Balcony railings are necessary and we often do not think of them as something that could enhance the look of our house. But, just looking at the photos of old European houses, especially in London, you will see why decorative railings have kept their popularity throughout history. The most popular were wrought iron railings and, even today, they offer endless possibility for making your simple house stand out.
How to choose decorative railing for your balcony
Such can be made of any material and the choice will have to do with the architecture of your house, with your taste and with your budget. When you think of changing the look of your house, think of such as an investment. Sometimes, very ornate railing will look great with a simple house lines. Simple, modern railing, on the other hand, will not fit well with a Victorian or traditional house. The only exception is when the house has too many decorative elements already and cannot take one more.
Wrought iron railings
Wrought iron railings have been the must in London houses for centuries. The design and color fashion changed through history. In the first half of the nineteenth century, all London railings were painted green, to blend into a background of foliage. The same color was used for fences, gates and garden furniture. In 1840, Humphrey Repton, famous English landscape designer, recommended a ‘bronze’ finish, made by powdering copper dust. Following the death of Prince Albert in 1861, iron railings were painted black as a sign of mourning. The fashion, or a habit, continued to this day.
The use of iron decorative railings
Iron decorative railings have a distinction that they can be made in any number of shapes and forms in order to fit a certain architecture or particular taste. Decorative railings for the outside balconies, windows, roof gardens or stair railing can make a particularly striking addition to a house, even the simplest one, and give it the architectural distinction it completely lacked before. If your house has no balcony, add a few decorative railings below your upper story windows and you will have immediate decorative element. Flat roofs, even if they are not used, can benefit from a lovely decorative railing. Making a roof garden would not only provide a wonderful green space for your family, but would greatly increase the value of your house.
Inside of the house can also use railings: for stairs, landings, room dividers, spiral staircases, even as a decorative wall hanging.
Although the aesthetic value of decorative railing cannot be doubted, the safety is their primary role, and it is important to learn the existing codes and follow them to the letter. Safety of your family always comes first.