I’ve always lived in homes with stairs, but I never really noticed the tiny details—like the upside-down baluster that often appears in traditional staircases. At first glance, it seems like a mistake, but it turns out there’s more to it than that.
Many builders deliberately place one baluster upside down for two reasons. The first is a humble nod to the idea that only God can make something perfect. Humans, no matter how skilled, are imperfect, so this small “flaw” is a way to acknowledge that truth.
The second reason is rooted in superstition. Some believed that a flawless staircase could allow evil spirits to enter the home. By flipping one baluster, builders created a spiritual barrier to keep those forces out.
I find these meanings intriguing—they show how much thought went into even the smallest parts of a home. Now, I can’t help but look for an upside-down baluster whenever I see a staircase. Unfortunately, my current stairs don’t have any balusters, so I miss that little tradition.
It’s amazing how a simple flipped piece of wood can carry such deep symbolism. So next time you climb stairs in an older home, look closely—you might find a hidden message from the past.
