If you feel that wrought iron railings date your staircase and would like to modernize the look, there are several ways you can do this without having to replace them. We have researched different designs you can use to cover your wrought iron railings, and here’s what we’ve found.
There are several ways to cover wrought iron railings, and the installation method would depend on your material of choice. Among the possible options are fabric baluster covers, wood panels, stone veneers, tinted or stained glass, artwork, and even plants.
There are temporary and permanent options you should consider before finally deciding which material to use. The article includes helpful ways you could conceal or redesign your wrought iron railings. Read on and find out which material best suits your preference.
Balustrade, Baluster, And Bannister: What Comprises A Railing?
Before we delve deeper into the topic, it is essential to understand the meaning of these terms.
A staircase railing is composed of three parts – balustrade, baluster, and banister. These terms are usually used interchangeably; however, they convey different meanings.
The banister or handrail is the part of the stairs that you hold for support when ascending or descending between floors. The baluster is another word for railing, and it is the structure that prevents people from falling.
The balustrade is the collective term that refers to the entire structure that includes the banister and baluster.
Ways To Cover Wrought Iron Railings
There are several materials to cover wrought iron railings, but first, it is important to decide which to use before proceeding with your project. The fixtures can either be temporary or permanent. Choose one that best suits your preference.
Permanent Fixtures
Permanent fixtures are relatively labor-intensive and costly to install but are proven to last longer than anticipated, especially when properly cared for and maintained.
Wooden Panels
Wooden panels are a popular choice among homeowners because of their natural aesthetics and visual appeal. The grains create a subtle yet striking highlight that depends on which type of wood you intend to use.
Oak, cedar, and pine are among the best lumber available. Oak is hardwood and best installed on railings outside your home or those areas exposed to the elements, such as decks, patios, or terraces. This way, they will not be easily damaged by the changing seasons.
Oak can be fairly expensive, so if protection against weather exposure is not necessary, you may use softwood lumbers. Indoor wrought iron railings can be covered with cedar or pinewood panels.
Although these materials are less expensive than oak, they are proven to be durable, long-lasting, and still feature a natural finish and classic look.
Check out Woody Walls 3D Wall Panels on Amazon.
Stone Veneers
Stone veneers are a popular decorative material installed on walls, gates, fireplaces, and kitchen backsplash. Because of its versatility and modern appeal, it can easily accentuate any interior and exterior home design.
Stone veneers can either be naturally made or manufactured to emulate the appearance of natural stones. They are available in several versions including precut and natural cut stones and prefabricated tiled panelings.
To cover wrought iron railings, you must first attach a plywood cutout relative to the balustrade's dimensions. The board will act as the foundation to which the stones will be adhered.
Traditional veneers can be attached by using mortar or lath and are best installed by a professional stonemason. On the other hand, manufactured tiled panelings and most individual stone systems are fastened through the use of screws or nails.
Check out Genstone Faux Stacked Stone Panels on Amazon.
Tinted Or Stained Glass
Most modern homes are equipped with glass panelings because they provide a contemporary and sophisticated look designed with a panoramic view.
Tinted and stained glass is usually installed on window frames. Its function, however, is versatile, and the filmed design can be used to cover wrought iron railings effectively.
To tint your glass panels, check out Black Opaque Acrylic Sheet on Amazon.
The glass panels are mechanically attached to the baluster using screws. Both sides of the balustrade can be covered, depending on your preference. Furthermore, if you still intend to highlight the wrought iron design, lights can be installed between the glass panels under the handrail.
Temporary
Temporary covers can easily be replaced and alternated, giving the area a whole new look. You have plenty of options available including fabric covers, plants, and artwork.
Fabric Baluster Cover
If you are into arts and crafts, you can weave fabric relative to the dimensions of the balustrade to conceal the railings. Using fabric is the simplest solution, and there are several available materials to choose from.
The baluster cover should complement and form a harmonious relationship with the room's overall design. That being said, carefully choose between patterned and solid fabrics. Ensure that the material blends well with the backsplash and accent fixtures.
DIY baluster cover includes unused or old curtains, drapes, tablecloths, and bed sheets. Creativity does not have its limits, so begin weaving and craft your own design!
Plants
Plants are a beautiful addition to every household since they create a soothing and cozy atmosphere.
Container-based growths can be placed beside the staircase and used as a cover to hide wrought iron balusters. Dwarf palm trees, golden bamboos, yuccas, and fiddle leaf figs are examples of potted-indoor plants.
Check out Palm Tree Plant on Amazon.
The varieties can be alternated or placed in combination alongside the railings following the height of the balustrade. If the plants are in containers, you have the option to take them out of the house once in a while for watering and light exposure.
Ivies can be trained to trellis or scale the railings. This way, a natural living cover is made that also serves as a highlight. Ivies, pothos, Philodendrons, creeping figs, and arrowhead plants are vining cultivars you can use as a baluster cover.
If you intend to use climbing varieties, make sure that the plants are in a location where they receive adequate sunlight exposure. Stairs near windows or glass panels are recommended positions.
Artwork
Family portraits, tapestries, paintings, and other artwork can be hung to cover the railings. However, the balustrade will not be entirely concealed from view. The material you opt to use is based on your preference. You can even hang your own artwork if you intend to do so.
Additional Material Ideas
Plywood Cutouts
Plywood cutouts are prefabricated thin layers of wood. They are solid and relatively more affordable as opposed to thick wooden panels. Once you have it installed, you have the option to paint the surface to blend it with the rest of the interior.
Check out Baltic Birch Plywood on Amazon.
Vinyl
Vinyl panels are among the best material to use to conceal wrought iron railings. The boards are made of plastic which features water and mold resistance and proven durability. They require little to no maintenance at all.
They come in a variety of designs, so you can select panels that may complement the rest of the interior. Unlike stone veneers, vinyl panels are simple to install.
The individual boards feature a tongue and groove that snaps together. Apart from this, stud walls are screwed on either side of the staircase posts. This way, the vinyl is then easily attached to the fasteners.
Metal
Metal panels have made their way into modern household interiors – their main use is to accentuate walls. However, because of its versatility, it can be utilized to conceal staircase railings.
Depending on the surface you like to conceal, you have the option to cover one or both sides of the balustrade.
Check out Corrugated Metal Wainscoting on Amazon.
How Do You Modernize A Wrought Iron Railing?
Painting is the best and simplest way to modernize wrought iron railings. Opt for a dark or white hue to easily complement your home’s interior palette. To achieve a more contemporary look, install glass panels on one or either side of the balustrade.
Why Is It Better To Cover Wrought Iron Railing Than Replace It?
Wrought iron is probably the most durable material since it is usually forged and designed to withstand extreme tension and force. The metal’s intricate design is manually formed to create its inherent strength and durability. It is a great foundation for any staircase, providing safety.
It is suggested to maintain the structure because of this fact and ideally cover the material instead of replacing it.
In Closing
The best material to conceal wrought iron railings all boils down to personal preferences. Whichever design you find suitable, be sure that it blends well with the rest of the interior. We hope the article helped you come up with an informed decision.
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