The Pros and Cons of Having Glass Stair Panels

Glass stair panels are a glass vertical infill sometimes used between the handrail and baserail on a balustrade. Having a glass balustrade, whether paired with a metal or wood handrail, is one of the most popular options for transforming a UK home into something more modern. 

But why are they so popular? Are there any downsides to using them, rather than traditional spindles?

Here, we cover the advantages and disadvantages of having glass stair panels fitted for your staircase so you can make a better-informed decision for your home.

Advantages to Having Glass Stair Panels

With glass panels on your staircase, you will get:

Better Lighting

Staircases are often one of the darker parts of a property. This can make them difficult or dangerous to use, while also making the space seem smaller or more closed-in. Having a glass staircase, or glass parts on a staircase, can help to prevent this by allowing a large amount of natural light in. This also reduces the need for artificial lighting in these areas.

Easier Maintenance

Glass panels are very easy and inexpensive to maintain, as you only need to clean them to keep them looking their best. Timber spindles, especially if they are painted, will need more care and attention than this.

Enhanced Staircase Safety

Any professional company will be making their glass stair panels from toughened glass. These are perfectly safe to use and are extremely unlikely to shatter or break. An increased amount of light coming through the stairs should also make each step more visible, reducing the risk of falls.

Enhanced Style in Your Home

Glass panels provide a luxurious, modern aesthetic to any property, enhancing the overall look and appeal of your home.

Unrestricted Views of Stylish Designs

With completely clear panelling, there are no obstacles between your line of sight and any decoration you have applied to your staircase area. Whether you have a gorgeous carpet or stair runner complete with matching stair rods that you want to display to visiting friends and family, or have a feature wall or lighting next to your stairs and you want to see it in its entirety, glass panels offer the views you need.

Disadvantages to Having Glass Stair Panels

When fitting glass stair panels, you should also bear in mind that there might be:

A Price Difference

It’s often more expensive to have glass stair panels fitted in the UK. Every panel involved in the installation process will have to be measured and cut bespoke to the size of your staircase, and this will usually be achieved using computer-aided design (CAD). The installation process will also come with a price tag, as this kind of work should only ever be carried out by an expert.

A Lack of Privacy

Staircases might not be the first place you think of in a home as being “private”, but it’s also possible for staircases with glass panels to feel too open. This can be a benefit if you have small children, as you will always be able to see them, but others might be put off by the perceived openness.

Less Warmth

Depending on the materials you’ve chosen for handrails and baserails, your staircase may not produce the same feeling of warmth as a material like timber might in a home. This is to do with the typical colours associated with wood, which are usually “warm”. If you are only using glass, or if the glass is paired with metal, this will produce “cold” colours in the room and may make the stairway seem colder.

More Cleaning Required

As with glass doors and windows, glass panels for stairs will need to be cleaned a lot to keep them in their best condition. 

Frequent washing with the correct cleaning agent, and using the right technique, will help you to maintain the perfect finish for your glass. It will also prevent leftover stains or streaks which would prevent the glass from looking its clearest or offering you an unrestricted view of all your interior design.

Ideas and Accessorising All Kinds of Stairs

If you have been thinking about remodelling your staircase and need ideas to get it done from the ground up, we can help with advice and inspiration. Check out our guides on everything from childproofing your stairs to modernising your staircase and renovating stairs on a budget. We can even explain why you need a modern runner for your staircase!

When you’ve finished deciding how the stairs themselves should look, it will be time to decide on accessories. We have a myriad of styles, patterns, and designs of stair runners – with matching or complementing stair rods – for you to choose from here. Order yours today and you’ll even get free UK delivery on orders over £75.