All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.If you find yourself sifting through seemingly endless deck ideas, take a moment to zoom in and pay close attention to deck railing ideas. Railing systems are a crucial part of any deck and deserve as much consideration as the actual structure. Modern railing systems can span everything from traditional white wood decks with wood posts to cable deck railings and glass panels. So whether you’re a homeowner who’s building a new deck or if you find yourself in the middle of a remodel, there’s plenty to consider. Regardless if you’re googling “what is a baluster” or if you’re a seasoned pro, here are a few questions you should ask yourself before embarking on your decking project.Photo: Cass Cleave, Courtesy of ORCA1/41Pull from the environmentUse the same material across all outdoor amenities to create consistency, like in this home by ORCA. “The decking is made from black locust, a deciduous hardwood tree native to North America. We designed the railing to integrate alongside the soaking tub while maintaining visibility to the view of the Marin hillside that extends beyond the deck,” explains Molly Sedlacek, the firm’s principal and founder.Photo: Courtesy of Kerrie Kelly Studio2/41Don’t be afraid to customize cable railsIf you decide to use a cable railing for a minimalist look, you should play around with proportions. Kerrie Kelly, Designer, CEO, and creative director of Kerrie Kelly Studio used the same railing for the deck and front porch, saying “for this project, we chose Feeney’s custom black cable rail to create a seamless visual connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces while maintaining durability and safety. We considered sightlines, material longevity, and how the rail system could enhance—not interrupt—the surrounding views. The custom aspect allowed us to tailor the spacing, finish, and integration with other materials in the space.”Photo: Bjorg Magnea, Courtesy of PJCArchitecture3/41Privacy is importantIf your deck faces a neighbor or busy street, there are a number of interesting ways you can add privacy without sacrificing style. Take for instance this deck on a Southampton, New York, home. The aesthetic of the ground level fence was replicated in the deck railing, creating privacy and a sense of visual cohesion.Photo: Courtesy of Feeney and Kerrie Kelly4/41Explore laser cut optionsLaser-cut metal panels are another unique option for deck railing, as seen in this collaboration between designer Kerrie Kelly and Feeney These decorative railings come in a variety of patterns and colors, offering both privacy and visual interest for indoor or outdoor spaces. Made from powder-coated aluminum, the railings offer a low maintenance and durable option for homeowners.Photo: Stephen Karlisch5/41Simple lines can be funIf you’re nervous about larger structures or losing too much visibility, you can use simple, straight lines, as seen in this deck by Kara Adams, which channels a light, coastal feel. This Naples, Florida, home uses the same railing design both inside and out, creating a seamless blend between both entertaining spaces. For an added layer of interest, consider using colors for the railing.Photo: Pierre Galant Photography6/41Go super practicalIf you’re not interested in buying and maintaining outdoor furniture, think about using built-in wood benches as a functional alternative to traditional railings on an all-wooden deck. This approach keeps the space open while providing seating and a natural, cohesive look that blends with the deck design and the rest of the environment.Photo: Bjorg Magnea, Courtesy of PJCArchitecture7/41Use slatsIf your deck experiences heavy winds, consider a slatted wall for your railing. “The slatted barriers temper any heavy winds, but still allow for the coastal breeze to pass through for a cooling effect,” said Philip J. Consalvo, AIA; principal of PJCArchitecture. These kinds of slats also allow for additional privacy and sun filtering.Photo: Courtesy of Amazing Gardens & Construction8/41Strategically incorporate lighting“One of the most notable trends in the railing world is the move toward sleek, minimalist railing solutions, and cable railings have become a go-to choice for homeowners looking to emphasize openness and flow,” says Michelle Hendricks, director of marketing at Deckorators. “This style complements the desire for unobstructed views and seamless integration with the surrounding environment.” If the look feels too hyper-minimalist, use lighting to inject some personality into the area, as seen in this deck featuring Deckorators’ Contemporary Cable Rail.Photo: Michael W. Goencz9/41Use natural materialsSeaside decks are often synonymous with glass paneling, but, as Sarah Baeumler, founder of Caerula Mar Club notes, being steps away from the sea can make glass deck railing impractical for upkeep and safety. Another consideration is whether the modern look that accompanies glass railings matches the rest of the architecture. Baeumler says of the design seen here, “We wanted to preserve the charm of the original villas but provide an elevated design that would age beautifully with the property…. The use of a glass railing would not suit the relaxed nature of [the property].” Instead she opted for treated wood posts that would provide a classic look without significantly obstructing the views.Photo: Kim Pritchard 10/41Dress up your glass panelsAn alternative to the hypermodernism of plain glass panels is leveraging metal railing options for an accent along the top of the paneling. This metal deck railing is a favorite for those who live in warmer climates with little risk of inclement weather. When selecting the accent railing, it’s important to pick one that matches the general look and feel of the home’s design or the decor of the deck, like the black rails and modern neutral of this Teak Warehouse furniture.Photo: Jenny Siegwart11/41Look into geometric patternsGone are the days of boring white railings. This modern railing, used by Sara Simon of Handsome Salt, calls on geometric shapes to elevate the look of the thin metal railings for a more sophisticated and deliberate feel. The same look could be achieved with any metal, including stainless steel for an edgier feel.Photo: Garrett Rowland12/41Use opaque deck railings as privacy screensIf you want your space to feel quiet, think about implementing a privacy screen by using solid, opaque panels or walls to create your deck railing. To avoid it feeling like a plain wall, you can include a short strip of glass along the top for a sense of modern minimalism. According to designer Ghislaine Viñas, this railing accomplishes the goal of “enhancing and blending in rather than detracting. There were so many outdoor spaces for this house that it was important to have all the outdoor spaces