Style guide (Contemporary vs Modern Heritage)
Handrail style guide — Contemporary vs Modern Heritage
CoreMount handrail kits are available in two main styles. Both are engineered for a secure wall-mounted install — the difference is the bracket styling and the overall look.
Use this guide to choose the style that suits your home, staircase and décor.
Quick recommendations
- Best for modern interiors: Contemporary
- Best for character & period homes: Modern Heritage
- Best “goes with anything” choice: Contemporary
- Want a traditional look but with a clean engineered finish: Modern Heritage
Contemporary handrail kits (clean, minimal, modern)
Contemporary is a simple, streamlined style with clean bracket lines. It’s ideal if you want the handrail to look crisp and modern without drawing too much attention.
Best for
- Modern homes and new builds
- Renovations and refurbishments
- Minimal and contemporary interiors
- Hallways and stairs where you want a clean finish
Why customers choose Contemporary
- Looks neat and modern on light or dark walls
- Works beautifully with black, oak or stainless finishes
- Great “safe choice” if you’re unsure which style fits
Modern Heritage handrail kits (traditional-inspired, refined)
Modern Heritage combines traditional-inspired bracket styling with a modern engineered feel. It suits character homes and period properties, or any interior where you want something with a little more presence.
Best for
- Period properties and character homes
- Traditional interiors with modern touches
- Feature staircases and statement hallways
- Homes with classic details (panelling, mouldings, timber floors)
Why customers choose Modern Heritage
- Adds character without looking overly ornate
- Pairs especially well with oak for a warm traditional feel
- Also looks great with black for a bold heritage-modern contrast
Still deciding? Choose based on your space
If you’re stuck between the two styles, here are two easy ways to decide:
1) Look at your interior details
- Clean lines, modern doors, simple trims → Contemporary
- Panelling, mouldings, classic details → Modern Heritage
2) Decide how much you want the brackets to stand out
- Brackets should be subtle → Contemporary
- Brackets should add character → Modern Heritage
Helpful extras for landings and turns
If your staircase includes a landing or changes direction, you may need two rails and an elbow joint to turn the corner neatly.
Not sure? We’ll recommend the best style
Send us:
- a photo of the stairs/hallway
- your preferred finish (oak / black / stainless)
- your approximate length (or nosing-to-nosing measurement)
…and we’ll recommend the best CoreMount setup.
FAQs
Can I use either style in a modern home?
Yes — Contemporary is the most minimal, but Modern Heritage can look great in modern homes if you want more character.
Which style is best for oak handrails?
Both work well. Contemporary gives a clean modern oak look, while Modern Heritage adds a more classic feel.