Spindles, or balusters, are a popular stair part in both traditional and contemporary homes. If they are properly maintained and cared for, they can enhance the overall aesthetic and provide modern features to the staircase.
At Jackson Woodturners, we provide a range of different spindle styles and materials that can be easily installed. However, it can be hard to know which colour will best suit your overall staircase look.
This guide will explore the most popular spindle colours available, and provide you with information on how to choose spindle colours that best suit your home.
Jump to section:
- What are spindles?
Read about what a stair spindle is, and how they can help improve your staircase aesthetic. - Should you consider black spindles for your home?
Discover the benefits of both black wood and metal spindles, and whether they are suitable for your home. - What are the benefits of choosing white spindles?
Discover the types of white spindles available, and why you should consider them. - What spindle and handrail colours go together well?
Find out how to create a cohesive spindle and handrail design for your staircase. - What colours in the stairwell should I have to complement my spindles?
Discover how you should match or contrast your spindles colours with your stairwell. - Frequently asked questions
Read the most frequently asked questions on spindles, their styles and colours, here.
What are spindles?
The purpose of a spindle is to connect the base rail and the handrail on a staircase and provide support, stability, and a fence to block anything (or anyone) from falling through it. Although they provide support, they are often seen as more decorative stair parts as they are available in various styles.
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Twist |
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Should you consider black spindles for your home?
Black coloured stair spindles are often made from metal, but you can paint timber spindles black as a quick way to update your wooden staircase.
Wood
Painting wooden spindles in high-gloss black paint can create a dramatic finish, especially when paired with a white handrail. The black shade can create a dynamic contrast from the other parts of the staircase. Consider painting parts of the spindle, such as the middle intricate design and leaving the ends in its natural wood.
However, it is important to consider certain factors before painting any wooden spindles. According to expert Mark Finney, of Finney’s Wood Finishes:
“Painting is a common solution (for finishing stairs) but remember that this type of surface coating may chip or flake. You can also wax this using clear finishing wax for a smoother, more natural-looking surface”.
Interested in wooden spindles?
Shop the Pine Classic Spindle.
This pine spindle is part of the pine range of modern and traditional stair parts. The pine Classic Spindle will sit in a 32mm groove on a hand and base rail.
Shop the entire pine spindle range here.
Interested in clear finishing wax?
Our recommended Treatex Hardwax Oil:
Treatex Hardwax Oil comes in Clear, Matt, and Satin. Simply, apply two coats with a brush or roller on the stair parts to enhance and protect the natural beauty of the wood.
At Jackson Woodturners, we provide a range of wooden spindles that can easily be finished by painting or varnishing.
Shop the entire Treatex Hardwax Oil range here.
Metal
The black metal spindles available from Jackson Woodturners are made of a mild steel that’s been powder coated or spray finished.
Although black metal stair spindles are available in wrought iron (where the iron has been heated and worked with tools) or cast iron (where the iron has been melted and poured into a mould and cooled), this material is more readily used for external spindles and handrails. Black metal spindles are a more cost-effective choice for internal staircases.
Interested in metal spindles?
Our recommended black square metal stair part:
Shop the Iron Black Rectangular Frame Spindle.
This black metal spindle is part of the Iron – Contemporary Metal range and can be used in conjunction with either the Matt Black Fitting or the Oak Iron Grooved Handrail.
Shop the entire Iron - Square range here.
Our recommended black round metal stair part:
Shop the Iron Black Round Frame Spindle.
This round frame spindle is part of the Iron – Contemporary metal range of stair parts by Jackson Woodturners, combining oak and iron together in a stylish modern design. This can be used with either the black metal feet products or the landing handrail and base rail.
Shop the entire Iron – Round range here.
Mixing black coloured stair spindles with white or natural wooden stairs or handrails and base rails is a classic choice. As black metal spindles can be modern or traditional in style, they can complement any décor.
You can also shop the full range of metal spindles here.
What are the benefits of choosing white spindles?
