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Watch Your Step

Before the advent of wall-to-wall carpeting and vacuum cleaners, staircases contributed almost as much to interior design as they did to getting around the house.

Decorative balusters bolstered smooth handrails buttressed by solid wood newell posts carved to catch the eye.

Beside this elegant procession ran the staircase, outfitted in "jewelry" that was as practical as it was attractive.

Pliable brass Dust Corners not only made hard-to-reach spots on the staircase easy to clean, they brought a decorative touch to places where the eye wouldn't otherwise have lingered.