The Beauty of Staircase Railings and Balustrades

Modern Farmhouse Style

Mid-Country, Greenwich, Connecticut


Staircases serve more than a functional purpose. Depending on its location, the look of your stairs can reflect your home and its character. That's why selecting the right staircase design is one that takes careful planning. At Steven Mueller Architects LLC, we build functional and contemporary railings and balustrades that make a grand statement across residences in Fairfield County.

Extending past the form and function are both the safety features that give your stairs a beautiful appearance and lasting architectural quality. To help guide you in your decision-making, we break down the differences between the two components. 

Railings are a common feature that adds support between the stairs and the surrounding area. Since the 15th century, handrails have provided an essential function and aesthetic appeal. Whether you're looking for a traditional wood railing or modern stainless steel style, we can fabricate a railing that suits your interior style.

Balustrades, small columns beneath the railing, act as the protective barrier. Today, balustrades are also requested to create a privacy screen that'll cordon off an area of the residence.

The term dates back to the 17th-century, coined in Italy by architects that found a resemblance between the bulbous structure of the baluster and pomegranate flowers (balaustra). Although it has an enriching history, it remains a popular and necessary feature. At SMA, our architects can create custom-cut applications to achieve your desired look.

The options for building your dream staircase are endless between layouts like L-shaped, spiral, and floating stairs. Below we highlight some staircases we have had the pleasure of designing. Draw inspiration from some of our past projects.


A Highlight on Staircases in Fairfield County

Coastal Shingle Style

Old Greenwich, Connecticut

Coastal english Manor Style

Riverside, Connecticut

Coastal english Manor Style

Riverside, Connecticut

French Normandy Style

Greenwich, Connecticut


Transform Your Interior Space

At SMA, our architects inject elegance into every project. If you're looking to construct a home in Fairfield County or Westchester County, you can contact our architectural firm for more information!

Debra Lutsky