What’s a fence really for?
The answer may seem obvious at first — to mark boundaries and protect property. But is that really all a fence does? If it was that simple, then everyone would most likely have the same fence, or at least one of a handful of different options. But in reality fences come in hundreds, if not thousands, of different styles to choose from. In addition to separating and dividing, fences are also fashion statements, status markers, urban landmarks, and indicators of taste.
Fences for Psychoanalysis? (Freud would be proud)
A fence can communicate a lot about a person. Just like your house, your car, and your clothes, your fence is an extension of yourself. It provides insights into your tastes and values, whether you know it or not. (If Freud was still around he would no doubt have a heyday trying to deduce why your fence is a few inches taller than your neighbors, but luckily he isn’t, so your secret — whatever it is — is safe.)
Let’s look at aluminum fences for example. If a person has no-nonsense, zero-thrills aluminum fence, what can we infer about their personality? Maybe they’re a minimalist, or they enjoy modern design. Or maybe they don’t care that much about the style and simply went with the most practical option.
What about cedarwood fences? A person with a redcedar might prefer a rustic look and enjoy being surrounded by earthy elements. Perhaps they also like the natural variation in wood opposed to the cold uniformity of aluminum or steel.
In addition to material choices, stylistic decisions can also tell us a lot about a person’s thought process. Something tight and secure may indicate concerns over safety or a preference for privacy. A fence with open slats might be the sign of an extrovert. A fence that matches the overall style of the rest of a home might indicate someone who values uniformity and consistency, while an eclectic design could be the marker of a Type B personality.
What Fences Say About a Chicago
The same way we can use fences to gauge individual preferences, we can use fences to better understand the personality of a neighborhood or city. For example, a community whose HOA requires everyone to have the same style fence likely values order and uniformity over individual expression, while a neighborhood with differently styled fences and houses is likely made up of free thinking individuals willing to tolerate differences in taste.
In Chicago, neighborhoods like Hoyne street — which has a number of historic wrought iron fences — have built an identity around preserving historic urban landmarks. Similarly the many exceptions the city makes for these classically-styled fences regarding building codes signals its support in preserving the look and feel of its older neighborhoods. It also serves as an acknowledgement that Chicago’s city government believes these fences are an important part of its identity.
It’s also telling that there’s such a thing as a Chicago-style fence. Combine this fact with the existence of Chicago-style pizza and it becomes clear that the Windy City sees itself as a trend setter. Rather than trying to keep up with the tastemakers in Boston or New York, Chicago residents prefer to invent their own style.
Where to Find the Best Fences
Find the best fence for your personality. Bespoke Fence offers custom fences with hundreds of styles to choose from. Our craftsmen will work with you to build a fence that meets your needs. We don’t believe in a one size fits all approach. You deserve a fence that’s made for you!