In 2026, choosing betweenround handrailmade of oak and beech becomes not just a matter of material, but a decision that defines the character of your home for decades to come.

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Oak or beech: two giants of wood processing

When it comes to staircase structures, oak and beech occupy unshakable positions in the hierarchy of hardwoods. Both materials possess exceptional mechanical properties, both have been tested over centuries of use in the most demanding conditions. But what are their fundamental differences, and whichRound oak handrailshould you choose for your project?

Wood structure and its impact on performance characteristics

Oak wood is characterized by a distinctly pronounced ring-porous structure with large pores located in the early part of the annual ring. This gives oak its unmistakable texture — expressive, contrasting, with a deep grain. The density of European oak varies from 690 to 720 kg/m³ at 12% moisture, providing a Brinell hardness of approximately 3.7–4.0 units. Static bending strength reaches 110 MPa, and the modulus of elasticity is 13,000 MPa.

Beech, on the other hand, exhibits a diffuse-porous structure with small, evenly distributed pores. This creates a uniform, almost smooth texture with barely noticeable annual ring patterns. Beech density ranges from 680–720 kg/m³, hardness is approximately 3.8–4.1 units on the Brinell scale, and bending strength can reach 120 MPa. Beech’s modulus of elasticity is approximately 14,000 MPa, surpassing oak’s values.

What does this mean in practice forround handrails for staircasesOak gives you visual expressiveness and natural protection — tannins in its composition create a natural antiseptic environment that prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria. Beech offers absolute uniformity in processing, ideal smoothness after sanding, and the ability to hold complex profiles without any scratches.

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Color, patina, and aesthetic aging

Freshly processed oak has a light straw or golden-beige tone with a slight grayish haze. But it is precisely the aging process that transformsRound oak handrailinto a true work of art. Under the influence of light and oxygen, oak gradually darkens, acquiring a rich honey-brown tone with a noble patina. This process takes years, but it is precisely this that gives oak products the distinctive character of an old aristocratic estate.

Beech appears in a palette ranging from pink-white to pink-brown with a slight peach tone. Its texture is softer, more visually gentle, lacking sharp contrasts. Beech does not darken as dramatically as oak with aging, but it develops a warmer, richer honey tone. If you stainRound beech handrailsthis wood, it takes dye uniformly due to its homogeneous structure, whereas oak may show slight blotching due to the different porosity of early and late wood.

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Processing and profile accuracy

When we talk aboutround baluster made of oakwith a 50 mm diameter, every tenth millimeter matters. Making a handrail is not simply turning a block on a lathe. It is a complex technological process involving blank calibration, multi-pass cutting with tools of varying geometry, final sanding with progressively finer abrasives, and geometric parameter control at every stage.

Oak: a challenge for tools, a reward for the craftsman

Oak is a fussy material to process. High tannin and silica content quickly dulls cutting edges. During turning, oak tends to produce small chips at the point where the tool exits the material, especially in areas with cross-grain. This requires the use of carbide tools and precisely calibrated cutting parameters.

Sanding an oakround wooden handrail 50requires patience and consistency. Due to the different density of early and late wood, coarse abrasives may create a micro-relief — softer early wood removes faster, leaving denser late wood layers protruding. The solution is to gradually reduce grit size from P80 through P120, P150, P180 to final P220-P240, with careful monitoring of surface uniformity.

But precisely this complexity of processing becomes the guarantee of the finished product's quality. An oak handrail, having undergone the correct technological process, possesses incredible shape stability. It is not afraid of humidity fluctuations, does not deform during seasonal microclimate changes, and retains its ideal geometry for decades.

Beech: ideal for precise mechanical processing

If oak is a challenge, beech is a pleasure for a carpenter. The uniform wood structure allows processing at high cutting speeds without risk of chips or scratches.Round beech balustradeWith a diameter of 50 mm, it becomes perfectly cylindrical, with an absolutely smooth surface even after the initial sanding.

Beech blanks are less prone to internal stresses, which eliminates deformation when removing significant material volume. This is especially important when manufacturing long handrails — sections up to 2.5–3 meters, which must maintain straightness throughout their length. Beech holds its shape excellently, provided, of course, that the wood has undergone proper kiln drying to a moisture content of 8–10%.

