Wrought iron has been decorating homes since the early days of civilization. From the Middle Ages onwards, there is evidence of it having been used for both structural and decorative purposes across the world from archways to gates, and from domestic homes to transport that covered the globe.
Although cheaper forms of materials now take its place in new industrial structures, wrought iron has seen something of a revival within the home. With just a few finishing touches, you can bring a touch of mature sophistication to your room, or add some heavier pieces for a more Baroque/Gothic feel.
Window treatments which hang on wrought iron poles, with decorative ends, and with matching hooks to hold the drapes back bring a clean look to the windows. These can bring some style to any room. As can a medium sized mirror with a wrought iron frame.
In the living room, bedroom, and bathroom wrought iron candle holders look beautiful. As well as the ones which can stand on a table or shelf, consider wall sconces made from the iron, but which have a mirror behind the candle reflecting the soft glow back into the room. These can create an especially romantic touch in the bathroom. For those who prefer a more Gothic feel to their room, and have the room size to pull it off without overpowering the room, there are main ceiling lights which are surrounded by intricately shaped wrought iron. These often resemble miniature versions of light fittings of a bygone age which would have hung in cathedrals or castles – with candles as their light source rather than our modern electricity.
The kitchen of your home could be transformed from country to stylish chic with the addition of a wrought iron pan holder, or perhaps a wine rack, or a lamp standing on the window ledge. These are easy accents that add another layer of style to your room and home.
It’s possible to purchase larger items of furniture in this versatile material. Perhaps a bed with a wrought iron frame, would set your room to perfection? This could be matched to a dressing table in a similar style. For those who prefer not to overdo one particular material, you can purchase wooden furniture which has been inset with wrought iron decals.
If you feel that the wrought iron, pretty though it is, looks a little austere, especially with candle holders, so consider if, and where, you could add some small silk flowers, or ribbons to co-ordinate with the color scheme of your room.
Painting the wrought iron may seem sacrilege to some, but to others it could be just what they need to bring their item to life, especially if it has been bought through a yard sale or thrift store, after spending some time in a less than perfect environment. Another reason for painting could be if you have a dark room that you’d like to inject some light into, painting – either with paint and brush or spray paint – the furniture white will lift the oppressive effect the dark iron has in an already dark space. To create a special effect, spray paint the item with one color that co-ordinates with the colors used in the room, and then, with a piece of tissue, or light cloth, apply a sparse stipple effect in either gold or silver to highlight the beauty of the workmanship in the piece. Before painting, lightly sand down any areas that have signs of aging or weathering so that the paint goes on in an even covering.
The garden is another place where an elegant piece of wrought iron furniture can add a touch of style to your home. Whether you choose a small patio table and chairs – reminiscent of a French sidewalk café, or a fountain that becomes the focal point of your outside living space, you can be sure it will be something both lasting and durable. Depending on your weather conditions, you may like to consider protecting any item which will remain outdoors year-round with some form of varnish or other protective material.
Finally, the entry way to your home, your drive, is of course, the most perfect place to display wrought iron. There’s nothing that adds that certain something than a beautifully crafted pair of gates – providing access to your home, just as their predecessors protected the castles of kings throughout history. A man’s home is his castle – what better way to announce that then with some intricately sculpted gates?
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information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
