Wrought Iron Fences • Insteading

Offering timeless romance and unrivaled strength, wrought iron has been trending since the 16th century. What’s the right style for your homestead—utilitarian security-oriented fences or artistic statement accessories? Let’s explore.

Wrought Iron in History

Allow me to share a short history of wrought iron with you: royals of past (think Louis XIV, even ol’ Al the Great) required hearty protection solutions due to the many intruders who wanted a piece of their assets. So their security contractors installed wrought iron fences. The fence’s sharp tips deterred enemies bold enough to attempt nighttime raids on these royal homesteads.

Subsequently, anyone seeking high-class territory defense emulated the royal trend. The most detailed and ornate of security options was born. Enter the romance-infused wrought iron fences of yesteryear.

wrought iron spikes — Classic wrought iron fence spikes. This fence is actually outside a church, in Richmond, Virginia. Photo by Tom Woodward via Flickr/Creative Commons

Wrought iron is durable, malleable, and easily welded, making it a popular early option for high-class security. While this metal is easy to etch and bend, schmancy wrought iron fences also rust easily, requiring hours and hours of anti-rust labor. Thank goodness it’s 2016 and humankind has solved most industrial problems. According to houselogic, wrought iron fences and homestead accessories are now “made from welded tubes of steel or aluminum. Thanks to factory paint coatings, a good metal fence will need virtually no routine upkeep.”

Modern Uses for Wrought Iron Products

Taking a cue from our forefathers and foremothers, today’s homeowners select wrought iron for many reasons:

Increase your home’s security without any complicated technology. If you are into the idea of upping your home security game without blocking it off from humanity and sunshine completely, I like Home Fencing’s advice on protecting your house… Prison Break style. “To keep people out, you’ll want a wrought iron fence that’s 6 feet tall or higher to hinder anyone from simply hopping over it. Pickets or other spiky tops help to deter climbers so there’s no place to step.” With built-in weapons on top, wrought iron fences provide unsurpassed strength and security.
Make a stately artistic statement. Wrought iron fences and homestead accessories add a touch of class to any property. There is nothing like a beautiful garden at golden hour, with shadows cast across it by the light shining through your intricate iron garden gate.
Mark your property line with style. Clashing with a neighbor over whose tree is whose? Pull a stylish move and mark your terroir with a classy “this is mine” divider. Drill-in wrought iron fence and gates that will stay in place for many years to come, offering a truly timeless option (both in design and location).

Wrought Iron Options for the Homestead

Like any investment, the cost of wrought iron varies immensely depending on antiquity, intricacy, installation, warranty, desired ornamental accessories, and size. Many custom design companies carry on the tradition of wrought iron fences, with options that are both ornate and durable. For custom sizes and styles, consider contacting a local steel maker about a custom fence.

You can always dip your toes in the water first á la Confessions of a DIYer, who started by installing an iron insert into her existing fence.

However, if you’re ready to go full-force with wrought iron, here are some rad fences, gates, and homestead accoutrements to inspire your next project.

Victorian Garden Fence

This gorgeous garden fence will serve two purposes: Setting your garden apart with its captivating design and taming any wild vines.
Via TheKingsBay on Etsy.

Bamboo Fence Gate

Simply adding a wrought iron gate to your existing fence can take your garden theme to the next level. This temple style gate is easy to install, equipped with a complete hardware set.
Via ModernIronWorks on Etsy.

Buckingham Palace Wrought Iron Gates

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIirLttDv5a/
Maybe the world’s most famous wrought iron fence. And always a popular spot for selfies.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BDNp2AQBUgt/

Antique Gothic Wrought Iron Fence Sections

This 1920’s gothic style fence is a rustic-chic addition to your yard. A set of 4 sections, it’s simple to position and built to last.
Via BucksEstateTraders on Etsy.

ALEKO Paris Style Ornamental Fence

I love the Parisian-esque subtle details of this fence. This design would fit in well with a garden space created for lengthy morning coffee sessions and outdoor luncheons.
Via ALEKO on Amazon.

Parisian Wrought Iron Window Gate

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKRXs5Dhtu7/
Here’s the real deal, from a window in Paris.