Sanding a beech handrail is faster and requires fewer grit transitions. By P150–P180, a final smoothness is achieved, and when processed with P220 abrasive, the surface acquires a silk-like smoothness, pleasant to the touch. Indeed, tactile sensations — one of the key quality criteria for a handrail, since it is the palm that will evaluate your work every day.

Geometric stability and reaction to microclimate

Any wood is a hygroscopic material that is in dynamic equilibrium with its surrounding environment. Air humidity increases in winter when heating is off or in summer during rainy weather — wood absorbs moisture and slightly swells. Heating is turned on, humidity drops — wood releases moisture and dries out. These processes are inevitable, but their amplitude and consequences for the product's geometry depend on the species.

Shrinkage coefficients and dimensional stability

Oak is characterized by moderate shrinkage coefficients: radially (along the radius of the trunk) — about 0.17–0.18%, tangentially (along the growth rings) — 0.27–0.30%. The difference between radial and tangential shrinkage creates anisotropy — uneven dimensional changes in different directions. This may lead to warping of blanks if they are sawn with incorrect fiber orientation.

For manufacturingbuy round wooden handrailBlanks close to radial sawing are used — when the cut plane passes through the trunk's core or near it. Such fiber orientation minimizes shrinkage and warping, ensuring maximum dimensional stability of the round cross-section.

Beech has slightly higher shrinkage coefficients: radially — 0.18–0.20%, tangentially — 0.32–0.35%. It seems worse than oak. But due to its more uniform structure and absence of large vessels, beech demonstrates less tendency to crack under rapid humidity changes. If oak may produce a microcrack along the growth ring, beech simply uniformly changes its diameter by fractions of a millimeter without compromising surface integrity.

Practical recommendations for use

to maintain geometric stabilitybuy round 50 mm handrailFor maintaining geometric stability, it is critically important to observe humidity levels in the room. The optimal range is 40–60% relative humidity at a temperature of 18–22°C. This is precisely for these conditions that wood is dried on production to a moisture content of 8–10%.

If the room's humidity chronically exceeds 65–70%, especially in combination with poor ventilation, even an oak handrail may begin to accumulate moisture, leading to swelling, darkening, and in extreme cases — mold growth. Beech suffers even more under such conditions — its light-colored wood darkens more quickly due to excess moisture.

The opposite situation — critically low air humidity in winter with intensive heating and no humidification. Humidity drops to 20–25%, wood intensely releases moisture, dries out, and may crack. The solution is simple — using household humidifiers, which not only extend the life of your wooden items but also create a more comfortable microclimate for people.

Protective Treatment and Final Coatings

The handrail itselfround wooden handrail 50mm— is a semi-finished product. The final operational and aesthetic characteristics of the item are achieved after applying a protective-decorative coating. The choice of coating type depends on the wood species, operating conditions, and desired visual effect.

Oil treatment: the breath of wood

Deep-penetrating oils — linseed, tung, modified formulations based on natural oils with added waxes — are the ideal choice for those who value the natural tactile contact with wood. The oil penetrates into the wood structure to a depth of 2–5 mm, polymerizes within the pores, and creates a hydrophobic barrier without forming a film on the surface.

Advantages of oil treatment forround wooden staircase handrailwood retains its ability to exchange moisture, is not sealed hermetically; the surface remains pleasant to the touch, warm, non-slip; damage to the coating is easily locally restored by applying a fresh layer of oil; oil enhances the wood's texture, making it more contrasting and expressive.

Oak treated with oil acquires a rich honey-colored tone, its coarse-grained structure becomes textured and tactile. Beech treated with oil reveals its delicate pinkish hue, becoming silky and smooth. For outdoor use or in high-humidity environments, oils with fungicides and UV filters are used.

Varnish coatings: durability and gloss

Polyurethane, acrylic, and nitrocellulose varnishes create a strong polymer film on the surface, 80 to 200 microns thick. This film provides maximum protection against moisture, mechanical damage, and contamination. VarnishedRound wooden handrail 50 mm buyYou can wipe it with a damp cloth and cleaning agents without risking damage to the wood.

Modern water-based parquet finishes provide wear resistance class 32-33 (according to European classification for flooring) — this means the finish will withstand tens of thousands of passes without visible damage. Two-component polyurethane finishes create a chemically resistant coating, resistant to household chemicals, alcohol, and oils.

