Q: I'd like to be able to spruce up the banister of our main stairwell with something a little more dramatic. I thought about re-painting the entire thing white, but also like the idea of two-tones (white spindles with a dark handrail). We can't afford to change the beige carpet at this time and I'm not sure what would look best with our light wood floors. Any suggestions?
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Have you considered painting the triangular space beneath the banister instead? Perhaps in more than one color or tone?
P.S. And the triangular area next to the steps?
AT, please do something about the spammers!
Anyway, I agree with painting the space beneath the bannister and the staircase themselves. I don't like the bannister color, but I think it would look better with painted walls. It looks like your couch is grey. That could be a good starting point for colors.
http://firsthome.tumblr.com/post/6139267051/rainbow-banister
Don't be afraid of color! Especially if you're going to leave your walls white, I think you should do something like this rainbow banister.
Paint everything white and leave the wood handrail naked.
I agree with ellabee. And the bit about the spammers. :)
The natural oak handrails match the floor nicely. Warm cream, mocha or even chocolate on the walls if you want drama. Painting spindles is a PAIN!
If you want something dramatic, you should go with black:
http://47parkav.blogspot.com/2011/11/black-paint-staircase.html
I would recommend painting the stair wall a warm yellow. Yellow would really open the short hallway up and compliment the wooden floor and banister.
I'm not sure I get the concept. White paint is not going to make any of this "more dramatic." In fact, it would be a labor-intensive way to eliminate the only charming and interesting element in the photo. I'm not seeing any art in this photo -- can't you rely on some art to provide the drama?
Don't paint the rail or balusters. You'll never be able to go back to the wood finish again.
If it's drama you want, add a runner to that hallway, something with lots of pattern or texture or color. Or this might be one of those rare times when someone can make good use of those wall tattoos/appliques that are infesting all the home decor sites these days. Cut up a finely-detailed temporary wall tattoo and apply it to the newel post only, as if it were carved. I'd try swagging the handrail with a greenery garland or some saris before I'd resort to painting a perfectly nice bit of woodwork.
A house in a movie or show I watched recently had natural posts, white railing/endpost/molding, and bold/dark colored walls. I wish I could remember what it was, but it totally distracted me from whatever was going on with the characters! It was a really beautiful combination of values and textures.