We installed our own banister. We ended up using adjustable ballisters/rungs just so that we could customize the fit. But they're definitely still adjustable. I'm wondering if something like that might work for you? If you DO need to move furniture up and over it, you could lower it to the lowest setting temporarily? It might be a bit finicky to get them all loosened, but it could work!

can you picture the railings at beach houses where they have glass (probably thick plastic actually) between the railings on their porches to not block the view. if you did something like that you could just take it out every time you needed to move something big in and out.

The railing was probably made smaller for the reason of moving furniture. If you do replace the railing, does it HAVE to be to your code? Just curious.

Anything you do to that banister will look wrong. These banisters were mainly built to keep kids from falling into the staircase. Usually, grown-ups can handle such a construction. Of course, nowadays, in our oversafe world, everyone seems to think we're all like little kids and everything has to be safe. I wouldn't bother aubout that banister. Maybe put a cupboard or a high shelf at the ond as this seems to be the scariest part. Stumbling sideways is very unlikely. This way, you can preserve the original charm and beauty of an age where people worried about things that were actually worth worrying about.

Place a tallish bookcase surrounding the banister. That way, if you ever need to move in furniture you can just move the bookcase out of the way, and no one will fall down the stairs.

I think you could easily design something that would have a taller railing for safety but that you could take down easily for moving furniture. I would also have to ask...how often are you moving furniture up and down these stairs?

How about replacing the bannister with two tiers of horizontal bookcases. If you stacked a two-tier Ikea EXPEDIT laid on its side with a one-tier EXPEDIT, their combined height would be 48". To make them stable, screw the bottom one into the floor and attach the top one with hinges at the front, so that they're stable when pushed towards the stairs (ie are safe) but flip down towards the hallway when you want to move furniture up and down the stairs. No idea if that would make code, but it seems like it would be safe to me!

I wouldn't worry about it unless you are planning to sell the house (some localities make you bring glaring code violations into compliance), or if you have kids who might get hurt navigating the stairwell.

If you do have to make the stairwell safer, consider (as a temporary measure) placing a narrow case piece like a credenza or low bookcase along the side. A more permanent solution would be to remove the bannister assembly and have open-back bookshelves build in place of it. This would provide storage as well as safety. We removed a bannister in our house (local ordinance said that we had to have it) and built a cabinet in it's place. We get the safety of a bannister with the bonus of much-needed storage.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/k2yhe/4693957689/

Just a quick reminder that the safety of kids *and* the elderly (or anyone a little unsteady) is a concern. In case this applies to your situation. Good luck!

We have a banister in our house that is removable. It is uh.may.zing. The post at the end (which does not move) has a very long screw in it that goes through to the other side and attaches it to the railing and posts. If you unscrew that screw the entire railing lifts off easily. We didn't know about it when we moved in and struggled through lifting furniture over and around the banister. Soon after, a neighbor let us know about this feature and we've been taking advantage of it ever since.

It depends if you want it for code or just to feel a bit safer. I'd go for rope nettting if I wanted to feel safer. Not sure about code though.

If you could remove the current railing without damageing it could you install some sort of support underneath, installed is such a way that it can be removed again when you need to move furniture? Or maybe elongate the corner posts so you can keep some of the charm and add longer rails that are adjustable? Also, if the whole thing has to be removed and replaced don't forget that salvage places sometimes try to save architectual elements and you might be able to find something bigger than is along similar lines.

If you feel unsafe then replace it altogether. I would suggest building a base to the bottom to raise it to code.

If you don't feel unsafe then I would try to get use to it. There is something charming about the original height of it. It probably isn't too unsafe considering the sloping ceiling above it, probably means you aren't getting to close to it in the first place. Kids are going to climb it no matter how tall it is.

Why does it matter if it's up to code - Unless you're renovating the house there's no need to replace it...
...and it combined with the slope of the ceiling is certainly sufficient to keep you from falling into the stairs below - I don't see the problem.

wow folks! i really didn't expect much response, so thank you!

you'd be surprised how often large items have to go up or down those stairs, at least a few times each year; a kid outgrows their bed, we change our taste in furniture, we just decide to change things up, etc. it's a tight spot at the top of the stairs already.
we do want to sell the place sooner than later and the railing won't pass inspection as is; not to mention the years have made it somewhat wobbly. the height really feels uncomfortably low when you stand next to it. there have been a few close calls.
adjustable banisters?! i had no idea. where did y'all find yours? that's very interesting. i also love the idea of the plexi insert-had considered that but wondered how heavy the piece would be....
putting furniture there is a nice idea but not a permanent fix which i think is necessary. the expedit shelf idea never occurred to me. that could be a nice fix. i wonder if it would be too attractive a nuisance for our two year old. he's a climber. he'd fit nicely through one of those cubes but the fixed storage would be lovely to have.
this is so great! thank you for taking the time to give your input. i'll keep checking and, if we manage to make a change, let y'all know.

Why not install sturdy posts that are the right height to pass inspection, and create a gate-like railing (ditto correct height) that can swing open to allow for furniture-moving but lock securely into place when it is not being used? The short side could be a fixed railing to match the look of the other one. I would think that if you made sure the locking mechanism was secure enough (and difficult to leave open by accident) it would function as a fixed railing?

What if you were to keep the railings as they are and just modify the top opening by attaching like a "lid" on a hinge (made of matching painted wood), that you can lift up and attach by hook on opposite side of wall to have that area open when need be, and leave down to cover top opening for safety purposes. This allows one to still walk up and down the stairs without hitting their head. Just a thought. It can be a DIY project and not very costly and not require such a huge construction project

how about ditching the banister all together and stealing the idea of the rope room divider posted a while back here on AT. Rope floor to ceiling will still let the light through and also minimize the risk of falling down the stairs.
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/inspiration/the-brick-houses-rope-wall-146086

Remove the railing and install a ceiling and floor cleat and insert a full height panel of your own design. That way it's stable and a complete barrier for kids, but can be removed for moving furniture. Some industrial shatter proof glass (with the wire between the panes?) would look fantastic and still maintain your quality of light. Gosh I can see this in my mind's eye I wish I could send you a sketch.

i loved that rope wall on brick house too. i'm not sure it would be enough of a barrier. the industrial glass could look very cool! do you think it would limit air circulation? it can get a bit stuffy up there.
thank you again to all who are posting suggestions. we are considering everything.

How about a rope railing installed atop the existing railing? Save for the ring upshoots, it would be easily removed for moving bulky items through there. Or the removable cap idea is a goody as well if you'd like a heftier, beefier look