Finishing allows you to vary the gloss level — from a deep matte finish with a gloss rating of 5-10 units to a mirror-like gloss with 85-95 units. Matte and semi-matte finishes better hide minor scratches and fingerprints, while glossy finishes highlight the wood texture and create the effect of expensive furniture.

Critical moment during finishinground wooden handrail— surface preparation. The wood must be sanded to a final grit of P220-P240, thoroughly dusted, and primed. Oak, with its large pores, requires the use of pore fillers — special compounds that fill open vessels and create an ideally smooth base for the finish. Without a pore filler, the finish will absorb unevenly, creating a "orange peel" effect.

Mechanical strength and durability

A stair handrail operates under constant mechanical loads. Every touch of the hand is a micro-deformation of the surface. A random impact during furniture moving is a dynamic load. The weight of a person leaning on the handrail while ascending is a bending moment that the handrail must withstand without deformation.

Resistance to impact loads

Oak is traditionally renowned for its impact toughness — the ability to absorb impact energy without breaking. This property is ensured by the combination of high density and fiber elasticity.Oak balustersand oak handrails have served for decades in public buildings with heavy traffic, maintaining their shape and integrity.

Beech, in terms of impact toughness, does not fall short of oak, and in some cases even surpasses it due to its more homogeneous structure. Beech wood excellently absorbs localized impact loads, distributing stress over a large area. This makesBeech balustersand beech handrails an optimal choice for family homes with children — inevitable falls of toys, bicycle and scooter impacts will not leave serious damage on beech surfaces.

Resistance to abrasion

Constant contact of palms with the handrail surface creates an abrasive effect. Minute particles of dust, sweat salt crystals, and micro-hard inclusions in the skin act as fine sandpaper. Over years of use, this effect gradually smooths the wood's relief, polishing the most heavily loaded areas.

Hardness by Brinell is one of the key indicators of resistance to abrasion. Oak with a rating of 3.7–4.0 units provides high wear resistance. But beech with a rating of 3.8–4.1 units demonstrates even greater resistance to abrasion. In areas of maximum contact — usually the middle third of the stair flight, where the hand naturally rests on the handrail — beech surfaces may retain their texture longer than oak surfaces.

However, here the protective coating factor comes into play. A quality polyurethane finish with added microcorundum creates a coating whose hardness is many times greater than the hardness of the wood itself. In this case, the differences between oak and beech are neutralized — it is not the wood that wears out, but the protective layer, and the wear rate is determined by the quality of the finish, not the wood species.

Comprehensive solution: handrails, balusters, posts

A staircase is not a set of separate elements, but a single architectural composition.Round wooden handrailsrequire a thoughtful combination of wood species, profile shape, mounting method, and finish treatment. It is important not only to choose qualityRound Handrail, but also to properly select balusters, support posts, and baluster supports.

Harmony of materials and forms

The classic rule — all load-bearing and decorative elements of the staircase are made from the same wood species. Oak handrail — oak balusters — oak posts. This ensures uniformity of texture, color, and aging characteristics. Even if you tint the wood, the base species must be the same, otherwise structural differences will be visible through any finish.

But there are also combined solutions, whenRound oak handrailis combined with lighter balusters made of ash or beech. This creates a contrasting composition, where the dark handrail visually crowns the light, almost weightless structure of the railing. This technique is especially effective in Scandinavian-style or modern minimalist interiors.

Technology of connecting elements

Connecting the handrail to support posts and balusters — a critical joint, the quality of which determines the rigidity and longevity of the entire structure. Traditional joinery methods — mortise and tenon, dovetail — remain relevant today. For round handrails with a 50 mm diameter, cylindrical pegs with a 10–12 mm diameter are used, which fit into corresponding sockets in the posts.

Modern fastening systems offer metal connectors — threaded rods, eccentric bolts, corner brackets. These elements ensure high connection strength and allow for future tightening if needed. It is important that the metal fasteners are hidden from view — either recessed into the wood with subsequent filling with wooden plugs, or covered with decorative plates.

Sealing joints with polyurethane adhesives provides additional strength and sealing of joints. Modern one-component polyurethane adhesives have high adhesion to wood, elasticity after curing (which is important for temperature and humidity deformations), and a long service life.