be quieter, which creates a really relaxing feel.”Photo: Garrett Rowland13/41Leverage pillarsOutdoor structural elements, like the pillars on this deck, lend themselves as natural points for the deck railing. To make the use of pillars seem deliberate, Viñas used the same paneling in the balusters. That, along with the clean white paint and simple furniture pieces, creates an understated but interesting space.Photo: 06 Place/Julia Piterkina14/41Match the outdoorsFor those who are fortunate enough to have interesting natural scenes just outside their home, materials that match the environment can create a harmonious transition from the deck to the rest of the outdoors. In this Seattle home, Anna Popov kept the original railing: “This railing was in fact a perfect solution for the location of the home. The wood top rail seamlessly blends with the lush greenery outside. The ultrathin aluminum railing acts as a perfect barrier that virtually disappears into the landscape.” An added perk? This type of minimalist railing is nearly maintenance-free.Photo: Amy Barnard15/41Consider color blockingIf you end up opting for white stair railings, the easiest instant design upgrade is to create a color-blocked railing system by having wood deck railings or slats that are stained in a natural tone to contrast the white. This Laguna home by Marea Clark was meant to feel like a retreat; Clark says, “We really wanted the deck to feel like an outdoor living room and it's outfitted as such.” The color blocking paired with the floating pickets give off a laid-back vibe.Photo: Yardzen16/41Invest in cable railings for a modern feelThere are myriad horizontal deck railings available to consumers, but the most popular is definitely cable railings. According to Coleman Cosby, Project Manager at Yardzen, “Cable railings are a great choice if you’re looking for safety, open sight lines, and where privacy isn’t a concern.” The cables can have varying degrees of space between them, which allows for a level of customization and can even be oriented vertically.Photo: Yardzen17/41Use wire railings for traditional homesEven though cable railings tend to be used for modern decks, Crosby notes wire railings are often used for traditional projects as well, due to the unobstructed views they provide. He says, “Homeowners who are looking to keep sight lines open—perhaps for a beautiful view just beyond the deck or to keep an eye on kids in the yard—will find that this style is super functional, while also looking clean and minimal.”Photo: Yardzen18/41Mix materialsEven though wire railings have grown in popularity in recent years, some can find the cost prohibitive. Crosby says a way around this is by using wood posts, as “cable railings with metal posts are one of the pricier options for railing systems. You will save some if you opt for cable railing and wood posts, but both are more expensive than some of the more traditional wood, or vinyl options.” Most opt for stainless steel cables which can be stained black.Photo: Ryann Ford19/41Be consistentChristopher L. Sanders notes that in this project he wanted to match the exterior of the home. He says that “in keeping with the exterior material palette of the home, the guardrails are a simple assembly of horizontal steel bar stock, and fastening the guardrail to the face of the exterior wall contributes to the vertical patterning of the building’s facade finish materials.” This creates a sense of visual consistency. As a general rule of thumb, if you have multiple outdoor spaces that require porch railings or deck railings, it’s probably a good idea to use the same railing system and ensure that it matches the exterior of the home.Photo: Courtesy of Cass Makes Home20/41Use a soft black for subtle railingsPerhaps the most overlooked color for outdoor spaces, black can actually be quite versatile for deck railings. They require little to no cleaning to preserve their appearance and can disappear into the background, as pictured in this space designed by Cass Makes Home. It’s a color that can be used easily for both traditional and modern decks without detracting from the rest of the space or feeling too dark. The key to this look is making sure your spindles are thin to avoid obscuring the view.Photo Credit: MC Design21/41Protect your patinasUnlike wood decks, metal railing systems require a certain level of commitment to the material’s color. There are ways to change the color of metal rails but they are often time-consuming and expensive—two downsides for DIY deck projects. If you opt for a metal system like the one pictured, consider textured iron railings. Dufresne says, “We used iron railings for their stability and functionality, especially in an outdoor space. Iron can withstand quite a lot of wear and tear while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. We chose a bronze finish with an added textured detail to bring warmth to the overall design.” If cared for well, railings like this bronze one can age gracefully with a sophisticated patina.Photo: TimberTech22/41Focus on function, function, and functionIf you’re like Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk, you want a space that’s practical and pretty, hence the reliance on composite railing. It’s virtually maintenance-free and highly durable. Berk says, “My design process always starts out with function, function, function. Spaces need to function.Photo: TimberTech23/41Don’t forget post caps…or doBre Bertolini decided to double down on the modern minimalism of her deck by using cable rails and black post sleeves. Bertolini says she deliberately decided against caps “to keep things simpler and more modern. This way the contemporary top rail just sits right on top and looks like one solid piece.”Photo: Jessica Alexander24/41Dress down (literally) glass railingsIf you want a more unique glass railing without sacrificing any of your view, you can draw inspiration from this Southern California home by Aly Morford of Pure Salt Interiors. Morford says, “Obviously, with a view like that, you don’t want anything to obstruct it. We worked with our partners to design this deck railing of glass panels with copper striping on the bottom, instead of the top. The sliding glass door from the living room to the balcony stacks on top of itself, so the overall effect is an unobstructed view with complete indoor-outdoor fluidity that embodies the essence of California living.” The end result is a home that feels like it’s floating above the ocean.Photo: Trex Company25/41Look into kid-friendly metal railingsFor parents who want the look and feel of wire railings without the risk, there are ways to incorporate stainless steel and metals in more child-friendly ways. This square grid is small enough to prevent any entanglements, but not so busy that it takes away from the view or home.