Matching the Architecture

• A period home should retain its quality details to enhance its value.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Iron railings were common to early 1900s brick and stone facades. When renovating period homes, try to replicate the style, weight and ornate quality of the iron railings that were originally installed on the facade of a home. This establishes the character and age of the home and conveys a sense of grandeur that was typical of the era. Often this will immediately boost the curb appeal of the home and add to its value.
  
  

Unusual Iron

• A faux balcony allows a person to feel like she is standing outdoors.David De Lossy/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  Upstairs apartments in older cities often have minimal outdoor space. In the absence of real balconies, it's common to see a wrought iron faux balcony railing on full length windows or French doors to allow the resident of the apartment to grow potted flowers along an extended windowsill. This feature expands the interior into the exterior, adds light and protects the resident from falling.
  
  

Curves

• Fine lined-iron railings are like elegant pen strokes on the side of a plain wall.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Wrought iron railings are often used to bring curves to the outside architecture. The flexibility of the metal and its visual transparency work together to create attractive views both indoors and out. Most iron railings are painted shiny black that works well in combination with any color. Black is considered a neutral that can add depth and definition without adding color. The fine lines of the iron make these additions elegant and refined.
  
  

Simplicity

• A railing can be elegantly simple when the facade is highly detailed.Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  When the facade of a building is ornate and detailed, a wrought iron railing can be used for safety while adding the minimum of extra detail. In this instance, the railing balances the detail. This simplicity is also useful when using wrought iron in interior spaces where the decor can quickly become too busy. The flexibility of the iron to respond to the design needs of decorators makes it a common design choice.