Economics of choice: price, quality, longevity

Pricebuy round handrailis determined by several factors: wood species, raw material quality (presence of knots, cracks, resin pockets), processing category, length of cut pieces, order volume. The price difference between oak and beech is usually 20–30% in favor of beech — oak is traditionally more expensive due to higher demand and slower tree growth rate.

Oak: premium investment

Round oak handrailA 50 mm diameter oak item in the 'Standard' category will cost 30-40% more than a similar pine item. The 'Prestige' category, with carefully selected wood free of any defects, additional sanding, and geometric control, increases the cost by another 25-35%. But this is not just an extra charge for the species' brand — it is an investment in longevity and prestige.

An oak staircase with properly treated handrails will last for decades without needing replacement or major repairs. Oak is practically immune to biological decay, even with brief moisture exposure. Its natural antiseptic properties make biocide treatment unnecessary. Over time, oak items only improve, acquiring a noble patina and becoming a family heirloom passed down to future generations.

Beech: optimum price and quality

Round beech handrailsA 50 mm diameter beech item is a classic choice for those who appreciate European wood quality but are not willing to pay a premium for oak status. Beech items in the 'Standard' category fall in price between pine and oak, offering mechanical properties comparable to oak.

Choosing beech can save 20-25% compared to oak at a similar level of processing. These savings can be directed toward a higher-quality finish, additional decorative elements, or simply kept in your budget. You still get a staircase that matches oak in strength, durability, and aesthetics.

Important note: beech requires mandatory antiseptic treatment, especially if it is to be used in high-humidity conditions. Unlike oak, beech wood does not contain natural fungicides and may be susceptible to mold if exposed to prolonged moisture. However, modern impregnations based on borates or triazoles fully resolve this issue.

Application in various interior styles

Choosing wood species for handrails is not only a matter of mechanics and economics, but also of style. Each species has its own visual character, which must match the overall interior concept.

Classic interiors: oak's triumph

Classic, neoclassical, English, and American colonial styles — all are oak's kingdom. MassiveRound oak balustrade60-70 mm diameter oak balusters with a light satin lacquer finish, oak balusters with precisely shaped profiles or carved details, oak support posts with capitals — such a staircase becomes an architectural focal point in the space.

Oak harmonizes perfectly with parquet flooring of the same species, with oak wall panels, carved oak cornices and doorways. This creates a cohesive, organic environment where each element complements the other. The color palette ranges from light natural oak through golden and honey tones to deep dark brown stained oak.

Scandinavian minimalism: beech's delicacy

The Scandinavian style, with its cult of light, simplicity, and natural materials — is ideal for beech. Light pinkish beechhandrail round 50 mmharmonizes beautifully with white or light-gray walls, birch or beech parquet, and minimalist furniture forms.

Beech staircases in Scandinavian interiors are typically treated with oil or matte lacquer — no gloss, only enhanced natural texture. Balusters are extremely simple, often replaced by vertical metal rods or glass panels. The handrail becomes the only wooden element of the railing — a warm, tactile accent amidst cool, modern materials.

Modern eclectic interiors: combinations and contrasts

Modern design does not recognize rigid rules. An oak handrail can crown a staircase with metal steps and glass railing. A beech handrail can pair with concrete or stone elements. What matters is not following canons, but creating harmonious combinations of textures, colors, and forms.

A dark oak handrail against light walls creates a graphic contrast. A light beech handrail paired with dark steps in wenge or merbau — the reverse contrast. Both options work if the overall composition is thoughtfully designed and balanced.

Production technology: from forest to your home

The quality of the finished product is established long before the rough material reaches the lathe. Everything begins with the proper selection of wood in the forest, adherence to the technology of roughing, transportation, and storage of raw material.

Wood preparation

Oak and beech are species requiring a long growth cycle. Oak reaches commercial maturity at 80-120 years, beech at 60-100 years. Only mature trees provide wood with optimal mechanical properties and stable structure. Younger wood is more porous, less dense, and prone to warping.

Wood preparation is conducted during winter, when sap movement in the trunk is minimal. Winter wood contains less moisture, less starch and sugars (which serve as a nutrient medium for fungi and insects), and is more stable during subsequent drying. Cut logs are treated with end antiseptic to prevent cracking and biological damage.

