Hi. They sell a Wood Finishing Wheel that helps you matching up the stain color. It's under $20, and well worth it.

Nathan: Wood finishing is a trade unto itself. No one can determine wood species off an internet picture. I predict bright white wood if you don't stain, but contrast may be your friend in this case.

@ Oliviag - you got me. when we moved into the house 10 years go, the previous owner had removed the handrails to make it easier to move out large furnishings. I was given a bag of random-looking screws to use to replace the handrails when ready. I liked the look without the handrails which are iron that have been painted over in an off-white cream tone. I don't like it at all. So we've just lived without the handrail and haven't missed it. I'm thinking we probably need a solution to that now since the stairs could be slick if wearing socks. I'll post a pic of the gross looking handrail which is currently in my garage. I'm open to ideas.

Wheeeee!

@tqtqtbw - the boys do love jumping off the stairs, and guiltily, I do too. Going to miss being able to do that!

Here are photos of the wrought iron handrail. Suggestions on color? I'm thinking I will take them to get sandblasted and powder coated black or should I go with a different finish? I'd like to redo the trim and risers on the stairs a clean, true white. It seems the trim and risers have a very heavy coat of the same color cream paint which has become filthy over the years.

Disregard all the junk/clutter...we are currently waging war on the garage.

If you want to go fancy:

Fairlawn Heights Transformation · More Info

I might just get a new iron handrail, simple and classic to go with your nice finished stairs.

Brag pics · More Info

@ tqtqtbw - now that is fancy. Not gonna work for this house or this family. Do you think going with a black powder coat is going to clash badly? Perhaps a lighter finish (rubbed bronze or pewter)? I need help with the aesthetic. Also unsure if I should repaint the trim and risers white or if I should try to match the darker stain of the wood trim everywhere else in the house. What do you think?

@acm - thanks for sharing that photo. I hadn't considered just buying something new. I figure that would cost quite a bit more than just fixing the current mess that we have...thoughts on trim and risers?

@oliviag - the railing dry fit just fine before carpet removal. I'd imagine it fits perfectly without it since the carpet was not originally there. I'll dry fit it before hauling it off to be sand blasted and painted. good thinking!

any recommendations on trim and riser colors? redo white or strip the off-white paint and stain to match dark stained trim that I have elsewhere? I feel like dark stain and black powder coat would be more complimentary than white trim with black powder coat.

I like your railing in black with a metal color for the flower centers. Maybe some other areas as highlights. I’d probably try the gold or a silver myself with Rub-n-Buff. What color are the door and door knobs ar the bottom of the stair?

For the stairs, I like white risers and trim. Are you changing the wood stain on the floors?

@tqtqtbw - great suggestions! I have never even heard of Rub-n-Buff. How long does such a finish last? Will it rub off on little hands once I've polished it? How often would I need to touch up to keep it looking nice?

I'm not planning to change the wood stain on the floors, but these treads will need to be refinished since the finish is compromised in places and stains have set into the wood in some spots. I'm including photos of the door/entry. I've only just recently painted the outside of the door (used Behr Placid Sea) and I'm wondering if I can put that same color inside the door because I like it a lot. Just thought it might make the entry too dark when the door is closed. As you can see, the door knobs are a rubbed bronze.

Good catch Lyndee Lee. They do look more than 4 inches apart. I like the blue for the exterior. Will it go with your interior design choices?

@ tqtqtbw - Good question. I have no idea if it will "go" with our interior design "choices". We have no decorative style per se unless utilitarian, hand-me-down furnishings and function-over-aesthetics is considered style. As a couple, we're busier than most - moreso now with 3 little ones. We did buy 2 paintings at an art festival once, but have never given time to interior design. I don't think I'm hopeless, but I am somewhat clueless. Have pity on me as I stumble through this forum!

Have never considered purchasing a new handrail. That seems like another can of worms to open! Where should I look? Budget is the primary consideration at the moment, since I'm trying to replace flooring in our living room (and probably kitchen), and take out part of a wall in the kitchen in the very near future.

Measure the spacing between the rails so that you know what can be done with the existing one.

Houzz is a great place to get feedback and you go through your rooms. There are wonderful pros and people like me who just like design.

" Perhaps a lighter finish (rubbed bronze or pewter)?" I was thinking a bronze color would look nice. Not as stark as black.

I have no advice on stairs but I recently painted the inside of my front door a similar colour and love it!!

@ tqtqtbw - just got home and measured the distance between the balusters. On the rail that's at the top of the steps (still installed): 5 inches apart. On the rail that's in the garage: 4.5 inches apart. {sigh} I'd kind of like to keep it if I can make it look nice since it's a piece unique to the home when it was made and we're not planning to sell any time soon.

@ Wonder Wiper - thanks for sharing! many parts of our home get very little light from outside. The entry is one of them so I've been afraid to paint it a "darker" color. I'm curious what others here think about that.

"On the rail that's at the top of the steps (still installed): 5 inches apart. On the rail that's in the garage: 4.5 inches apart. {sigh} I'd kind of like to keep it if I can make it look nice "

It doesn't meet code, and personally I don't think there is any way to "make it look nice". I'd absolutely toss both pieces and get new railings.