For centuries, English homes and gardens were graced by wrought iron railings, and there just must be a good reason about why it wasn’t sooner. Wrought iron railings have been part of the British landscape since Georgian times, but only caught on in Victorian times. Now, getting ornate iron railings around your house was like getting an iPhone 10g today, a bona fide status symbol. These railings weren’t for show, though; they were built to fight the ghosts. The walls were tough, keeping out the riffraff and in keeping with respectability.
A Scrap Drive from Street Chic
During World War II many of these railings were sacrificed in a nationwide scrap metal drive. It felt a little bit like a Marie Kondo clear out all over the country, you know, except not exactly patriotic, with nobody really thanking objects for the service they’ve given. True style is a thing or two to say about things never really going out of fashion – returning from the war concrete and steel took centre stage.
Why Choose Wrought Iron? It’s Not a Token of Old Cobblers
So, why do British homeowners continue to love wrought iron railings in the twenty first century? But they don’t just look pretty (though they do). It’s not just the eye candy. A night out in Newcastle is harder than wrought iron. It is super tough, will withstand whipping from the very worst British weather can throw at you – Manchester drizzle to Brighton Sea spray. Generations of life from these railings if you put your work into it and when owned properly these railings will last generations making this a good investment in your home.
Versatility: The Chameleon of Metals
Wrought iron, which is more apt to misfire, is not nearly as versatile as a Swiss Army knife. It’s easy to twist and turn it into all kinds of shapes, simple and sleek, or ornate, as Victorian parlour. So, whatever your home whether (it’s) a cosy cottage in Cotswolds or a swanky flat in Shorditch, there’s wrought iron railing design to suit.
Mixing Old and New: A Bit of Posh and A Bit of Modern
Designers are utilising traditional wrought iron for combining with other modern materials such as wood and glass for impressive architectural features. It’s literally things you wouldn’t think could go together, it’s surprising and tasty.
Eco-Friendly and Proud
However, in these eco times of ticking the right boxes on iron, it’s ticking all the right ones on wrought iron. Wrought iron railings, instead of standard iron, is a little like using a reusable shopping bag, it’s not a big deal on the surface, but it pleases the eye as well.
Maintaining Your Railings: Elbow Grease Can Go a Long Way
Railing wrought iron requires TLC like anything it’s worth. But don’t worry, it’s not like looking after a temperamental English rose garden. Wrought iron is the enemy of the main enemy of wrought iron. It’s that mouldy stuff on the top of your bathroom ceiling, the one you can probably ignore but you really shouldn’t. A lick off paint occasionally and some cleaning and your railings will be looking spiffing for years to come.
A Lick of Paint: Colour me Beautiful
The joys of Wrought iron railings as you can paint the railings any colour you like. Fancy a change? You just need a tin of paint and a free weekend to makeover your home. Like, you give a new haircut to your house.
Wrapping Up: The Iron Age Is Far from Over
Wrought iron railings are therefore more than ornamental forms. They’re a slice of British history, they’re a sturdy defender of your property, they’re a versatile design feature all rolled into one. Whether you’re restoring a Victorian terrace or adding a touch of class to a new build, wrought iron railings are a choice you’re unlikely to regret.
When you go out and about on the next occasion, look at some of the railings you pass. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll notice your neighbourhood in an entirely different way. Frankly, some of the best ways of doing things with home improvements are the old ways.