Bannister Dilemma

[ThisYear]

I am just about to decorate my hallway and stairs and want to paint all the woodwork to make it lighter and brighter.

Looking at ideas online I have realised there are no images of a solid bannister like this.
Do you think there’s a good reason for this and it is too dated?

Do you think it needs changing for spindles?
Would it look better natural even if the skirting, window frames, picture frames and door frames are painted?

I am keeping the doors unpainted if that makes a difference.

We live in a 1920’s house with a similar style of banister. I’d say it’s a period feature and wouldn’t rip it out. We’ve kept ours dark wood and think of it as a bit of a feature as you come in.
If you leave it be, the space won’t be as light as it could be but you’ve got windows there as it looks like the amount of light in your hall is sufficient.

I think it's beautiful and wouldn't paint it. I'd look at changing the lighting and maybe using a mirror or two to reflect light around.

I also think it’s lovely as it is and wouldn't paint or take it out. Can’t work out if it’s a period house or a good quality newbuild. Either way, I think you’d be mad to alter it. I actually think it would look more dated if you painted it. Let the beautiful wood speak I say.

Another vote for leaving it alone. I really like it.

I think it's lovely, I'd really wax it up for a lovely soft sheen and go with the mattest flattest white, let the wood speak for itself.
I love those newel posts.

I'm more intrigued by that window next to the landing floor! I don't really like dark wood so I would paint it a much lighter colour, although it looks quite a big job. I wouldn't change it for spindles though, it's very unusual.

Thank you so much for all your comments. That’s pretty unanimous. I shall leave it and admire it!
It’s a 30’s house thewhitechapelfatberg

metalmum It’s a strange place for a window, I agree. Although the dog loves sitting there to see who’s coming!

Don’t touch it!!!

It’s gorgeous

I have visions of all your neighbours admiring your feet as you walk past!

We have a 1950s house that had a banister which was similar in style but no where near as grand or beautiful as yours, we took it out and replaced with spindles. Its made an amazing difference to the amount of light in the hallway. However yours does look stunning and if light isn't a problem then I'd leave it as it is.

Might be worth investigating to see if there are original spindles underneath the 'solid' veneer. It was common to add a veneer to give that contemporary 1950's look. I still have the tack holes in the spindles where the veneer was removed about 30 years ago...

That said, I rather like the look of yours. Definitely wouldn't paint it.

Adding yet another voice the the 'it's beautiful!' choir - but it really is!

Definitely no spindles underneath. I am going to take the suggestions of better lighting, mirrors and a flat white wall and leave the wood.
Thank you again for all your comments.

It is beautiful. My dog would love a window like that - able to keep an eye on the upstairs, the downstairs and the outside all at once.

I would paint it. Our house is 1911 and we painted all the woodwork white and it is stunning (imo).

@JoJoSM2 Are your skirting boards/picture rails painted?

It would be a criminal offence to paint it. Honestly. Just don’t.

This is what ours looks like: a lot darker than yours :) As we're otherwise keen on light interiors, our other woodwork is white and the walls relatively pale. We added a bit of dark on the floor + have a black fireplace and a darker sofa on the other side of the entrance hall to tie the stairs in a little.

That is beautiful, I am inspired now. It's helped me visualise what I can achieve.
What colour are your walls?

Thank you for the compliment. I'm sorry but for the life of me I can't remember the colour the walls are - DH is the colour expert who sees undertones and subtleties and he picked sth from the Little Green range.

I'd leave the banisters , but paint the window surrounds.

Absolutely beautiful as it is. Glad you’ve decided to leave it :)

I would touch any of it, it's the most beautiful, aged golden oak.