Indoor staircases are often one of the most defining architectural elements in a house—and the railing is what most influences how the staircase is perceived. A heavy wooden railing or solid wall makes the staircase appear visually heavy. A wire railing does the opposite: it provides the necessary fall protection and handrail support, while allowing light and the view through the staircase to pass freely.
Indoor Wire Railings – Why They Work
An indoor wire railing consists of horizontal wires stretched between posts made of powder-coated aluminum or stainless steel. The wires are typically 4 mm thick and tensioned to form parallel lines from the floor to the handrail. The visual effect is airy—the railing is there but does not close off the room.
In an indoor stairwell, this is especially noticeable if the staircase is located near a window or in an open-concept space. A wire railing allows light to pass right through, keeping the stairwell or the passageway between floors bright. A wall or a solid railing would have cast a shadow.
Safety and Regulations for Indoor Cable Railings
Indoor stair railings are governed by the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building, and Planning’s building codes. The railing must be at least 900 mm high on stairs in residential buildings, and the spacing must not exceed certain dimensions to prevent small children from climbing over or their heads from getting stuck.
In commercial settings (offices, hotels, public buildings), stricter regulations may apply. In such cases, closer spacing or a combination of wire and glass panels is often used.
Three Common Questions About Indoor Cable Railings
Can children climb on the railing?
The wires are horizontal and taut, but the distance between them (100 mm) means that a foot cannot get a foothold in the same way as on a ladder. In practice, it does not function as a climbing aid. For homes with very young children, there’s the option of combining a cable railing with a lower glass panel at the bottom—this completely covers the first 200–300 mm.
How often do the cables need to be tightened?
Indoors, where the temperature is constant and humidity is low, the cables sag less than they do outdoors. You should check the tension every 5–10 years. The adjustment takes just a few minutes and requires only a hex wrench.
Does the wire railing affect the acoustics in the stairwell?
Minimal. It allows light to pass through but does not block sound—sound is still reflected off the walls and floor. If acoustics are a problem in the stairwell, the solution lies in the materials used on the walls and floor, not in the railing.
Linea and Tenso – two indoor models
We offer two main styles of railings suitable for indoor staircases:
- Linea – stainless steel cable with posts and handrails made of powder-coated aluminum. Available in any RAL color so the railing can match other details in your home. Most commonly found in modern homes.
- Linea Step – a fully stainless steel handrail made of AISI 316L. The natural stainless steel finish is ideal for homes with industrial or minimalist decor, where the character of the metal becomes an integral part of the interior.
Plan Your Stair Railing
- Measure the staircase's geometry precisely. Note the rise, run, and total number of steps. If possible, please also send photos—this will help us see where the stairs meet the floor and walls.
- Decide whether the railing should be on one or both sides. The Swedish National Board of Housing, Building, and Planning requires a railing on at least one side where there is a risk of falling; many people choose to install railings on both sides to provide support on both sides.
- Choose a color or finish. Linea in a painted finish or Tenso in natural stainless steel—the choice depends on the character of the interior.
When a wire railing isn't the right choice for indoor use
Wire railings suit most modern interiors, but there are situations where other types of railings are a better choice. In homes with many children who play near the stairs, the combination of wire and a glass panel at the bottom is often safer. In older homes with a distinctly classic interior, a wooden or wrought-iron railing may better reflect the home’s character.
Find the perfect railing for your project
Explore our stylish and modern wire railings or view all of our custom solutions for indoor spaces.
