Balustrade style tips for UK gardens

We don’t realise how much the look and feel of our garden can make or break our summer until the sun comes out and we look at our garden and sigh.

Does this sound like you? It’s easy to let your garden go during the winter (we hardly use it after all), but installing a balustrade goes a long way. These modern garden features are popping up more and more in UK homes, and we can see why!

Once installed, it’s like looking at a whole new space. However, choosing what direction to go in can feel overwhelming, especially when there’s so much to consider. Luckily, though, we’re here to add our two pence in with a range of balustrade style tips for UK gardens.

Soon enough, you’ll be wanting to invite everyone around to show off your beautiful new upgrade. 

1. Match your balustrade to your decking

At WPS Handrails, we’re all about making the most of what you’ve got and taking inspiration from what’s already around you.

If you’re looking to create that seamless connection between different areas and features in your garden, then start by matching your balustrade to your decking. You want the balustrade to stand out, but not so much that it looks misplaced in your garden. 

Coordinate colours

A decent colour scheme is really all you need to make your decking area look more inviting and cohesive (there’s nothing worse than a setup that looks thrown together).

Since your decking and balustrade act as the base palette for your garden, why not try out these popular pairings:

  • Grey decking and frameless glass panels: Grey composite decking is perfect for those who love a modern, clean interior, and frameless balustrades really add to that fresh and airy appearance.

  • Warm brown decking and wire balustrades: Opt for decking in shades of cedar or teak to add warmth to your garden. Then, balance it out with industrial-style wire balustrades for that striking look.

  • Light decking and framed balustrades: If you prefer to keep things bright and simple, opt for lighter decking in whitewashed, silvered, or sandy tones. Pair this with a steel-framed balustrade, as the light shine of the steel will complement the decking for a crisp, coastal feel.

Play with texture and finish

It’s not just about colours; the texture and finish of your decking boards and balustrades can also have an effect on the overall look of your garden. 

For example, wire or cable balustrades introduce a fine, lightweight texture that contrasts against solid decking planks, creating a visually intriguing design. Or, you could add a modern edge with glass balustrades against traditional smooth capped decking. 

Do you want to go in a different direction entirely? With glass balustrades, you don’t just have the option of clear glass; many homeowners opt for frosted glass for a touch of privacy or patterned glass for a unique, personal touch.

Plenty of opportunities await you…

2. Open up the view with glass balustrades

If your garden already feels cramped and divided, then you don’t want to make things worse by cutting off the view. 

That’s where glass balustrades come in. Once installed, they will allow more light to hit your patio or decking area, automatically lifting the mood of your garden. It’s also great for those with a beautiful view of the beach or countryside from their deck, who want to make the most of it.

Now, there are a few ways you could go with this:

  • Framed glass balustrades for a structured yet airy feel with the safety of a solid handrail.

  • Semi-frameless glass balustrades, as they combine the slim and traditional feel of framed and frameless designs.

  • Frameless balustrades for complete, uninterrupted views. 

  • Spigot glass balustrades for a unique and stylish twist on the frameless design.

  • Glass button balustrades for a contemporary home or a commercial installation.

Do you want to know another good thing about glass balustrades? They’re quick and easy to clean, so they are perfect for a busy household).

3. Connect the outdoors with the indoors

Building on our first tip, one of the best approaches when choosing a balustrade is to match it to the design of your home’s interior. 

What do we mean by this? Well, if you’ve gone for a very dark and moody home decor, then wire rope balustrades will help to extend that grungy, industrial atmosphere outdoors. 

For example, if your staircase features sleek black metal spindles, echo the look on your decking with aluminium or steel balustrades. Or, if you have an open-plan kitchen or bi-fold doors, a frameless glass balustrade will fit right in with the clean lines and modern glazing.

Just think of your garden as an extension of your home interior and go from there! 

4. Use lighting to your advantage 

Are you going to be spending a lot of time in your garden at night this summer? 

Maybe you’ve got a few BBQs planned on your calendar, or you just simply want to enjoy the view of the stars with a good book. If that sounds like you, then a little bit of carefully placed lights can go a long way.

We’re talking about adding LED decking lights around the perimeter of your decking and along the stairs. When combined with a beautiful balustrade, it really makes your home feel more expensive and cosy while making it more functional when it’s dark out.

If you’re looking to bring that homely feel outdoors, consider investing in delicate string lights to wrap around balustrade posts or handrails. For a more modern touch, consider using strip lights instead, as they are easy to install and provide a polished look. 

You can place them along the base of handrails or under balustrade caps to cast a warm glow across your decking. Just make sure the bulbs are rated IP65 so they’re suitable for outdoor weather conditions.

5. Section off different areas with balustrades 

Instead of simply adding a balustrade to enclose a decking area, why not go in a different direction?

This could be your chance to create that hot tub zone you’ve always wanted, adding a glass balustrade around it for a spa-like feel. If you have children, consider installing a balustrade around your garden pool or pond to prevent falls and add a stylish touch.

Not every home has a raised decking area, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create your own. You could either have one built attached to your house, or you could make use of a large garden and create a patio lounge area further out, sectioning it off with a beautiful glass balustrade. 

It’s a great way to make your home feel more luxurious and expansive. 

6. Finish off with plants and accessories

Who said that the decisions stop once you’ve decided on a style, placement, and decking material? 

This tip goes out to all of our maximalist readers: brighten up your balustrade with plant arrangements, flower hangings, and other garden furniture. Sure, a balustrade adds more visual intrigue to the space, but what makes it feel more inviting is how you decorate around it.

Add potted plants around the feature or install some climbing plants to grow around a wire balustrade for a touch of greenery. We recommend plants such as clematis, ivy, and roses for a beautiful display. 

Brighten up your garden with a balustrade today

Your garden deserves more than a quick fix. With WPS Handrails, you can choose from stylish, low-maintenance balustrades that make your home more practical and inviting.

Plus, our residential and commercial balustrades start from as little as £95 per metre, so you can enjoy an affordable upgrade without compromising on quality. You can browse a range of styles online today to find the perfect match for your home. 

If you're unsure of what style would suit your home best, make the most of our free design tool. You can create a 3D CAD model of the finished product and receive a free quote before committing to a purchase.

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