A baluster is one of the short posts or columns that support the handrail of a staircase or balcony. If you've ever run your hand along a staircase railing, you've probably felt the vertical pieces underneath that keep the railing steady: those are balusters.

Balusters do two important jobs. First, they support the handrail so it doesn't wobble when you grab it. Second, they act as a safety barrier, keeping people (especially small children) from falling through the gap between the stairs and the railing.

These posts can be simple wooden dowels or elaborately carved decorative pieces. Victorian homes often featured ornate turned balusters with curves and details, while modern buildings might use sleek metal or glass balusters.

A row of balusters together with their handrail and bottom rail is called a balustrade. You'll find balustrades on grand staircases, along porches, on terraces, and even on some bridges. Next time you climb stairs in an older building, look closely at the balusters: craftspeople often took pride in making each one beautiful, turning a safety feature into art.