Stair railings are typically installed to serve a largely utilitarian, safety-related function: to provide stability or support in ascending or descending a staircase. However, they have the ability to contribute in a major way to the aesthetics of a space through their form, opacity or transparency, and materiality. Take a look below as we review nine unique stair railings crafted out of everything from exotic woods to laser-cut steel, concrete to metal tension rods.

1) A Criss-Crossed Steel Rod Railing in Geneva by Keller Architectes

2) A Wood & Steel Panel Railing in the Chesapeake Bay by McInturff Architects

3) A Monumental Wood Stair Railing in San Francisco by Jensen Architects

4) A Curvacious White Railing in New South Whales by Luigi Rosselli & Carl Rutherfoord

5) A Vertical Steel Railing in Seoul by Starsis

6) A Modern But Ornate Laser-Cut Steel Railing in Paris by Michael Herrman

7) A Sleek Vertical Cable Railing in Tennessee by BarberMcMurry architects

8) A Structural Stair Railing in Massachusetts by Walter Gropius

9) A Minimalist Raw Brass Railing in Australia by Peter Stutchbury