Banister, balustrade, baluster? If you have decided to renovate your home, you might have heard these terms and yes, they are confusing! Balustrades are rows of small columns made of different materials such as glass below a railing and they are commonly used for staircases and balconies. In Modern design, glass balustrades are very catchy. But how banister and balustrade are different?
In this article, we will explain why glass balustrades are a great option for interior and exterior purposes. Also, we will explain the difference between banister and balustrade. In addition, if you are looking for glass balustrades in London, you can trust Crystal Glass Ltd experts on delivering high quality balustrades. Call us today for free quotes and expert advice.
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Banister and balustrade difference
As a kid have you ever slid down the banister, coming to an abrupt stop at the bottom of the stairs when you hit that newel post? Well, technically it wasn’t a banister at all. The word “banister” comes from the word baluster, which is really a pomegranate flower! A bit confusing, I know… But let’s explain more.
A baluster is really a shape that became an architectural detail. Nowadays, baluster mean any brace between the handrail and footrail (or string) of a railing system. So, the banister is really the spindle.
In general, the handrail, footrail, and balusters all components of a balustrade. So a balustrade is a series of balusters. Many people today call the whole system a banister and anything between the rails is a baluster.
Let’s put it this way:
A “balustrade” is a sequence of balusters that support a handrail.
A “banister” (also spelled with two “n”s) is another name for a staircase baluster, but many architects and interior designers prefer to use the word “banister” to refer to a narrower, more modern support.
Baluster vs spindle

We have come to a conclusion on banister and balustrade difference and you might think well that was all. But then comes the word “spindle”. So what is spindle and how it defers from baluster?
Well, a baluster and spindle are actually almost the same thing, so you don’t need to worry much for the difference. But the word “spindle” is more commonly used when compared to baluster, because of course it is easier to remember and say.
Aside from that, balusters usually rest on a footing; this could be a step, floor or deck, whereas, spindles are supported by a horizontal rail at the bottom that is attached to the posts.
Spindles and balusters are the key components in a railing system that are both decorative and functional. They assure the safety of anyone walking near an unsafe edge and support a hand rail we hold onto for support.
Now that we have covered banister and balustrade difference as well as banister and spindle comparison, let’s take a look at glass balustrades which are a very trendy option for various purposes.
glass balustrades for home and office

Framed or frameless glass balustrades are one of the best aesthetic solutions for your home that can enhance ambient light and create a more spacious feel in modern or even classic buildings.
In addition to interior uses, glass balustrades have outdoor applications too. They can be a great choice for balconies, patio, pool areas, etc. You can choose a handrail of your desired material for frame, but you can also go for the frameless balustrade and in that case, a thicker glass will be used.
There are many reasons why glass balustrades are a great option for both domestic and commercial properties:
- The price is fairly attractive
- They are characterized as high quality products
- It is possible to decorate the glass and it goes well with LED lighting systems
- Glass balustrade meets all health and safety regulations for homes
Glass Balustrades offered by Crystal Glass
If you are looking for best glass balustrades in London and Home Counties (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, and Sussex), you can trust Crystal Glass Ltd. Crystal glass owns a team of glass experts and with their qualifications and noticeable experience; they do their best to fulfill high quality glass installation projects.
Your glass balustrades can have your desirable style which is fit for the architecture of the place.
We make all types of glass balustrade system to suit any property.
- Glass Balcony Systems
- Bolted Glass Balustrade Systems
- Glass Balustrade Clamping Systems
- Channel Set Glass Balustrade Systems
- Curved Glass Balustrade Systems for Spiral Staircases
- External Glass Balustrade Systems
- Post and Clamp Glass Balustrade Systems
- Post and Rail Glass Balustrade Systems
- Resin Set Glass Balustrades
If you want to receive expert advice and suggestions for balustrades or you need a free quote, just give us a call today.





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