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Metalworking Design Dilemma

Mid century metal stair railing color?

4 years ago

I am remodeling a 1961 house, and we have opened up a staircase in the main entry, and need to add a metal railing. I was originally thinking it would be steel, powder coated in black. I keep finding these photos of mid-century style railings that are in an antique gold/dark bronzey brassy color (see photo - not shiny gold, much darker and more muted). Is this plated or powder coated, or made of a different material? How can I get this effect for my railing? Thanks for any help you can offer!

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Comments (5)

PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
4 years ago
They are bronze or burnished brass railings and unless they are lacquered they will turn or tarnish. I don't see powder coating on most black steel stairs.

Here are sources for railings etc.

https://www.indital.com/

https://houseofforgings.net/
Deborah Ross
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you! Is bronze or burnished brass more expensive than steel?
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Can you suggest a color for the hand rail and post?
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Comments (4)
Black handrail would go with black balusters. However, I don't see them going with your house at this point. That little bit of black is such a contrast with the white/beige you have going. Have you thought through how the black will look with the rest of your space as you are planning it? Without any more information, I would paint the handrail and post white. And use white balusters. ETA Wait a minute -- I just realized that this is not your house. What does your space look like? That will change everything......
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PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
4 years ago
I don't believe you will find ready made parts in bronze or brass. All custom $$$$$
Deborah Ross
Original Author
4 years ago
Right, I plan to custom fabricate. I would have said the black railings in your photos were powder coated steel, what do you think the material is? I would have also guessed that bronze was too soft (and too expensive) to be used as a railing, except maybe as a plating.
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
4 years ago
There's a big difference in purchasing all the parts and simply having the ironmonger weld it together and add a railing compared to purchasing the steel, having it cut into components and then sending it out for plating.

I believe all the iron components are simply black wrought iron without a powder coat.

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