Today, we answer the question that has haunted homeowners since the 1950s: Should you choose a traditional or modern fence?
For some properties, the choice may seem obvious. But for others, this question isn’t so straightforward. Some architectural styles — like craftsman, farmhouse modern, and ranch style — blur the fine line between traditional and modern design.
In this article, we outline key considerations when debating between a modern or traditional style fence.
Why Choosing the Right Fence Matters
Your home is more than just four walls and a garden! It’s an extension of yourself — a small sample of your personality, like a little scoop of an exciting new ice cream flavor at Baskin-Robbins.
The right fence will impress your guests and your neighbors by complimenting your home. Like a gold-fringed ribbon perfectly placed atop a wonderfully wrapped present, your fence is what ties everything together. A hundred-plus feet of wood, metal, or vinyl can have a big impact on the overall aesthetic of your home. By choosing the right material and design, you can bring balance to your home.
Fencing Guidelines
There are no easy answers for something as subjective as home design. But we have some useful guidelines that will help streamline your decision-making process.
Brownstones
If you own a brownstone, a traditionally styled fence is the way to go! But if you have reservations about installing a frilly wrought iron fence, might we suggest a Chicago Aluminum Fence. A Chicago Aluminum Fence is a no-frills fence characteristic of a classic Chicago fence with none of the over-the-top additions (common on Hoyne Street) that clash with modern tastes.
Rustic
For farmhouses and ranch-style homes, a classically-styled Cedarwood Fence is the way to go. Cedarwood’s grainy appearance and earthy smell perfectly compliments rustic designs.
Alternatively, a Composite Fence offers a similar look and feel to cedar but with darker coloring to support a slightly more modern look while still maintaining classic appeal.
Suburban
For suburban homes, we recommend Decorative Steel for modern designs and cedarwood for more traditional architecture — like Colonial Revival. If you really want a throwback to classic suburbia, we recommend a Spaced Cedar Fence painted white to capture the look of an iconic 1950s suburban home.
Going Against the Grain
Calling all bohemians, artists, and eclectics! If you’re accustomed to throwing the rule book out the window, don’t stop now. Rather than choosing a style that perfectly compliments your property, simply follow the inverse of our advice. Maybe you prefer tension over unity. You like making playful use of contrasting elements to add energy and interest to your space. So, instead of choosing a material or design concept that seamlessly matches your existing decor, choose one that doesn’t. Pair wood with metal and vinyl with brick. Paint your fence blue to contrast with your yellow house, or choose a gate material that’s totally different from your fence.
Expert Solutions
If you have any experience with home improvements, then you know that the way things look on paper isn’t always how they turn out. So rather than flying solo and figuring things out as you go, call in the pros!
Our team of expert fencemakers, installers, and landscape architects can provide actionable advice to help you through the decision-making process.