Drying: critical stage

Freshly cut wood has a moisture content of 50-80% depending on season and species. For furniture production, moisture content must be 8-12%. Reducing moisture is a drying process that can be done naturally (air drying) or accelerated (kiln drying).

Air drying involves storing lumber in stacks under cover with natural ventilation. The process takes several months to several years depending on the thickness of the roughs and regional climate. The advantage of air drying is the absence of thermal stress and natural gradual moisture removal. The disadvantage is the long duration and inability to achieve low final moisture content (usually moisture is reduced to 18-22%).

Kiln drying involves treating wood in special chambers with controlled temperature, air humidity, and circulation. Modern drying chambers can dry oak or beech roughs 50 mm thick to 8-10% moisture content in 2-3 weeks. The process follows specially developed regimes, taking into account the wood species, rough thickness, and initial moisture content.

Quality kiln drying proceeds in several stages: preheating (temperature gradually increases to 50-70°C), actual drying (maintaining optimal temperature and air humidity balance), conditioning (equalizing moisture content across the volume of the rough), and cooling. After drying, the wood is stored on the warehouse for at least one week to stabilize internal stresses.

Mechanical processing

Dried blanks undergo primary processing — end trimming (removal of end cracks and defects), sizing (alignment of dimensions by thickness and width), and rejection of defective sections. Then, the blanks are sent to turning machines to form a round profile.

Modern production uses CNC turning lathes that, according to a programmed instruction, turn the profile with an accuracy of 0.1 mm. This ensures absolute identity of all items in a batch — critically important when manufacturing long handrails composed of several joined segments.

After turning, the items are ground. Grinding occurs in several stages with progressively finer abrasive grit. Initial grinding with P80-P100 abrasive removes tool marks and sizes the diameter. Intermediate grinding with P120-P150 levels the surface. Final grinding with P180-P240 creates smoothness ready for coating application.

Handrail Installation

Even the highest qualityround wooden handrail 50 mmmay be damaged by improper installation. Installing stair handrails requires precise marking, quality fasteners, and understanding of wood behavior under load.

Preparation for Installation

Before installation, handrails must undergo acclimatization — a minimum 48-72 hour hold in room conditions. This allows the wood to equilibrate with the microclimate and avoid subsequent deformations. If delivered from a cold warehouse in winter, acclimatization may take up to a week.

Simultaneously, a trial fit is conducted — handrails are laid out in their designated positions, and alignment of lengths, angles, and mounting points is checked. Mounting locations for support posts, balusters, and wall-mounted brackets are marked. All discrepancies are identified and corrected before final installation.

Fastening Technology

Handrails are attached to support posts using joinery connections or metal fasteners. The classic solution is a cylindrical tenon with a diameter of 10-12 mm and length of 40-50 mm, machined on the end of the handrail and inserted into a corresponding mortise in the post. The joint is glued with polyurethane or epoxy adhesive.

An alternative is threaded connectors, consisting of two halves: one screwed into the end of the handrail, the other into the post. The two halves are then joined by a threaded element. This connection can be disassembled if needed, which is convenient for transport or future reconstruction.

Forfor wall-mounted round handrailsspecial brackets — metal holders mounted to walls with screws or anchors. The distance between brackets depends on the handrail’s diameter and span length, typically 80-120 cm. The handrail is placed into the bracket’s groove and secured from below with screws, so the fasteners are not visible from above.

Jointing Segments

Standard length of solid wood handrail components — 2.5–3 meters. This is the maximum length obtainable from a single blank at a reasonable cost while maintaining geometric stability. Longer staircases require joining multiple segments.

Jointing may be end-to-end (two segments joined end-to-end at 180°) or angled (joined at 90° or another angle corresponding to the staircase turn). End-to-end joints use connectors — metal or wooden tenons inserted into both ends. The joint is glued.

It is important that the joint is as inconspicuous as possible. To achieve this, the ends of the segments are carefully squared — cut at a perfect 90° angle with a smooth cut surface. When properly fitted, the joint appears as a thin line, virtually invisible after final finishing.

Care and Maintenance

Woodenround handrails for stairsdo not require complex maintenance, but require regular attention to preserve their appearance and protective coating properties.

