The earliest examples of balustrades comes from ancient bas-reliefs, or sculptural murals, dating from sometime between the 13th and 7th centuries b.c. In depictions of Assyrian palaces, balustrades can be seen lining the windows.

Who invented the balustrade?

Rudolf Wittkower withheld judgement as to the inventor of the baluster and credited Giuliano da Sangallo with using it consistently as early as the balustrade on the terrace and stairs at the Medici villa at Poggio a Caiano (c 1480), and used balustrades in his reconstructions of antique structures.

What's the difference between a banister and a balustrade?

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.

Did the Romans have balconies?

Some balconies have strong ceremonial links. In Rome, the Pope periodically delivers his 'urbi et orbi' blessing from the large stone balcony situated at the centre of St Peter's Basilica. The announcement of a new pope is also made from this famous location.

What is balustrade made of?

Balustrade Materials

A balustrade can be made from virtually any material, including but not limited to: wood, vinyl, cast stone, concrete, G.F.R.C, glass, metal, stone, composite, fiberglass, synthetic stone, high density polyurethane, and more.

Baluster Spacing

What is the purpose of balustrade?

balustrade, low screen formed by railings of stone, wood, metal, glass, or other materials and designed to prevent falls from roofs, balconies, terraces, stairways, and other elevated architectural elements.

What do you call the top of a balustrade?

Handrail—a rail that sits on top of the baluster/spindles. Can also be fitted to a wall. Newel post—the vertical post that supports the handrail at the top and bottom of the stairs.

When did balconies become popular?

In the 19th Century, Europe underwent a period of intense urbanisation and balconies subsequently became symbols of a modern metropolitan lifestyle, inspiring many writers, poets and artists.

Why is it called a French balcony?

Why are They Called French or Juliet Balconies? French balconies were popularized in Georgian Britain, in the 18th century. Architects of the time used French balconies to add flair and décor to the exterior of the building. Plus, they also added light and ventilation to the inside.

Why is it called a Juliet balcony?

Juliet balconies are named after William Shakespeare's Juliet, who, in traditional stagings of the play Romeo and Juliet, is courted by Romeo while she is on her balcony—though the play itself, as written, makes no mention of a balcony, but only of a window at which Juliet appears.

What does a balustrade look like?

Found lining many staircases and terraces, a balustrade is a row of small columns topped by a rail. The term is derived from the form's constituent posts, called balusters, a name coined in 17th-century Italy for the bulbous item's resemblance to blossoming pomegranate flowers (balaustra in Italian).

What is a baluster?

A baluster is a vertical piece between a railing and other wood or the floor that adds support and safety; a short and decorative post or pillar that supports a top rail.

What is a balustrade balcony?

A balcony balustrade (sometimes referred to as a railing) is a guard or barrier that is commonly made of metal or timber bars. Glass panels are also often used.

Are balusters and spindles the same thing?

A baluster and spindle is actually almost the same thing, but the word spindle is more commonly used because it is easier to remember and say. 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.

What is a balcony called in USA?

A patio is like a deck, but it's made of stone or concrete and may be a short distance away from the house. A balcony projects out from a building on a floor above the ground floor. At a pinch, a large wooden balcony might be called a deck, but never a patio or porch or gallery.

What is an inside balcony called?

Mezzanine. An indoor balcony is sometimes called a mezzanine. Articles about mezzanines and how to decorate them usually define them as spaces on a second floor that could function as a balcony.

What is a first floor balcony called?

The veranda.

It's level with the ground floor and often extends across both the front and the sides of the structure. It can be partly enclosed by a railing.

Can you stand on a Juliet balcony?

If a listing features a Juliet balcony, you will not be breakfasting on it. In fact, you may not even be standing on it at all—unless you want to topple to the ground.

Is balcony a common area?

A balcony is a very common example of exclusive use common property.

How important is a balcony?

Growing plants: Balconies may offer more sunlight than other rooms. Relaxation: If your balcony is a suntrap, it can be a great place to relax with a book. Eating al fresco: A meal outdoors is always a pleasure. Storage: The extra space outside an apartment can be useful for storing objects if you don't have space ...

What is a curved staircase called?

A series of winders form a circular or spiral stairway. When three steps are used to turn a 90° corner, the middle step is called a kite winder as a kite-shaped quadrilateral.

Can balusters be horizontal?

There is nothing that prohibits 2x6s from being used as balusters in a horizontal rather than a vertical orientation. You will end up with a railing that resembles a classic farm yard perimeter fence. You may be familiar with that look.

What is the end of a bannister called?

A newel post is the heavy, vertical post at the end or turn of a handrail. As opposed to a baluster, a new post is a structural component of a staircase which is attached directly to the floor or to the end of the stringer.

What is the difference between a baluster and a newel?

is that baluster is (architecture) a short column used in a group to support a rail, as commonly found on the side of a stairway; a banister while newel is (architecture) a sturdy pillar at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs, supporting the handrail.