Handrails used to be intended to prevent people from falling off of balconies, stairs or decks, but the modern handrail has seen an upgrade not only in functionality, but also in style and necessity.
Decorative wooden and wrought iron handrails, while beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, are not good at preventing falls when navigating up or down the stairs or along a walkway or ramp. Modern handrails are designed specifically to adhere to the specifications set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design — as well as building codes worldwide. Adhering to these standards and utilizing new materials has made modern handrails stylish while adding safety and providing peace of mind.
What Makes a Modern Handrail?
A modern handrail is one that meets the needs of modern society. Universal design means ensuring that functional elements of architecture are accessible to everyone regardless of age and ability.
Modern Handrail Materials
Handrails come in various materials like wood, stainless steel, and wrought iron, each with its merits but also notable drawbacks. For a modern handrail that combines effectiveness with environmental benefits, aluminum stands out as the superior choice.
Aluminum, inherently strong and durable, can be elevated through the process of anodizing. Anodization enhances aluminum’s strength and durability, resulting in a surface that is resistant to abrasion and corrosion, without the risk of flaking or chipping. This process also opens the door to a range of colors, and at Promenaid, we leverage anodization to craft elegant finishes that seamlessly complement diverse design aesthetics.
For those seeking a wood finish, Promenaid offers a distinctive solution with our TrueWood™ Handrail. This innovative approach involves wrapping the aluminum handrail with a thin layer of genuine Black Walnut or Red Oak. This not only imparts the beauty and warmth of wood but also retains the durability and eco-friendly qualities of aluminum, providing a stylish and sustainable handrail solution.
10 Modern Handrail Design Ideas
Modern handrails are versatile and adaptable to a variety of applications. With their sleek design, they complement various aesthetics in residential, commercial, and outdoor designs.
1. Stunning silver
Stair handrail ideas can complement an interior design while adding safety. A stunning silver finish creates a handrail that provides safety and stability while looking stylish. Choosing a handrail, brackets, and end caps in the same finish creates a continuous look that blends seamlessly into the stairway design.
2. Simple Handrail Design
Outdoor handrail ideas don’t have to be complicated. The addition of parallel handrails leading up a short stairway creates added stability when entering or exiting the home, especially when laden with groceries or packages.
3. Two-Toned Handrail Designs
This black metal handrail mounted to wood adds safety to the flight of steps and provides an additional flair of style. Because of the handrail’s length, it makes a strong design statement that compliments the exterior of the house while creating additional stability as you ascend toward the entryway.
4. Incorporated-Glass Handrail Design
Partnering glass with handrail provides additional protection and adds visibility, space, and lighting to rooms. The glass mount kit allows for the handrail to be attached directly to the glass wall, creating a modern, eye-pleasing handrail design.
5. Handrail Design with Lighting
Handrails make areas safer, but staircases –especially wooden ones— can be slippery and difficult to traverse in the middle of the night or evening. Adding LED lights under handrails increases visibility during night time movements and creates a classy, elegant style interior design with the use of handrail design.
6. Curved Handrail Design
Curved staircases already have natural beauty, but adding a handrail helps accent the curvature of the stairs and supply additional beauty for each and every step. The handrail design above adds a safety measure for those walking up and down the stairs while also applying design support to the exterior of the house.
7. Handrail Design with Garden Backdrop
Want to make a curved-staircase and handrail design even better? Add a garden. Flowers and greenery have a variety of colors— all of which can accent the handrail as it curves along the way.
8. Wood and Silver Handrail Design
Arguably a classic handrail design choice, silver handrails combined with wood creates a formal, rustic look that align well with places of active travel and commuting. If you’re looking for an aesthetically pleasing design that could work in almost every setting, you can’t go wrong with this option.
9. Door-Frame Handrail Design
Handrails aren’t just for stairs and ramps. Use them to provide assistance for traversing uneven, awkward walking spaces — like from the kitchen to the patio. The best part is: the handrail also creates a classy look and feel to the interior design of your home.
10. Front Porch Handrail Design
Though front porches do not always have handrails, adding a handrail is never a bad idea. It provides additional safety measures for guests who visit and additional design to the curbside appearance of your house.
Modernize Your Space Today
With these handrail design ideas, you can create a safer, more livable environment without sacrificing aesthetics. Upgrade your property today and contact a representative at Promenaid for more information on modern handrail options.
If you’re looking for more handrail design ideas, view our gallery and explore our configurator.
