUILES NICOLAS KILLARIS
55. Masonry railing with iron detail
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / PERSON ARCHITECTS
56. Geometric balconies with glass details
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / BERNARDES ARCHITECTURE
57. Simple iron railing with glass
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / 24.7 ARCHITECTURE
58. Balcony in gray color and geometric shape
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / OTTA ALBERNAZ
59. Apartment with wrought iron railing
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / CLARISSA STRAUSS
60. Asymmetric composition
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / JACOBSEN ARCHITECTURE
61. Glass models are perfect for facades
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / BERNARDES ARCHITECTURE
62. Harmonizing different materials
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / REINACH MENDONÇA
63. Glass is a great choice for fluidity
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / MARINA LINHARES INTERIOR
64. Wood everywhere
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / RUSCHEL ARCHITECTURE URBANISM
65. Bet on glass to enjoy the outdoors
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / BERNARDES ARCHITECTURE
66. Iron railing, geometric and discreet
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / OD VO
67. Symmetry and lighting for a refined space
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / JACOBSEN ARCHITECTURE
68. Composition of masonry and glass on the terrace
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / GISLENE LOPES
69. Wood and glass make a perfect pair
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / WORKSHOP CONCEPT ARCHITECTURE
70. Glass to enlarge and integrate spaces
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / LEONARDO MULLER
71. Strong color and harmonizing iron railing
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / CLARISSA STRAUSS
72. Classic-style railing stands out
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / OSCAR MIKAIL
73. Room lit in neutral color palette
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / FELIPE HESS
74. Matching railing, doors and windows
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / JACOBSEN ARCHITECTURE
75. Elegant environment with marble and stainless steel staircase
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / SA ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
76. Glass matching white and brown
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / CLARISSA STRAUSS
77. Stainless steel railing goes well with everything
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / RUSCHEL ARCHITECTURE URBANISM
78. Aluminum railing and columns
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / JACOBSEN ARCHITECTURE
79. Wrought iron railing for a cozy atmosphere
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / HIDELBRAND SILVA ARCHITECTURE
80. Environment in neutral colors and stainless steel railing
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / AQUILES NICOLAS KILLARIS
After so many inspirations, it sure was easy to choose the material, model and style of the ideal railing for your home. Invest in this piece that will give more charm and security to your home!