Wrought iron has a timeless aesthetic appeal and is associated with value, class, and elegance. The fact that there are so many styles, designs, and shapes makes iron staircasing a great addition to your home, regardless of what your décor is.
And while designs and styles have certainly changed over the years, many of the current trends draw inspiration from iconic staircases to add that wow factor and create a beautiful statement.
To help you achieve a luxury-look home design, let’s have a look at some of the most famous staircases, gates, and fences that you can draw some serious inspiration from and create a world of difference in your home.
Tulip Stairs, Queen’s House, UK
The Tulip Stairs were designed as the first geometric self-supporting wrought iron staircase in Great Britain. Built inside the Queen’s House in 1619, this iconic masterpiece has persisted into modern day.
The Venetian-inspired, cobalt blue staircase features interlocked steps, each providing support for the next.
With no central column to support it, this cantilevered spiral staircase is a true feat and a timeless piece of architecture.
Loretto Chapel Staircase, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Featuring two 360 degree turns, this famous circular staircase was built without nails. An iron brace holds the staircase as it has no other means of support.
The iron structure connects the outer stringer to a column supporting the loft, allowing it to balance without central support.
Simonetti Staircase, Vatican Museum
The sprawling Simonetti Staircase in the Vatican Museum is a masterpiece not to miss. Showcasing a double helix structure with two spiral staircases, this unique creation of Giuseppe Camporese, Michelangelo Simonetti, and Alessandro Dori is a revolutionary wonder and an exceptional artwork that stood the test of time.
Featuring granite column lining and herringbone paving, the Simonetti Staircase was commissioned by Pope Julius in the 16th century and is now in an exclusive destination, making it hard to visit.
Escalier du Faubourg, Quebec, Canada
Also known as the Le Soleil and Sainte-Claire Stairs, this exceptional staircase was originally built from wood and then redesigned using iron in 1889.
According to Yves Beauregard, this is Quebec City’s “most graceful and soaring” staircase with 99 steps in three levels.
From the top, visitors enjoy a marvelous view of the Laurentian mountain range and the Saint-Roch neighborhood with its many fromageries, micro-restaurants, boutiques, local breweries, and tourist attractions.
Canada Gate, Green Park, London
Designed by Sir Aston Webb, the Canada Gate is part of a memorial to Queen Victoria. An elaborately adorned entrance to Green Park, the gate is a gift from Canada to Great Britain, showcasing the coats of arms of the Canadian provinces.
It is also one of the portals of remembrance, commemorating the arrival of the Canadian soldiers. In terms of design, the Canada Gate is made from gilded wrought iron, with a screen and pillars from Portland stone.
The pillars terminating the structure are crowned with reliefs of the shields of Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia while the smaller inner columns are adorned with gas lanterns. Decorated with gold accents, the ceremonial entrance to Green Park is certainly worthy of a look.
Coco Chanel’s Apartment, Paris
The ground floor of Chanel’s apartment used to house her boutique, showcasing beauty products, jewelry, accessories, clothing, and her iconic perfume, Chanel No 5. Upstairs was the salon for couture fittings and suiting and the show space for her collections.
Here you will also find the marble staircase which was Chanel’s favorite vantage point. While not an architectural masterpiece by itself, this Art Deco mirrored staircase is where Chanel is said to had watched her couture and ready-to-wear shows.
The mirrored wall behind the staircase is where Chanel would watch the presentation of her new collections and the reaction of the audience. The staircase also led to her small apartment which remained largely unchanged throughout her life.
The staircase is complemented with rock-crystal chandeliers, Coromandel screens, decorative camellias, and faceted floor-to-ceiling mirrors.
The mirrors are a great addition as they create a sense of grandeur and luxury, increase the amount of natural light coming through, and give the illusion of a wide staircase.
A focal point of a classicism-influenced interior, this staircase is one of the world’s most famous pieces due to its role in the fashion world.
The space itself is filled with lush textures, black glossy surfaces, camellia motifs, and flower-etched Chinese screens.
You’ll find mementos and treasures virtually everywhere, like metal Chinese horses, engraved cigarette boxes, gold Venetian lions, and a suede couch that sat Salvador Dali, Igor Stravinsky, Pablo Picasso, and Elizabeth Taylor.
Summing Up
Today’s styles reflect a variety of architectural styles that developed over time, with elements such as decorative and ornate details, detailed metalwork, and asymmetrical designs.
Some people opt for a classical design with a contemporary touch. It can be a minimalist or industrial design but either way, wrought iron looks beautiful.
Wrought iron offers bountiful options when it comes to style and design. You can add a wrought iron staircase to your home interior in a traditional or modern way or as a custom creation to make it the centerpiece of your home.
A wrought iron staircase is an excellent statement piece and a work of art. And whether you opt for a classic or bespoke design, wrought iron will add character, layers of elegance, and aesthetic appeal to your home.
Adding sophistication and style to your home interior, a wrought iron staircase will certainly captivate your guests with its matchless aesthetics, uniqueness, and beauty.
Combining practicality with visual aesthetics, it is a popular choice in home design and a way to get that timeless look and curb appeal.