Modern Staircase & Railing Design Trends for 2025

• Stairs as design features, not just functional

• Clean lines, open spaces, mixed glass, wood, and metal

• Fits Vancouver style: transparency, natural light, floating stairs

Frameless Glass Railings

• Frameless glass panels keep spaces open and bright

• Minimal hardware, hidden anchors, “floating” look

• Options:

  • LED strip lighting built into railings

• Benefits: open feel, light flow, privacy control, safety lighting at night

Metal Finishes & Colours

• Matte black metal railings are still the go-to for modern stairs

• Powder-coated and textured/brushed metal for a handcrafted look

• Durable and weather-resistant for Vancouver’s rainy climate

  
  

Wood Accents & Mixed Materials

• Strong comeback of wood accents:

  • Wood handrails

  • Wood treads

  • Wood balusters and wood spindles

• Examples:

  • Oak handrail with sleek black steel balusters

• Local woods: cedar and oak 

• Mix & match:

  • Wood + glass panels

  • Wood handrails + metal spindles

• Goal: warm, natural feel while still modern and minimalist

 Lighting & Technology in Railings

• Integrated LED lighting in:

  • Handrails

  • Under stair treads

• Uses:

  • Night safety

  • Highlighting architectural lines

  • Motion-activated, color-changing options

Key Trends Recap

• Frameless glass panels – unobstructed views, hidden anchors

• Built-in LED lighting – in railings and steps, motion-activated, color-changing

• Warm wood elements – cedar, oak handrails and treads

• Matte & custom metal finishes

• Personalized mixed designs – custom combinations of glass, steel, and wood

FAQ

Q: Are wood stair railings cheaper than metal railings?

A: It depends on the design. Simple interior staircase railings in wood can be cheaper than custom metal railings, but high-end hardwood systems can cost more than standard metal railings.

Q: How do I choose between wood vs metal stair railings for my project?

A: Focus on where the railing is going inside the home (main staircase, basement stairs, loft), how much maintenance you want, and your budget. Wood stair railings give a warmer, more traditional look; metal stair railings lean more modern and are tougher against dents and damage. If you’re unsure, we can review your interior staircase plans or photos and recommend wood, metal, or a mix of both.