10 Gorgeous Gates That Make a Stylish Statement

The green-thumbed among us might enthusiastically get swept up in choosing flowers, shrubs and evergreens to pep up the garden and forget about the all-important garden gate. But just as the front door creates the first impression of what to expect inside the home, so the garden gate is an entrance to a glorious garden. Stroll through these varied designs to see the range of possibilities.

1. Practical fantasy. This is my sort of garden gate. It’s sturdy and pretty, with a pleasing arch and fretwork panel, yes, but it also promises magical things to come once you open the latch and step through into the walled garden beyond. Living in a fantasy world, moi?


2. Sturdy drive-through. This is a handsome driveway gate by anyone’s standards. The robust, solid wood frame, posts and rails have been meticulously constructed to last a lifetime and create an impressive entrance to the home and garden beyond.


3. Clever upcycling. Some of the best creations start life as something different altogether. This rustic gate, for example, was made from the back of an old truck found on the property when the owners moved in. And the creativity doesn’t stop there. The rusty metal handle was fashioned from a horseshoe. It might only be a garden gate, but it’s filled with history, integrity and character — and you can’t buy that in a shop.


4. Classic metal. A wrought iron gate is an elegant garden fixture that can serve you well. Exposure to the elements might damage the surface over time, but the occasional fresh coat of paint will keep it in shape. First remove all traces of rust and sand down the surface. Then apply a metal primer (aerosols are easier for intricate ironwork), leave it to dry, and then use an exterior enamel paint suitable for wrought iron. Et voilà! A beautiful new gate.


5. Craft your own. If you’re handy with a wood saw and plane — or just a very enthusiastic beginner — why not have a go at making your own garden gate? A DIY branch gate like this is a simple and inexpensive way to add rustic appeal to your garden, and blends in effortlessly amid a natural setting. Pick up a good DIY handbook from the library or research garden gate basics online — and go for it! You’ll love your gate all the more for having created it with your own hands.


6. Artisan made. Everything about this gate says artisan. And beautiful. And classic. It’s a handmade cleft-oak gate, made from a tree that is cleft (split) and then trimmed to size and attached to solid oak posts. The dry-laid stone wall continues the artisanal feel for a look that sums up the quintessential British countryside in a nutshell.


7. Low profile. The cute and unassuming picket gate and fence here are ideal for such an enviable seaside spot. The midheight gate doesn’t obscure the glorious view, and it’s a good choice weatherwise, too, as taller panels would be more likely to get swept away by strong sea gusts. The pale, natural wood melds harmoniously with the oak pathway, leading the eye to the turquoise water beyond.


8. Design standout. Garden gates are not just functional pieces — they also offer a design opportunity. Consider commissioning a metalworker or local craftsperson to create a sculptural garden gate with serious style. These pretty double gates are made from galvanized forged iron with an acid-etched finish and add a sprinkling of fairy-tale charm to the garden.


9. Modern statement. You can choose a gate that blends in with its surroundings or one that makes a design statement, like this one. This gorgeous garden gate is more a contemporary piece of art than a practical doorway. What makes it stand out so stylishly, apart from the craftsmanship, are the crisp contrasts it creates: the sleek, geometric pattern against the rugged mountains and the rich tobacco brown hue amid a pale, sandy palette.

More geometric inspiration for your garden


10. Bold color. There are no rules that say your gate has to be plain wood or monochrome metal. In fact, a vibrant dash of an exterior hue will lift your garden all year round, even in the winter. This vivid cobalt blue gate is a winner. The trick is to keep the structure and framework as simple and clean-lined as possible and let the color do the talking.

Tell us: Do you have a distinctive garden gate? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments section.

More:
How to Choose the Right Fence
9 Garden Gates That Hinge on Charm

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