I wonder about a metallic paint that would match the metal of your lanterns on the columns?

Thanks for weighing in, @sunshine_31! I think with this style of fence, I should stick with the choice between W & B... but I do appreciate it.

Toddlers? Dogs? What is the purpose of the fenced area? It looks forced as a courtyard. Consider demolishing the whole thing, including the pavement, and rethinking the curb appeal of this part of your home. I think you're missing an opportunity for a lovely landscaped approach to your home.

Black! It’s classic and looks more expensive than white IMHO. Let us know what you decide.

I agree to rip the whole thing out unless it serves a purpose to keep living things in.

If you’re going to keep it, go black all the way. You have a very attractive house and you want the fence to visually disappear so the focus is on the house.

I would paint it black, which is a classic color for wrought iron. The trim on the house has nothing to do with the fence color.

Maybe the purpose is to keep living things out?

I like the courtyard & fence - so different from the usual! I am siding with your spousal unit - I agree that sticking with white gives your home a more cohesive look - it all blends for a complete look so easy on the eye & welcoming. If you were ever to paint & change out your trim color, black or that lantern color would then be in the running for me.

Matte Black!

Black! And then spray paint all of your metal lanterns and exterior lights black to match. Classic.

I really think the white is good with the brick color - sort of white washed. So I’m staying with my original opinion - white. What state are you in? That also may make a difference in color choice.

While black could also look good, I like the white because it "lightens" the area it encloses as does all the white window and door trim. Unless you're painting that trim darker, wouldn't paint the fence darker. If you're going to paint it darker, do consider matching the house siding.

Black….it will, visually, recede….a more subtle approach.

Thanks, folx!

Appreciate your incredibly thoughtful input, including the unsolicited variety, lol ;-D
Our courtyard serves as a transitional space for people & pooches, & we love it! Drought conditions this summer (Vancouver BC) prevented me from adding more greenery or the usual humungous flower basket but it is still attractive and functional.

Any more votes, please?

When I see white I assume PVC or plastic. I would prefer black if it were my house.

I think you can't go wrong with either black or white. I guess my vote lands in the white camp.

By the way, love that green on your house. Do you know the name?

Black- classic and elevates the space.

Black…

Thanks again, dear lovely peeps. Black is winning over white, both in my personal aesthetic & on this thread (fortunately my spousal unit is very flexible). Having said that, I appreciate ALL the input!

Re finish, please share your thoughts: Matte, or glossy?

Been leaning toward semi-gloss as that's what I associate with a classic black wrought iron fence.

( @houssaon, sorry, I don't have a record of the green paint colour and believe me, I'm kicking myself about it).

Thanks again :-)

Gloss. It dulls down pretty quickly.

Black….and an absolutely matte finish. No sheen!

@User, why so?

If you’re asking about gloss or no gloss, a high gloss finish will show many more imperfections in the surface area as opposed to a matte or flat finish. The flatter the paint, the more forgiving it is because it hides surface defects much better. So unless it’s a new fence with not a lot of coats of paint or you plan to strip it down, there are bound to be lots of imperfections. And…..IMO, the matte finish is a more refined look compared to a super shiny.

Here is a flat finish….this has been powder coated (not spray from a can). Fence was removed and taken to an iron works place for the powder coating.

I like the fence and gate. If you lock it, it keeps people from just rolling up to the door uninvited. It needs to be black though.

A happy medium….matching the wrought iron to the finish on the lighting would look very good…
Not so harsh as black, and not showing dust or wear as the white.

I would recommend black over the white. With the black do a gloss finish

@May Construction, Inc. - Can you share your thinking behind the gloss finish? Thx!

I agree with Hallett about gloss--it becomes less so after a time due to weathering. I'd go with high gloss.

Matte black

You have a beautiful home and landscaping. Whatever you decide on color, be sure to consider spraying versus brushing. I talk about spray painting fences and gates in this article. Enjoy!

Black is so classic. Black lighting and black hardware on your door. I think you would love that elevated look! Would look really nice with your beautiful green house.

Not sure whether you have completed your project yet, but I vote for a soft black (charcoal) with a Satin finish. Nidnay is absolutely right about the problems with doing a gloss, or even semi-gloss. A softer finish also will keep the focus on your lovely home.

Like the courtyard -- doesn't look "forced" -- more "safe". Black or dark gray -- matte not shiny -- would look good for your fence as well but do agree with others that suggest you match the black of the fence with other dark painted items such as the lights. Adding a comfortable black metal bench might be worth considering as well. The ones shaped to fit a person rather than flat on seat and back can be comfortable. Do let us know how your courtyard update turns out.

The black fence looks GREAT! Thanks for coming back to show us the finished product.

Enjoy your beautiful home!