Staircase update, do I paint the bannister or replace totally?

[ActualAl]

Looking to update my staircase. Does anyone have any recommendations of whether I should paint the dark wood bannister and spindles with a lighter colour (and would that be a massive job) or whether it would be better to replace it all with something a bit more up to date (and if so, would that be a job for a joiner or a bespoke company)? I'm going to be changing the carpet so planning to do it all at the same time.
I'm not great at imagining what things would look like so if anyone has any pictures that could give me inspiration that would be great!

These are my spindles. I've been thinking of same but I'm put off by the thought of stripping them ☹️

I have similar style. Painted it gloss white (apparently that is dated) and put a runner in with stair rods. It looks great to me.

What can really look outstanding (to me anyway) is when you paint the bannisters a really contrasting colour and then have everything else white/light colours. Bit risky though if you then decide you don't like the colour.

I think that sort of finish should be easy to sand and paint over, but painting the spindles is a job. I did mine gloss and you need to work hard to avoid drips otherwise it will look awful. It's not hard to avoid the drips but you do have to put some effort in.

No pictures yet but we have a bannister with off-white spindles and dark wood along the top where you hold it. We're having it painted all white in eggshell finish. No idea if that's dated or not but our landing is quite gloomy so we are making all the colours lighter.
I'm paying a decorator to do it for me though!

Could you just paint some of it to update it rather than the whole lot? E.g. paint the spindles satin white and sand and oil the handrail at the top.

I would love to have a staircase like yours. I agree the colour needs changing.
Find a time served Painter & decorator, to strip & paint in a hard wearing white matt eggshell? Could look Timeless & stunning!

Thanks everyone for the comments. I'm surprised no-one has said to replace them though!
My original idea was to paint it all white. I had spoken to a painter and decorator previously who wasn't keen to quote for the job, said it was too fiddly and that the paint wouldn't last.
I'm now wondering whether to try painting just the spindles and the bottom skirting bits white and leave the top and posts brown. Would be cheaper and less hassle than replacing the whole lot.

Are you on Facebook? Have a look at the group Frenchic Paint and search in the group for staircase. It will give you lots of ideas of painted spindles in various colours. Also Pinterest - search for staircase ideas.

If you paint the spindles in a light neutral colour or a lovely green, it would really compliment the wooden bannister.

I wouldn't replace what you have - it's lovely. I would definitely paint the spindles though !

Something like this? Found on Pinterest.

Neither, its lovely don't destroy it.

I have these, they were a horrible shade of brown wood stain. They’re a bugger to sand and paint and seem to chip quite easily despite several coats of decent wood paint. I’d replace them for modern straight ones.
mine are in a 20-30yr old property, there’s nothing historical about them!

I think they’re lovely as they are. They look to be in good condition, low-maintenance and presumably appropriate to the age of the house.

Please don’t replace them! They’re gorgeous. Paint them with Zinnser, hardwearing and a no sand primer.

Ours were similar, painted them white quite a few years ago, seem to remember warnings that it wouldn’t last but we’ve never had any issues with chipping. I think it’s been painted white twice, and shortly will be a third time. It looks a lot brighter/fresher. I’m tempted to replace with glass one day but probably won’t!

You could go for something like the photo above, leaving the handrail wood, but paint the spindles dark grey or black. It's easier to go from wood to a dark colour than white.

That bannister looks nice and in good condition, so I get the hesitation to rip it out, but if you're already changing the carpet and doing a bit of a refresh, it might be a good time to think bigger picture.

Painting spindles can look lovely, but it’s a lot of effort for a finish that might not hold up long term unless it’s prepped and sealed properly (and even then, scuffs happen). If you're leaning modern, you could consider something more open, I’ve seen some really sleek bespoke staircases like this one with clean lines and a lighter feel. Totally changes the look of the hallway without feeling cold.

Not saying yours needs to go, but if the rest of the house is getting a lift too, it might be worth exploring. Even just swapping the spindles for something simpler could make a big difference.

I know you wanted to paint it a lighter colour but, I just wanted to show an example where I used Painting the Past wood paint. They have 50 different colours specifically for paining on wood surfaces so I would recommend.