The crisp finish of white wood can instantly brighten up a balustrade and create a striking contrast when mixed with timber or black metal.
The two main options for white spindles are:
- buying white coloured stair spindles
- painting existing timber spindles white
White primed wood
White primed stair parts are made from either birch or poplar wood and are pre-primed and ready to install. They can be easily finished with any solvent-based topcoat or just left as they are. However, bear in mind that there can be some colour variation between batches, which means you may want to add a coat of white paint, or any colour of your choice, for a uniform finish.
Interested in white primed spindles?
Our recommended white primed spindle part:
Shop the white primed double twist spindle here.
This spindle is part of the white primed range of modern and traditional stair parts. It is a plain square spindle that is 900mm long, with the middle section twisted 360 degrees.
Browse the entire white primed spindle range here.
Paint
You can paint any timber spindle white but if they are made of elegant woods such as oak or walnut, you might want to avoid painting over them. According to architectural interior designer Louisa De Paola:
“Timeless, fresh and make sure it is white—brilliant white—as ivory or cream just looks dirty. White is great used on traditional spindles, with a dark wooden handrail, styled with a grey carpet.”
Painting spindles white, or replacing existing spindles with white primed ones, is a simple way to give a dated staircase an elegant, modern update without spending a fortune. Painting spindles white can also freshen up spindles that aren’t in a good enough condition to stain and polish.
To find out more about staircase spindles, visit the page Your guide to spindles—types, materials, styles, fitting and maintenance.
What handrail and spindle colours go together well?
To make a cohesive handrail and spindle design, you can match the colour by using the exact same colour for each, or a different shade of the same colour. This can create airy spaces that feel bright, particularly if you choose a bright colour or pastel colour.
Alternatively, you can also choose opposing colours to create a striking contrast and make the balustrade stand out. This can work particularly well with monochromatic colours such as a white handrail with black coloured stair spindles.
With a wooden handrail, you’ll often find black metal spindles to create a traditional look with some intricate spindles. If you have a mid-toned wood, you can use this type of wood throughout easily. If you have a dark wood then using light coloured stair spindles will draw the eye upwards and give the feeling of more space.
What colours in the stairwell should I have to complement my spindle colour?
With most balustrade designs, you can’t go wrong with a light and bright stairwell. White is generally the standard colour of choice, although many will also go for a light cream to provide a bit of warmth to the passageway.
Having a contrast between the spindles and the wall is a great way to make the spindles stand out, so it’s a good idea to choose dark spindles and a light wall. You can create some great contrasts using the same colour theme but different tones to make a modern statement staircase.
Spindle Colour FAQs
What is the difference between spindles and balusters?
Spindles and balusters are interchangeable terms that refer to the same stair part; the narrow pieces that support the handrail or newel post.
To find out more information on spindles, read our complete guide here.
How to work out spindle spacing on stairs?
This all depends on the specific size, and whether they are needed for a cut-string staircase. At Jackson Woodturners, we produce spindles in 32mm, 41mm, and 56mm sizes.
Find out more about how to calculate spindle size and quantity here.
How do you paint spindles without drips?
Although spraying the paint is a much quicker option, there is the risk that you will make a mess on the rest of your staircase, especially if you have never done it before. We recommend using a roller or brush for more precise placement. Make sure to use plastic sheets that cover the rest of the stair parts just in case of spillage.
Find out more information on the best way to apply paint to spindles here.
What paint to use on stair spindles?
If you’re painting wooden spindles, paint made for wood is essential to make sure the finish doesn’t start to flake or mark over time. It’s specially designed to bind with wood and create a smoother, longer lasting finish.
Wood paint will generally come in three finishes, eggshell, satin, and gloss. Eggshell is perfect for a more ‘matte’ finish that doesn’t reflect. Satin has a slight sheen to it, but is an exceptionally hard wearing finish that stands up well in high traffic areas with intense cleaning and scrubbing. Finally, gloss is highly reflective and provides a contemporary finish that is easy to clean and highly durable for high traffic areas.
