Renovation Detail: The Chippendale Balustrade
In my quest to replace the iron railings on our front porch, I discovered the Chippendale balustrade and fell in love. Affectionately inspired by the work of Thomas Chippendale, an 18th-century English furniture maker, the fretwork is also influenced by Asian designs trends.
The geometric pattern is typically set within a rectangular frame and is often repeated. With careful mathematical calculations, a skilled craftsperson is able to construct the regimented balustrade, which is often found on porches, decks, widow walks and staircases.
The next time you find yourself in a historic neighborhood with well-preserved homes, take a look-see at the balustrades. You're guaranteed to stumble upon a Chippendale or two. Heck, even Thomas Jefferson used them at Monticello.
Acanthus Design-Denise Woolery
The Chippendale balustrade can serve both decorative and functional purposes, as executed on this exterior staircase.
Clifford M. Scholz Architects Inc.
Chippendale balustrades are combined with square spindles here to keep the rail system from being too busy and to let the natural beauty of the seaside environment come through.
Tim Barber LTD Architecture & Interior Design
The ground-level porch columns align with the upper-deck newel posts here to create a uniform exterior facade. With solid knee wall sides the Chippendale balustrades help to make the second-story deck feel very open.
Duckham Architecture & Interiors
Although only the single front and center section of this New England porch rail is Chippendale, the jazzy geometric design still manages to enhance the entire look of the facade. It's the perfect budget-friendly alternative.
Linda McDougald Design | Postcard from Paris Home
Used in conjunction with a screened-in porch, the Chippendale design enhances the interior just as much as the exterior of the home. The design is also mimicked on the fireplace screen.
Rasmussen / Su Architects
Not often seen on interior staircases, the Chippendale balustrades in this Philadelphia home complement the bold white trim throughout the house.
Hendel Homes
Constructed out of white iron, these Chippendale balustrades are longer and leaner than typical wooden rail systems.
Cory Spencer Partners
This expansive home uses the Chippendale balustrade as a protective barrier for double-hung windows on the second floor.
The Chippendale design is highly prevalent in this backyard garden: It can be found on the decorative rail system and the patio bench.
Tim Barber LTD Architecture & Interior Design
Chippendale balustrades combine with a custom pergola and garage doors to create an exterior millwork montage. Also note that the rail height is low enough that it does not interfere with the view out the deck windows.
Author: Rachel Grace
Houzz Contributor. I'm an interior designer, homeowner and founding blogger of the before + after super-site, https://www.raenovate.com/.