Gorgeous Gates for Every Size and Style of Garden
From wrought-iron masterpieces to simple wooden designs, there’s a gate to suit any style of garden
The green-fingered 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 your glorious garden. Be it a sculptural design or a rustic classic, gate expectations can be yours…
Fire up first impressions
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.
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.
Reuse and recycle
Some of the best creations start life as something different altogether. This rustic gate, for example, is made from the back of an old dray, or cart, found on the property when the owners first moved in. And the creativity doesn’t stop there – the rusty metal handle has been fashioned from a horseshoe.
It might only be a garden gate, but it’s filled with history, integrity and masses of character – and you can’t buy that in a shop.
Read more secrets to successful upcycling here
Some of the best creations start life as something different altogether. This rustic gate, for example, is made from the back of an old dray, or cart, found on the property when the owners first moved in. And the creativity doesn’t stop there – the rusty metal handle has been fashioned from a horseshoe.
It might only be a garden gate, but it’s filled with history, integrity and masses of character – and you can’t buy that in a shop.
Read more secrets to successful upcycling here
Show your metal
A wrought iron gate is without doubt a classic and elegant garden fixture that will serve you well. Exposure to the elements might damage the surface over time, but the occasional fresh coat of paint will keep it in tip-top condition.
Make sure you first remove all traces of rust and sand down the surface. Then apply a metal primer (aerosols are easier for intricate ironwork), leave to dry and paint with an exterior enamel paint suitable for wrought iron. Et voilà! A beautiful new gate with minimal outlay…
A wrought iron gate is without doubt a classic and elegant garden fixture that will serve you well. Exposure to the elements might damage the surface over time, but the occasional fresh coat of paint will keep it in tip-top condition.
Make sure you first remove all traces of rust and sand down the surface. Then apply a metal primer (aerosols are easier for intricate ironwork), leave to dry and paint with an exterior enamel paint suitable for wrought iron. Et voilà! A beautiful new gate with minimal outlay…
Craft your own
If you’re a dab hand 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 masses of 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 on the internet – and go for it! You’ll love your gate all the more for having created it with your own two hands…
If you’re a dab hand 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 masses of 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 on the internet – and go for it! You’ll love your gate all the more for having created it with your own two hands…
Love local artisans
Everything about this gate says artisan. And beautiful. And classic.
It’s a handmade oak cleft gate, made from a tree that is cleft – or split – and then trimmed to size and attached to solid oak posts. The dry-stone wall continues the artisanal feel for a look that sums up the quintessential British countryside in a nutshell.
Everything about this gate says artisan. And beautiful. And classic.
It’s a handmade oak cleft gate, made from a tree that is cleft – or split – and then trimmed to size and attached to solid oak posts. The dry-stone wall continues the artisanal feel for a look that sums up the quintessential British countryside in a nutshell.
Maximise the views
This cute and unassuming picket gate and fence is ideal for such an enviable seaside spot. The mid-height gate doesn’t obscure the glorious view, and it’s a good choice weather-wise, 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 and shingle, leading the eye to the turquoise water beyond.
This cute and unassuming picket gate and fence is ideal for such an enviable seaside spot. The mid-height gate doesn’t obscure the glorious view, and it’s a good choice weather-wise, 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 and shingle, leading the eye to the turquoise water beyond.
Dream up your own design
Garden gates are not just functional pieces of outdoor kit, they also offer an extra design opportunity in the garden. Why not commission a metalworker or local craftsperson to create a sculptural garden gate with serious wow factor?
These pretty Arts and Crafts-style double gates are made from galvanised forged iron with an acid-etched finish, and add a sprinkling of fairy-tale charm to this garden.
Garden gates are not just functional pieces of outdoor kit, they also offer an extra design opportunity in the garden. Why not commission a metalworker or local craftsperson to create a sculptural garden gate with serious wow factor?
These pretty Arts and Crafts-style double gates are made from galvanised forged iron with an acid-etched finish, and add a sprinkling of fairy-tale charm to this garden.
Make a modern statement
Think about what you want your gate to do, style-wise: blend in unobtrusively with its surroundings or make a design statment all of its own?
This gorgeous garden gate is more like a contemporary piece of art than a practical doorway. And what makes it so stylishly standout, 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. It just goes to show it can be worth being brave with your design decisions.
More geometric inspiration for your garden
Think about what you want your gate to do, style-wise: blend in unobtrusively with its surroundings or make a design statment all of its own?
This gorgeous garden gate is more like a contemporary piece of art than a practical doorway. And what makes it so stylishly standout, 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. It just goes to show it can be worth being brave with your design decisions.
More geometric inspiration for your garden
Be courageous with colour
There are no rules to say your gate has to be plain wood or a monochrome metal. In fact, a vibrant dash of 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 colour do the talking.
TELL US…
Do you have a distinctive garden gate? We’d love to see your photos and hear your design tips in the Comments below.
There are no rules to say your gate has to be plain wood or a monochrome metal. In fact, a vibrant dash of 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 colour do the talking.
TELL US…
Do you have a distinctive garden gate? We’d love to see your photos and hear your design tips in the Comments below.
This is my sort of garden gate. It’s sturdy and pretty, with a pleasing arch and fretwork panel, yes, but most importantly it promises magical things to come once you open the iron latch and step through into the walled garden beyond. Living in a fantasy world, moi?