Wood

• Design a custom wood railing for your interior balcony to match the wood types found in the floors, molding or furniture of your home. Customize simple spindles or elaborately carved versions to match your decor. Newel posts and columns add dimension as well as visual interest spaced on either side of the railing. Stain or paint the railing a solid color, or mix tones throughout the design to tie in other wood elements you plan on placing in the area. For example, a custom built-in bookcase with two antique chairs flanking either side will blend in with newer, differently-stained side tables if both tones are found in the balcony's railing.
  
  

Iron

• Custom iron railings for interior balconies may be as elaborate or as simple as wood varieties. Wavy graphic spindles offer a modern touch to a traditional home, or fit well within a contemporary setting. Mix iron spindles with wooden stairs and trimmings to offer a visual contrast. Other ideas include incorporating intricate shapes and designs -- such as black iron roses -- for a Gothic or Victorian theme. Add other metal elements -- perhaps hanging baskets made from metal scrollwork filled with red roses -- to continue the feel across the front of the railing.
  
  

Glass

• Take a custom interior balcony railing to the next level with glass. Options include building a glass block wall, hanging sheets of stained glass from iron railings, or incorporating hand blown glass handrails. Choose the type of glass that best fits the space's function. For example, use the space to display your art or world travel memorabilia. Create the railing completely out of clear glass so visitors see your collection when they look up towards your balcony. On the other hand, use frosted glass if you want the balcony to be more of a private oasis.
  
  

Alternative Materials

• After choosing the base for your railings, alternative covering materials personalize the balcony even further. For example, cover larger spindles in a custom mosaic tile pattern that fits in with the rest of your decor choices. Cover simple railings with hanging fabric, such as antique rugs or contemporary tapestries. Hang a collection of masks, sun catchers or prisms on the railing between the spindles. Take green design one step further and plant a living wall up the railing of your balcony, such as ivy. Other ideas include installing a large water fountain, a fish tank, or hanging potted plants to add a breath of life to the design.