Routine Cleaning

Daily or weekly cleaning consists of removing dust with a dry or slightly damp soft cloth. Do not use abrasive materials, stiff brushes, solvents, or aggressive detergents. For wood with oil finish, special oil-based cleaners are permitted — they simultaneously clean and renew the protective layer.

For varnished handrails, monthly application of furniture polish based on natural wax is recommended. Polish creates an additional protective layer, masks minor scratches, and gives the surface a fresh, well-maintained appearance.

Periodic coating renewal

Oil finish requires renewal every 1–2 years depending on usage intensity. Renewal involves cleaning the surface with a special cleaner, light abrasive treatment with fine (P320-P400) sandpaper or abrasive pad, and applying a fresh layer of oil. The procedure takes several hours, resulting in a completely renewed surface that looks new.

Varnish finish is more durable — quality parquet varnish lasts 5–7 years without renewal under normal household use. When the finish begins to lose gloss and develops numerous minor scratches, full renewal is required. Old varnish is removed by sanding, the surface is reprimed, and 2–3 fresh layers of varnish are applied.

Answers to Popular Questions

Which wood species is better for stair handrails — oak or beech?

Both materials are of high quality. Oak has a more pronounced grain, natural biostability, and prestigious status. Beech offers ideal surface smoothness, uniform color, and slightly more affordable price. For classic interiors, oak is preferred; for Scandinavian and modern styles — beech.

What diameter is optimal for a handrail?

Standard diameter 50 mm — optimal solution for most cases. It is comfortable for an adult’s hand to grip and provides sufficient structural rigidity. For children’s staircases or wall-mounted handrails in narrow spaces, a diameter of 40–45 mm may be used. For grand staircases with heavy balusters, a diameter of 60–70 mm is appropriate.

Is it necessary to protect oak handrails with antiseptics?

Oak contains natural tannins with antiseptic properties, so additional bioprotection is not required for indoor use. However, a finish (oil or varnish) is still necessary to protect against moisture and dirt. For outdoor use, treatment with antiseptics containing UV filters is recommended.

Can beech handrails be used outdoors?

Beech is not recommended for permanent outdoor use without special treatment. This species is prone to biological damage in humid conditions. If you wish to use beech on an open terrace or outdoor staircase, it requires deep impregnation with antiseptics and application of weather-resistant coatings with regular renewal.

How often should the oil finish be renewed?

Under moderate load, renewal is required every 1-2 years. Signs of the need for renewal include loss of luster, surface roughening, and the appearance of light spots in areas of intensive contact. Oil renewal is a simple procedure that can be performed independently in a few hours.

Why has the handrail become rough after installation?

The most likely cause is that the wood was not finished sanded or coated with a protective finish. Unfinished wood quickly absorbs moisture from the air and from hands, causing surface fibers to rise and create roughness. Solution: sand with P220-P240 abrasive and apply oil or varnish.

Can oak be stained to the color of beech and vice versa?

Technically possible, but not recommended. Oak and beech have different structures that remain visible even under staining. Oak retains its coarse-grained texture regardless of color, while beech maintains its uniformity. If you like the color of one species but the structure of another, it’s better to choose wood with the desired structure and either not stain it at all or stain it within its natural color range.

Does an oak handrail crack over time?

Cracking is prevented if the wood is properly dried to a moisture content of 8-10% and if the room’s microclimate (humidity 40-60%) is maintained. Cracks appear when using inadequately dried wood or when there are sudden changes in humidity. A quality protective finish also prevents cracking by sealing pores and slowing moisture exchange.

Conclusion: a choice for decades

Choosing betweenoak round handrailandbeech round handrailsThis is not a choice between good and bad, but a choice between two variants of excellent quality with slightly different characteristics. Oak represents tradition, prestige, expressive texture, and natural durability. Beech represents European quality, ideal processing, delicate aesthetics, and optimal price-to-performance ratio.

Company STAVROS has been producingRound oak balustradeRound beech balustradeOak balustersandBeech balustersof the highest quality. Each item undergoes strict quality control at every stage of production — from raw material selection to final packaging. Modern CNC equipment ensures profile accuracy down to tenths of a millimeter, while the expertise of specialists guarantees that eachround wooden handrail for stairswill become not just a functional element, but a decoration of your home for decades.