Before & After: Changing ranch rails for a glass balustrade
Interior style trends have changed over the years as society has shifted to many different styles throughout history. While many of us have decided to switch up the pink and green bathroom suites which were once popular “back in the day”, the ranch rail balustrades are a 1970’s design feature which have managed to outstay their welcome for decades and are still a fixture in many modern households. One of the main reasons that are cited for replacing ranch rails other than the dated appearance, is the amount of light which is restricted by the solid wooden planks which span the staircases.
A quick-fix compromise which was often favoured was to in fact paint the balustrade white in an attempt to lighten up the area around it, makes sense, right? We’ve got some before and after images (pictured right) to show how this pales in comparison to fully replacing the ranch rails with glass which allows light to flood the stairway and create a feeling of space and openness, a look that everyone is striving for these days!
Add the Wow-Factor!
In the majority of British homes, the stair case is situated near the entrance to the house which means it is going to be seen by all visitors. With this in mind, people often feel that their staircase is one of the areas they need to pay the most attention to. Upgrading your staircase has the potential to create a striking first impression of your home. Replacing ranch rails with glass creates a huge wow-factor as the transformation is so dramatic and revolutionises the appearance of the area. A simple change to your staircase design that will make all the difference!
A transformation at all levels of your home
While the staircase renovation of the main staircase creates maximum impact, it is important not to forget how the upstairs of the property can also be transformed. This is because it isn’t just along the stairway itself where replacing ranch rails with glass makes a big impact. Ranch rails along a landing balustrade can make the upstairs feel dark and cut off from the rest of the home, which is a look most modern homeowners disapprove of. As the upstairs is often reserved for the family rather than the guests, it is important that the most intimate area of your home still has a warm and bright appeal. Glass also adds to the cohesion of moving between the floors, making the transition feel more like one larger space rather than two completely separate areas.Each of the Before & After image blocks on this page are taken before and after a real Abbott-Wade installation from UK homes visited by our installation teams. Some of the images may be taken at different stages of completion with carpets/decoration left unfinished.
