Wrought iron railings have been around for decades, and adds an artistic flair to your home. The term ‘wrought iron’ comes from the term ‘worked,’ and is used when a metal has been heated to a certain temperature, and then worked with tools to create a desirable shape1. In the past, wrought iron was used for construction of buildings, but is now mostly created for decorative purposes. As a durable material, wrought iron can be used for handrails indoors or outdoors, and a range of colours and designs now exist.
Here are a few gorgeous wrought iron railings to inspire you.
A simple stair railing
If you appreciate simple lines and elegant touches, you’ll love this wrought iron balustrade. These more simple designs evolved from the Georgian style, where the only decorative features were on the railing bars themselves2. The vertical lines don’t detract from nearby decor, and the small twists added to the top of the handrail give off a simple, yet effective, charm. Adding small knots or twists within the vertical lines is also an option, depending on what suits your space. The beauty of wrought iron railings is that you can design exactly what you want, and a skilled blacksmith can create it for you.
Intricate details
Intricate details in your balustrade not only makes your staircase beautiful, but can also feel luxurious and refined. Inspired by Parisian designs of the past, a lot of intricate railings include floral patterns3. These can be small symmetrical designs, or, as seen in the image above, have individual starting points, which the design stems from. If your space has a minimalist style, an intricate stair handrail can be an easy and functional addition to your home.
Flowing lines
For those who prefer a more organic look, wrought iron can be worked to create flowing lines. You can incorporate this flow on the entire balustrade, or add it as accents to soften the look of the vertical elements. These lines are often inspired by nature, including shells, flowers, and sea creatures. These lines add a more natural and delicate feel to your staircase, and are growing in popularity. Much less rigid than Gothic-inspired railings, this style can turn your balustrade into a work of art.
Graceful spirals
Similar to flowing lines, spirals have evolved and grown in popularity as wrought iron has become more decorative. These graceful lines can be intricate or simple, with knots or contrasting spirals woven throughout. Combined with curved edges and twists on balusters, spiral designs evoke feelings of harmony, adding a delicate elegance to any railing.
Sleek and modern
If your style is more modern, and you prefer a contemporary edge, there are a range of options to choose from. As wrought iron railings have evolved, lines have become slimmer and sleeker. A range of small adjustments can now be made, such as turning the railing posts on a 45 degree angle to form a diamond detail, as opposed to the square rails seen above. Small additions in the rails themselves are also popular, and these modern designs can be made with straight or flowing lines, depending on your preference.
Along with low maintenance, these wrought iron railings not only add aesthetic value to your space, but can be designed specifically to your preference. Whether you are designing a new home, or wanting to renovate an older property, wrought iron balustrades are a beautiful choice.
References
- Brad Done, 2016, What’s the Difference Between Cast and Wrought Iron?, Machine Design.
- 2017, What’s the Difference Between Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian Railings?, British Spirals and Casting.
- 2019, 10 Timeless Wrought Iron Balustrades For Your Home, Dean Wilson Iron.