People often associate intricate wrought iron designs with Gothic-era architecture and grand old sandstone buildings. And while it’s true that wrought iron is a traditional material, it’s also a timeless one.
Whether you’re looking to add a hint of old-world charm to an otherwise modern Australian home or install a new security door on an inner-city pad, wrought iron is a durable, versatile material that is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any build.
Below, we discuss what makes wrought iron design ideas so perfect for modern Australian homes and share some of the most popular wrought iron design ideas we’ve had the pleasure of bringing to life.
There are countless ways to customise a wrought iron fence to suit your home. For a contemporary look, opt for a design that gives you clean, straight lines by choosing vertical or horizontal bars.
The fence in the picture below is a great example of a modern design that blends evenly spaced bars with simple decorative finials (the piece at the top of each bar) to create a contemporary feel.
Installing a wrought iron panel between sections of an older existing wall is another great way to modernise your fence. In the example below, a wrought iron panel with a simple lead motif fills the space between two sides of an old stone wall for a fresh look.
Contemporary wrought iron fences don’t have to be completely geometric either—the balcony railing in the picture below is a great example of a slightly more intricate design that utilises a less ornate scroll pattern than you might see with old-fashioned designs, to create a refined, modern look.
For more wrought iron fence design ideas, check out our article on front yard wrought iron fence ideas for your home.
Mention wrought iron and a curved wrought iron gate with sharp finials is sure to be the first image that springs to mind for most people. But wrought iron gate design ideas have evolved a lot since the 1800s.
The wide, flat-top fence in the image below is a great example of a modern wrought iron gate design. Vertical bars, combined with the flat bar across the top, make for a clean look that perfectly frames the subtle floral design in the panelling.
The picture below is another example of a modern gate design. Instead of clean, vertical lines, this gate takes advantage of wrought iron’s malleability by incorporating abstract, wavy bars with flat tops.
For more fabulous wrought iron gate designs, check out our article on inspiring wrought iron entrance gates for your home.
Wrought iron works just as well inside as it does outside, making it a popular choice for staircase balustrades. When it comes to wrought iron staircase design ideas, the options are endless. For an ultra-modern, industrial-inspired look, the owners of the staircase pictured below opted for slender, vertical struts and a simple railing. The polished black colour accentuates the simple design and helps the staircase blend with the rest of the décor.
The staircase below is a great example of how wrought iron can be used in combination with other materials for an elegant look. Here, the owners have opted to use wrought iron in a geometric design, almost reminiscent of Art Deco motifs, to serve as a railing on top of their existing staircase. Using the wrought iron just for the top of the staircase balustrade adds interest without dominating the space.
Contemporary wrought iron designs don’t have to be sleek and square, as demonstrated in the example below. Here, the homeowners have adopted a maximalist approach to designing this wrought iron staircase, opting for a more ornate but still modern, swirled scroll design. The curves are offset by the otherwise clean lines of the staircase preventing the design from being overly busy.
From bespoke entryways to robust security doors, wrought iron is a great material for creating a statement door for your home. The beauty of wrought iron doors lies in their ability to provide added peace of mind while allowing light and air to flow through to your house.
Just like the other wrought iron design ideas we’ve explored, the trick to creating a modern wrought iron door is to keep it simple and look to incorporate elements from the door’s surroundings. The door in the photo below is a great example of a wrought iron security door that incorporates leaf motifs to blend in with the hedges on either side of the walkway.
The door below is another great example of an ultra-modern, wrought iron door we’ve designed for one of our clients. In this piece, long, slender wrought iron bars are curved elegantly to give a frond-like appearance. To give the door a fresh look while also serving as an extra security feature, we opted to leave off the crossbar at the top of the door.
For more wrought iron door design ideas, browse our collection of stylish security screen doors that will make an entrance.
Contact our expert team to discuss how we can bring your unique wrought iron design ideas to life.
References