3 Unique Staircase Features You’ll Find in Historic Homes

  • iron

  • Chrome

Choose a finish that complements your existing hardware—such as doorknobs, hinges, and light fixtures—for a cohesive look.

3. One Upside-Down Baluster

A baluster—also called a spindle—is the vertical post that supports the handrail on a staircase. In most homes, all balusters are installed identically, standing upright in perfect alignment.

But in some historic homes, you may notice something unusual: one baluster is installed upside down.

Why?

Belief Origin
“Only God’s creations are perfect” Builders intentionally included an imperfection to acknowledge human limitation
Superstition (English origin) An upside-down