Nuvo Iron Decorative Iron Fence Insert

Not interested in fully committing to a wrought iron fence? Try starting with the aforementioned wrought iron insert, á la Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer’s project. An insert will catch the light of golden hour and cast beautiful shadows onto the lawn of your homestead.
Via Nuvo Iron on Amazon.

Panacea Sectional Fencing

This is an easy-to-install sectional option that will quickly enhance the security of your home. With it’s classy, yet sharp design, this fence screams, “Stay off!”
Via Panacea Products on Amazon.

Garden Walkway Gate

This garden gate will add a little durable drama to your homestead entrance, with a rustproof black enamel finish and gorgeous custom deisgn.
Via ironcrafters on Etsy.

French Wrought Iron Garden Fence

This 1920’s vintage fence exudes elegance, adding a fancy, timeless touch to the entrance of your homestead.
Via ErinLaneEstate on Etsy.

Breathtaking Garden Fence

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFR_q6oDLMU/
The Halifax Public Gardens bought this gate from Scotland…maybe you can call and ask if they want to sell?

Solid Steel Arbor Gate

This unique gated archway provokes immediate daydreams of a Pinterest-worthy outdoor wedding… and it was handcrafted to boot!
Via ARusticGarden on Etsy.

Centuries-Old Wrought Iron

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJFKULHBaTJ/
It truly will outlast you, as this shot from a cemetery in Berlin makes clear.

No Dig Grand Entrance Decorative Fence

This German architecture-inspired fencing is a no-dig option, meaning you don’t have to dig stakes into your yard to install it. Its design is the best of all worlds: short rods for protecting kids and pets, tall rods for protecting adult humans.
Via Lowe’s.

Branches Decorative Fence

This fence comes in panels that lock together for quick installation. It’s double coated to prevent chipping and rust, so this option is well-suited for harsh weather environments.
Via Lowe’s.

Wrought Iron Fences in Old Sydney

https://www.instagram.com/p/BILoKzdAJna/

Classic Wrought Iron Fence

As the Iron Fence Shop states, “The name says it all. Our Classic style is timeless look.” It’s definitely possible to keep it classy and up your security game.
Via Iron Fench Shop.

Half Height Wrought Iron Fence

This 3-foot tall wrought iron fence is built with as much durability as fences of yesteryear. A Rustic Garden’s fences are deliviered unfinished “for a truly maintenance free long lasting fence that fits with any decor.”
Via A Rustic Garden.

Interlocking Iron Fence

Yard security at its finest, disguised as beautiful antique decor. This 6-foot option is a nice fit for either customizable estate protection or pool fencing.
Via A Rustic Garden.

Wrought Iron in Raleigh

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHiqitvAzaZ/

Aldrich Wrought Iron Garden Trellis

A wrought iron garden trellis will class up your climbing vines. This option is both aesthetically pleasing and utilitarian, with intrictate details paying tribute to 18th Century design motifs and all-weather black iron coating.
Via Hayneedle.

Tudor Steel Folding Screen Trellis

I ordered this unique iron folding screen to support the growth of my green beans. I appreciated the lack of installation fuss. It’s also easy to relocate to any garden space.
Via Hayneedle.

Iron Arbor with Gate

It would be worth planting a majestic English Rose Garden to justify the purchase of this immaculate garden gate.
Via Hayneedle.

Arch Arbor with Bench

This arbor with a built-in bench just screams Jane Austen novel on a sunny afternoon. It’s both a beautiful antique garden entrance and inviting gathering space.
Via Hayneedle.

Gisele Rectangular Iron Wall Artwork

If you’re in need of garden artwork, consider this eye-catching wrought iron accent piece. Styled to “resemble antique window shutters,” it will add a touch of history to any design theme.
Via grandinroad.

Intricate Cemetery Fence

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKnCZaFgn25/
Incredible ironwork. I’m not even sure what to call this.

Iron Cone Obelisk Trellis

This lovely 51-inch trellis is intentionally crafted to corral unruly climbing plants.
Via Avant Garden Decor.

Wrought Iron Conversation Furniture Set

No need for garden accessories? With this furniture set, you can go straight to the afternoon tea and patio entertaining, inspired by an Asian motif.
Via Hayneedle.