Use This Clever Idea To Easily Update Your Staircase Railing On A DIY Budget

It's easy to overlook your staircase when redecorating, but changing up the style, from the appearance of the steps to the design and color of the banister can drastically transform the whole impression your home makes. If you're renovating on a budget, however, you might not be able to replace your banister professionally, which averages in cost around $1,600. Fortunately, you can look to Instagram for inspiration and come upon a DIY solution for a fraction of the cost. Simple changes like removing the finials and giving the rail a new coat of paint can make it look like a brand-new piece.

A single update to large focal points in the main areas of your house can have a big impact on the overall aesthetic and design concept of a space just as small changes like improved lighting or a stylish entryway rug can positively influence your mood and your enjoyment of your home. So if you're feeling stuck in your space, resist the urge to feel overwhelmed by all the things you want to update and focus on just changing one. Not only could it make a big difference, it could also motivate you to take on new projects. The handrail of your staircase is as good a place to start as any.

Frustrated by the outdated design of their stair rail, Instagram account @mapledrivedesigns took decisive action by sawing off the newel post caps altogether. This instantly changed the profile of the banister, taking it from a traditional Colonial architectural design to a more contemporary flat cap. That, plus the sleek new paint color in a dark hue brings an air of luxury and high-end interior design that the old staircase finish simply didn't have.

Of course, there are a few steps between the decision to remove the finials and the finished product. If you choose to go this route yourself, first everything will need to be sanded down to remove the old finish and leave a smooth surface that's free of splinters or gouges. The best way to go about this is to remove the entire banister and spindles from the stairs so they can be sanded — and eventually refinished — individually. After the sanding is done, prime your pieces and then paint them with two coats each, allowing everything to fully dry between applications. Dark hues add drama, while lighter tones can exude comfort and elegance. Choose a color that will enhance and amplify your personality and décor. Apply a sealant like Minwax Polycrylic (available at Lowe's and other retailers for around $25 per quart) before reattaching the rail to improve its durability.

Sometimes the banister on your staircase is itself in good shape, but the hardware, spindles, and newel posts no longer fit your aesthetic. These can actually be changed out fairly easily if you want to take things a step further than simply removing an old finial and changing the rail finish. In fact, if you look closely at the Instagram video, the spindles actually do change from a square-top, turned traditional style, to a slim, modern rod with decorative attachments at the top and bottom.

Stair balusters and finial caps can be purchased at various hardware and home improvement stores for much cheaper than you might realize. For example, The Home Depot has nearly 300 different options in stair balusters of both metal and wood varieties, starting as low as $4 each. Or you can buy a new, decorative finial cap for your banister newel post on Etsy, in almost any design you can think of, with a wide range of price points. Just remember to make it your own, and this quick, easy, and inexpensive DIY will make your staircase a stylish focal point.