Consider the style of your home's interior before selecting a wrought iron and wood design for your staircase. Contemporary homes are conducive to simple straight lines and should avoid ornately-sculpted, wrought-iron balusters and wooden handrails that are typically seen in traditional decor. Sleek, black wooden handrails combined with straight, silver-patina, wrought-iron balusters enhance the contemporary style. Also, examine any unpainted wood trim surrounding the staircase area. If your staircase area has natural, light oak baseboards, trim and floors, adding a mahogany handrail would be a visual disaster. Wood types should complement each other when they are in close proximity.
Stairway handrails provide a support to hold onto when you are ascending or descending a staircase, helping to prevent accidents. A strong and sturdy wooden handrail is ideal, since its primary function is to prevent unnecessary injuries that can result from falling. Handrails in darker woods -- cherry, red oak, walnut, mahogany -- add a bit of upscale sophistication to the staircase. Lighter woods -- birch, pine, white oak, poplar -- lean towards a lighter, more country cottage feel.
Using decorative iron inside a home has been around since the 16th and 17th century in France and Italy. Wrought-iron balusters, or spindles, add a touch of elegance to any staircase design. A common color for wrought-iron balusters is black with a satin finish. Other decor-enhancing patinas include: textured or brushed bronze, antique or brushed nickel and veined copper or silver. Wrought iron can be shaped into a myriad of designs, providing an ideal opportunity to express your individuality. Iron balusters with filigree designs, ornate scrolling and nature motifs are a few available options.
Your hands carry a lot of germs. When you touch contaminated objects or surfaces and then touch your face -- nose, mouth or eyes -- you might be transferring those germs directly into your body. Staircase handrails are an ideal source of germs, since they may have numerous hands touching them throughout the day. A specially formulated antibacterial surface protectant can be sprayed or wiped on handrails to create a long-lasting, non-toxic, invisible and environmentally friendly biostatic barrier between you and germs that can make you sick.