A client called me up recently to get some ideas for veranda railing design and decorative options. They had a beautiful home-sleek, clean, and elegant with the hint of a warm glow radiating from their fireplace that made it incredibly homey despite its modern simplicity. I don't work as often with contemporary aesthetics as I do with a more rustic look, so I brought along my design-minded niece for the consultation. She was my eye for style so I could help them capture their modern vision.

On the drive over to their home, my niece gave me a rundown of the main points of contemporary and Mid-Century Modern interior home design. Contemporary design focuses on letting a lot of natural light in, suggests interior colors be kept light, and features open spaces and floor plans with a lot of straight lines and sharp angles. Mid-Century Modern plans are similar: MCM actually encompasses a collection of designs from about 1933-1965, including contemporary.

With many common features, they both blend aesthetically with cable or glass deck and balcony railings. With the help of my creatively minded niece, I was able to offer my fashionable clients modern veranda railing ideas that complimented their home and promised long lasting style.

Modern Glass Deck Railings Options

If you’re going for open spaces and natural light, glass should be high on your list. Glass railing products tend to be rectangular and will accentuate the streamlined elements of Mid-Century Modern and contemporary home designs. The transparency of glass makes verandas feel open and spacious while the powder-coated aluminum and iron components they are usually installed with also lend themselves to a modern aesthetic. And, despite the common misconception, glass does not get dirty quite as often as many people believe.

One important note about glass railings, though, is that full pane glass balusters can warm up your veranda or sitting area by magnifying the sun's heat. They also tend to block wind. So, if your home is in a chilly location, or you like to spend time outside in the cooler months, glass may be a perfect fit for your balcony. Conversely, if you live in a warmer Mediterranean or desert climate, glass may not be the right choice for your deck railing.

As a happy medium, consider glass balusters instead of a full pane infill. The spacing allows for airflow, meaning wind can get in and heat can get out. And, less glass leads to less magnification of the sun's rays in the first place, as well.

Vertical Cable Railing for Modern Deck Design

Vertical cable railings are one of the most modern deck railing designs on the market. They’re made from stainless steel cables pulled tightly between the top and bottom rail. Sleek with a pristine allure, the rails are usually made from powder-coated iron and are commonly offered in black, which complements the contemporary look of a modern home quite nicely.

The clean look of the stainless steel cables paired with black powder-coating blends well with the grays and greens of modern house colors. They also give your veranda an openness, much like glass, making it feel bigger. And, they're compatible with composite, vinyl, wood, and metal railing posts. Like the open feel of glass but not sure about the cleaning or heat insulation? Vertical cable deck railings may be just the style you're looking for.

One small possible downside that should be considered is that while vertical cable railings have a great look, if your home doesn't have a modern design plan, it may not flow with your home's aesthetics. It doesn't offer a lot of versatility with colors either as stainless steel is rarely painted (though you will have a choice of colors for the railing and posts). If your home is a classic MCM, though, vertical cables are a design-minded homeowner's dream come true.

Metal Railing for Decks Is Contemporary but Versatile

Metal railings have a variety of designs and colors to choose from; you won’t have a problem finding an option that fits with your home, whether it’s Mid-Century Modern or contemporary in design. They’re typically powder-coated so their luster will last for years with little need for maintenance. Metal railings also come in iron options or in pre-welded aluminum railing systems. Not only that, but there are plenty of accessories to choose between allowing you to personalize your veranda or deck railing, from top rail accessories to lighting accents and post caps.

Versatility can be bittersweet, though. Metal railings have a lot of variety, and not a lot of bad things can things can be said about them; it's likely you'll find an option you like. But, modern design is niche. Glass or vertical cable railings may make a stronger statement for homeowners who want to stay true to MCM designs.

My niece and I took a quick tour of my hip clients' home to get a feel for their design, layout, and decor aesthetics. They seemed to favor glass throughout their home with many floor to ceiling windows that gave the whole house a very open feel. Considering this clear preference for spaciousness and light, we suggested full panel glass railings with black metal posts and rails. We showed them pictures of similar homes with glass railing systems and they were instantly sold.

Since I only work with Fortress Building Products, I was confident I was offering my upscale clients top quality products. Their metal railings are galvanized steel with a zinc coating, an e-coat to protect against moisture, and a powder coat, which is extremely durable and UV resistant. If your tastes run toward the vertical cables, they’re constructed with top-of-the-line 316-grade stainless steel, incredibly resistant to corrosion and wear. Common across all their railing systems is the low maintenance requirements and unique multiple coatings that will keep your railings looking beautiful with minimal effort on your part. So go ahead and give them a call at (844)-909-2999 if you have questions, or connect with them via their online contact form.

Do you or your clients have any projects lined up for the summer? Stop by Fortress Building Products while you’re at it to check out their decking, fencing, and fastener products. They’re top-quality and promise to make your job a lot easier. Summers are busy for me, so I count on Fortress to get through jobs quickly, efficiently—and with a little less sweat.