Railing styles, like any other architectural design elements change and evolve with the times. Modern railing styles have even evolved and changed from the late 1990’s into 2021. In the late 1990’s stainless steel and cable railing systems seemed to be all the rage and now railing styles have transitioned into a more architectural style with round or flat bar verticals and horizontals. The two most popular railing styles that seem to be trending are the flat bar style or the rod railing style. 

Both the flat bar style and the rod railing style are open and airy. They have a light feel without being too busy or overwhelming, which coordinates with the modern feel of most spaces. 

Rod railing is typically ½” or 5/8” round vertical or horizontal rods with a flat bar top and square or flat bar post. A bottom channel is used to weld the rods and create a clean line at the bottom of the rail. Often for interior railings, if the rods are vertical, they can be drilled and hammered into the wood stair treads or flooring. To add a modern touch, the railing can have an inverted channel or a flat bar top that is drilled and counter sunk for a wood handrail can be installed by a carpenter. The wood top often matches the flooring and creates a cohesive look. Rod railings are simplistic and modern in style and create an open and airy look in a space. 

Flat bar railing style usually has horizontal flat bar runs and square tubing posts. The material sizing can be scaled to match the feel of the space. The scale and size of the flat bar material can create an architectural element that is minimalistic at the same time.  The flat bar style typically has a flat bar top as well. Like the rod railing, a flat bar railing can also be drilled and counter sunk for a wood top that is installed by a carpenter. The wood top often matches the flooring and creates a cohesive look. Flat bar style railings are modern but also tend to be more architectural in style. 

Rod and flat bar railing styles seem to be the new trend for both interior and exterior spaces. These railing styles are modern and open; they create a contemporary design aesthetic in any space.