Lean on Me: Balustrades and Rails Through the Ages to Today

Whether you live in a cottage by the sea, a cabin in the mountains, an apartment in the sky or even a bungalow on a suburban street, the veranda is one architectural element that stays in high regard. The balustrades and rails on our verandas not only protect loved ones, but they also harmonize with all the other important details of an exterior — occasionally becoming the standout feature.

Let the interesting balustrade and rail styles below inspire details on your own veranda.

London Bay Homes

A balustrade is any waist-high barrier, open or closed, designed to provide protection from falling. Consisting of a series of single vertical balusters made of stone, wood or metal, balustrades are often carved, support a coping and are topped with a rail.

The rail is the horizontal frame or section fixed to the top of the balustrade; it acts as the handrail.

This contemporary balustrade has both vertical and horizontal pieces but sticks with a simple rail. Installed between more traditional columns, it cleverly mixes modern and traditional elements.

A. Slawter Architecture

Balustrades in ancient times decorated Assyrian palace windows from 850 to 500 B.C. The Greek Ionic style was used for the capital. Although balustrades weren't used much in Roman or Greek architecture, the concept does show up on some chair and table legs and marble candelabras.

The word "balustrade" comes from the Italian balaustro, meaning "pomegranate flower," as the traditional design resembles the swelling form of a half-open flower.

This Georgian home shows off a period-appropriate half-moon balcony with a stone rail and vase-shaped balustrade.

Tim Andersen Architect

In the late 15th century, balustrades were found in palaces in Venice and Verona, Italy. These early-Renaissance incarnations were described as colonnettes — or small, thin columns used to support an arcade or gallery.

The Palazzo dei Conservatori, built in the 16th century in Rome, was redesigned by Michelangelo and uses vase-shaped travertine balustrades.

The cutouts in the upstairs balcony's balustrade on this 1913 Craftsman house add real visual interest.

Jeffrey Erb Landscape Design

Wrought iron balustrades from the 16th century on became highly decorative, especially in churches around France and Spain. Ironwork boomed in 18th-century England, and beautiful railings and gates were abundantly scattered around London and the United States — especially in New Orleans.

This veranda has a simple yet elegant pattern in the wrought iron balustrade that doesn't detract from the breathtaking view.

William T Baker

Timber balustrades in the 1850s were part of the first wave of mass-produced millwork, possibly due to advances in machinery. Gothic revival and Italianate balustrade designs were similar to the carved newels used on interior staircases of this period. These balustrades had both simple carvings and embellished decorations.

Note: When constructing or retrofitting a balustrade, you'll probably need a permit. There will be regulations on the type of materials allowed, the space allowance between each baluster and even the number of balusters allowed. Every state has different building codes, so check with your local planning committee.

The organic nature of the balustrades and railings in this images give the impression that this cabin has been here for a long time.

Johnson + McLeod Design Consultants

Wire balustrades are a modern option for today's veranda or deck. These wires are very strong, generally made from stainless steel and strung either vertically or horizontally between the balusters.

The balustrade columns can be made from timber or metal, with the railings also constructed in the same all-weather materials. This is the perfect way to preserve a view or open up a space, while still providing safety.

Interesting turnbuckles — the screws used to connect the wires into the posts — can also be designed to give the balustrades a more bespoke feel.

Sutton Suzuki Architects

Glass balustrades work well in contemporary settings and come in a variety of styles and textures. When you have a view like this one, you don't want the balustrade to be the focus.

Many different suppliers offer customizable choices, like fully framed, semiframeless or fully frameless screens, as well as different styles of glass — such as tempered, safety or structural.

Richard Leggin Architects

Mixed-material balustrades can give your home a custom look. If you love timber and stone, why not use both? The terrific mix of materials adds character to this veranda. Simply designed balustrades and rails help the stone pillars give the space substance.

Author:

Gabrielle Di Stefano

Houzz Contributor

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Lean on Me: Balustrades and Rails Through the Ages to Today