There's no doubt about the beauty of old-fashioned architecture.

It is possible to learn a lot about the past by visiting an old house. The charming features, like phone niches, tell you an abundance of information about the culture and the technology of old.

If you've looked over an older staircase, you might have seen details such as corner protectors made of brass or rods for stairways. Take an in-depth review of these elements, learn about their function, and discover staircase designs to build your own staircase.

Dust Corners

Before the invention of vacuum cleaners, the task of removing dust from stairs was a big problem. Dust guards for stairs were invented in the early 1890s in order to make sweeping easier.

They're not the only thing they can do, however -- they also add elegance to wooden staircases. Consider adding them to odd spaces in your home, such as those between the wall and the fireplace molding.

Stair Rods

Based on The Victorian Emporium, a restoration company that specializes in period homes, the use of stair rods was to hold runner carpets to staircases made of wood.

This unique feature was originally about function and form. However, these days the stair rods have become more of an art piece as carpet is typically fitted by adhering it to the flooring beneath. It's better for both you and your runner to ensure your carpet is correctly installed!

One Upside-Down Baluster

A baluster, also known as a spindle, forms an integral part of the support system. They are used to support the handrail. If you notice a baluster that's upside down on your staircase that's been in use for a long time, you can blame the belief in superstition.

There are those who believe that builders intentionally installed a baluster in order to show the fact that "only God's creations are perfect," others point to an English mythology that says that an upside-down baluster blocks the devil from climbing up the steps and sending anyone to their deathbed. In any case, this feature is believed to be a sign of an underlying power.