The Many Possibilities of Iron
Here at Best Iron Works, we know that wrought iron has a particular characteristic that has made it ever more popular with residents and business owners. Whether you choose a more classic ornate design—like those seen in the streets of New Orleans— or something a little more modern, iron brings a whole level of elegance to whatever room or outside space it occupies.
So how can you incorporate iron into your home or place of business? Here are just a couple of ways:
Wrought iron gates:
This is of course a fine choice, as it is not only functional but can add a certain amount of decoration. Iron gates are incredibly durable, resistant to tough weather and sunlight, and a fantastic boundary marker for your property or company headquarters.
Wrought iron balcony railings:
Just like the railings at the famous Vieux Carres, iron railings can add class to your outside space. You can customize a classic design with ornate swirls and floral patterns, or create a more modern and minimal look with geometric shapes and symmetrical patterns.
Wrought iron staircases:
It may seem old fashioned, but just like the classic and often Gothic architecture of New Orleans, iron staircases make a fine addition to any home. Because of the versatility of iron, the design can be made to fit the style of your home. Whether you have a spiral staircase or a regular staircase, an iron design not only provides the safety of a railing but it breathes a whole new style into the entire room.
Iron has a long history: It has quite the presence on this planet. From being one crucial building block of steel to helping carry oxygen in your blood to nourishing plants. In fact, iron is necessary for the human body in order to maintain healthy vital functions. So iron has been a necessary part of human life—in a variety of different ways—for a long time. New Orleans is one unforgettable American city that has carried the beauty of wrought iron for centuries.
A Bit About Wrought Iron Architecture in New Orleans
Most people think of New Orleans as a wild place where opulent celebrations, vibrant costumes and blues music happens in the city’s center, not to mention the open alcoholic containers are allowed in the middle of downtown. Yet, New Orleans is more than just Mardi Gras and all night parties on sixth street. It’s more than the delicious po boy sandwiches and shrimp and grits. The city has a lot to offer about history and unique architecture that makes it quite different. One of the characteristics that really makes New Orleans stand out is the fact that it has a lot of historical iron works still standing and that many people—without even realizing it—imagine iron gates and staircases when they think of the French Quarter.
One of the most iconic features of New Orleans architecture is some of the filigree ironwork and many iron gates that permeate some of the neighborhoods of the area. A walk through the French Quarter will showcase many gorgeous examples of the romantic and classy looking railings and gates.
A lot of the wrought iron work in New Orleans, however, is not original to the oldest masonry townhouses. Previous to the 1800, many balconies and porches were bounded by tall wooden columns. The ironwork, which has a large part Spanish influence, came a little later. That’s because the use of lace and ornate visual elements were used commonly in Spanish architecture.
New Orleans has what is known as the French Quarter Ironwork trail. This includes numerous buildings and hotels that showcase unique ironwork. The Vieux Carre’s iron balconies, for example, are sure to catch the eye. If you catch a glimpse of this hotel balcony railing, you will see an ornate design that is a remnant of the past and evokes a sense of history and elegance. Perhaps you might take a walk through Jackson Square, where an iron fence dates from about the 1850s. Then there are the nearby Pontalba Apartments, which date to about the 1840s. The 900-1000 block of Royal Street will have plenty of crafty iron work examples. Then try the corner of Dauphine Street and Orleans Streets is a beautiful home built in the mid 19th century with beautiful ironwork around it.
Get Iron Work From the Professionals
Iron work is an art and a craft. There is a lot of technical expertise in working with this fine metal, but there is also the need to understand the beauty and possibilities of iron. When you choose Best Iron Works, you get metal experts with design experience. They can tell you the kind of work that will best fit your needs. Call us today.