Victorian Porch Railings Still in Style

A key feature to Victorian homes is the porches, which are well known as the “public part of a private dwelling.” Porches are the perfect spot to laze around and avoid the high heat of the day. The railings which surround the enclosure are used to express uniqueness and style and are still used in the modern day and age!
Victorian porches are comprised of wood features, with many different styles and attention to details. The porches of the past were a key influence in wood millwork. Railings, posts, molding, and trim are a few of the elements of the ornamental molding details.
There are numerous styles of porches, but perhaps most popular are the wrap around and sleeping porch styles. Wrap around porches, which span the front and sides of the house, provide shade during different times of the day. Sleeping porches are often on an upper level of the home, creating a recessed porch off a bedroom for an enclosed alcove to sleep on a hot night (prior to air conditioning in homes).
The millwork available for porches blossomed during the rise of the Gothic Revival style. Victorian-era millwork includes woodworking such as columns, railings and balusters (pillars). Style designs like Gingerbread trim and colorful paints are another essential element of Victorian porches. The lacy trim along the railings is elegant and sophisticated – and something that can still be done in the present day!
With all the options available today, modern railings can be utilized in the same way as those of the past!
The American Fence Association awarded Coastal Fence and Railing the AFA Pro Awards Deck and Rail Residential Award in 2019.  For all your fence and railing needs, contact Coastal Fence and Railing. Find them online, www.coastalfenceandrailling.com, call 609-741-4264 or visit the store at 7 Bayshore Road, Green Creek.
Written by Rachel Shubin.