Baluster

Illustration of various examples of balusters, in A Handbook of Ornament, by Franz S. Meyer
The term derives from the swelling form of the half-open flower of Punica granatum, in Italian balaustra

A baluster (/ˈbæləstər/ ⓘ) is an upright support, often a vertical moulded shaft, square, or lathe-turned form found in stairways, parapets, and other architectural features. In furniture construction it is known as a spindle. Common materials used in its construction are wood, stone, and less frequently metal and ceramic. A group of balusters supporting a handrail, coping, or ornamental detail is known as a balustrade.[1][2]

The term baluster shaft is used to describe forms such as a candlestick, upright furniture support, and the stem of a brass chandelier.[citation needed]

The term banister (also bannister) refers to a baluster or to the system of balusters and handrail of a stairway.[3] It may be used to include its supporting structures, such as a supporting newel post.[4]

  1. ^  One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Baluster". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 3 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 297.
  2. ^ "A row of balusters surmounted by a rail or coping" 1644. OED; "AskOxford". Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-06-26.
  3. ^ "AskOxford". Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-06-26.
  4. ^ "banister". Retrieved 28 April 2018 – via The Free Dictionary.