It is great in a very unique way but I would have a heart attack living there with a toddler, so I would replace it ASAP. Here are some different looks.

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I think it's very cool, too. It looks very modern to me; is that your style? Other than the safety factor, do YOU like it? You could take it out and store it, replace with something safer for 10 years and then reinstall it.

I would replace it. The time and money spent making it safe and you will still have "that railing" just safer............................

Replace!!

I definitely think it’s cool and unique and fits my personality. I like being a little different but I’m also practical, ya know?

I also would keep it. So cool. You can buy mesh for railings from Amazon. That is what I did until my grands got old enough.

Also it’s 31 inches bottom to top. Is that too short?

Yes by today's standards it's too short.

Safety/plexi glass panels for sure. I'd keep them even after the toddler is old enough, because I'd be worried about my own self tripping!

There are all types of fabulously designed railings we can no longer have anymore because they don't meet the code of allowing a tennis ball to fit between the balusters. It can really stifle creativity. Looks like your home has some Art Deco details. I would keep the railing and fit it with panels in the void spaces. Acrylic or glass panels should work. Your toddler won't be a toddler forever.

None of these staircases meet code.

Too bad it is too short, you could have added tempered glass.

You didn’t say if YOU like them.

If you do, you can make them safer. But if you don’t then now is the time to redo your railings. Although it’s not an inexpensive project, you can see how the decor of a staircase makes a huge statement. @kansrewspa showed you stunning examples of “to code” railings and banisters.

Our old house had such a low railing that I felt unsafe on the second floor and redesigned it - no kids were the motivation. Just my own fear of tumbling to the first floor. If you feel unsafe, then it’s gotta go. But if you love it, you can add plexiglass, the mesh railings mentioned by @functionthelook, or something else.

Replace it. I don’t care how cool it is, it’s not to code and you have a small child. There are plenty of other beautiful options out there that meet safety codes. Alternatively, you could remove the top railing, encase it in shatterproof glass, and put a new handrail on top at the correct height. But I suspect that will be more expensive than a full replacement. You’d have to decide if that’s worth it.

Beverly, I've never see a 4" tennis ball.

GE:

You will find alterations much less expensive than replacement.

Update: we decided to remove and replace!

Good choice!

The new railing is going up but something about it is not right with me. The second pic is the inspo pic but I asked that there be more smooth transitions between curves. I just don’t like how this is looking.

Ask your contractor the questions as well. This does look “off” because the top railing should have the post at the corner, and the “swooping” wood doesn’t go with the style of your inspiration photo and metal spindles.

Which corner in regards to the top spindle?

It doesn't look like it's to code and the key word in what you say is "unsafe". So I certainly would ensure it's to code and safe.

Actually I think the gooseneck transitions (and roundovers as necessary) like you have at the landing make for a better feel to the railing than having the transitions chopped into mitered segments, but whatever is happening at the top is not correct, and there needs to be a post at the top step, the hand rail should not angle over to meet a vertical several inches off the edge of the actual steps.

GE, redryder and palmiset are pointing out that the post at the top stair looks like it is not in the correct place. Could you please take a photo of the rail looking straight up instead of at an angle? It might be an illusion created by the white piece extending into the stairs a bit. To a pro, is there supposed to be more support where the top rail connects to the wall? Or is that done correctly?

Ive included some more pics! thanks everyone for taking the time to help me. really appreciating the feedback. its been super helpful.

That last pic is when he tried to push it further back but it looks ridiculous and cuts off part of the hallway. so that was a fail.

😱. Not making progress. What didnt you like about putting a code glass railing in front of the old wiggly railing.

@whatever Because the railing was too short!

I think because of the way the landing intersects the top couple of steps, the long gooseneck at the top is the way it needs to be done unless you want the handrail just dying into the vertical member of the hallway handrail like it does in the original. So the first picture of the day is more or less correct, with that long gooseneck, because the rail has to be both parallel to the stairs and the proper height at the upper walkway.

Your stairs, as are many stairs in older houses, steeper than those in most of your inspiration photos, so the more gradual transitions shown are not going to be possible in your case.

I think K L is right: the railing seems to be straight, it just looks like it’s too far to the right because the white header actually sits on the steps, which places the baluster not exactly on the corner. As far as the “swoops” go and not liking the look of them, that’s a different story. Perhaps they have to do this with non-custom railings because they have to fit pieces together? Just a guess, we’ve never dealt with railings before.