Newel post caps define a staircase, and the staircase defines the house. From top left clockwise:

The spiral staircase winds around this central newel post and handrail.

Square urn newel caps mark this as the principal staircase in this country cottage-style house.

A large oak newel cap for a principal staircase in a country home.

A simple oak cap with Gilbert Scott telephone box geometry gives a touch of quality to this simple painted softwood newel post.