Handrails and gates provide an essential function for our homes and places of business. If you have a home with a staircase, then you know that a spiral staircase railing adds class and elegance to any space. So how were gates and railings first used and how were they made? We thought we’d take a look at the history of how these features started and developed over time.
In the 15th century, blast furnaces allowed the manufacture of wrought iron railings. Iron has been used as part of building decor for many centuries. As time evolved and production techniques improved, the iron railing went from a much more functional use to a more decorative and crafted part of people’s property.
You can see examples of gothic railings in old cathedrals and churches. Many times, churches constructed gates and railings around their property. In the Gothic era, wrought iron balusters were an often-used feature as well. During the Victorian Era, the use of iron railings was common in royal properties and others. The three best well-known periods where different styles of railings came to be include:
Georgian Railings:
Typical features of the Georgian architectural style include symmetrical design, classic proportions, and ornate and decorative details and elements. In British society, the upper classes looked for elegant looks of antiquity, so they took classical design elements and gave it a British twist. This era was a big fan of symmetry to a mathematical degree. The Golden Ratio, for example, was often used as a way to determine where to position windows and the very essence of a design. The railings of this era are recognizable as particularly English, as they are seen commonly throughout older British neighborhoods. There is a focus on uniformity and harmony of design. You will often find simpler designs with squares or spirals.
Victorian Railings:
Again, we might recognize a lot of Victorian design, as they often populate some of London’s older neighborhoods. The Victorian era meant that more people of the public (and not just nobility) began to implement some of these design structures. In contrast with the Georgian and more classic style railings, the Victorian Era railings were characterized by their ornate nature. Instead of simple and geometrical designs, there is a lot more detailed stone and metal work. This is where you see a lot of the twisted railing bars, rosettes, and ostentatious railing heads.
Edwardian Railings: This was the period from about 1901-1918 and it was a period where architecture took from classical influences of revivalism influenced especially by the Baroque era. There were also a lot of naturalistic elements. These Edwardian railings will have their fair share of ornate elements. They will have occasional infill panels and decorative heads.
Today’s Modern Designs
Today’s designs, of course, are able to reflect a variety of different styles. Many people will opt to mix it up and conjure up some classical elements with some more modern touches. These might include industrial design to more minimalist designs.
Benefits of Having a Wrought Iron Railing System
In addition to the aesthetic appeal, there are several benefits to a high quality wrought iron railing system. Other benefits also include:
They are long-lasting and timeless
They provide safety and security
Unobtrusive and Appealing to Your Property
Elegance
The Staircase Railing and What It Can Do For Your Property
A wrought iron staircase railing will add layers of elegance and beauty to your home or office. The origins of the staircase are not exactly known, but stairs have been around for many centuries and appear in many ancient art works. Spiral staircases emerged around the time of the Roman empire. Traditionally staircases were built out of woo, stone, or marble, and iron steel. Long rolling staircases with wrought iron railings appear as early as the early 1500s. Since then, many different styles of railings have come in and out of vogue. Many, in fact, pulled from the various time periods discussed above. Design preference went from a more functional to a much more ornate and geometrical design, and finally to something far more detailed.
Early staircases vary in design as well. They were used in early colonial houses to mansions. Like gates, staircases also began as a functional matter. People simply needed to walk up in order to access the loft or sleeping quarters. Slowly, they developed into something extraordinary and far more ornate that might have been intended. Early styles typically include the winder, box, and spiral.
Do Your Railing and Staircase Right With Best Iron Works
Best Iron Works has been providing beautiful wrought iron services for many years to the El Paso community. We work on everything from homes, apartment buildings, to businesses. Whether you are looking to install a unique and very specific type and style of railing or whether you are looking for pure function,we can help you get where you need to go. Call us today.