Friday, July 30, 2010

Wrought Iron Décor – Combining Art And History In Your Home

August 25, 2009 by Jasmin  
Filed under Decorate with Wrought Iron

tate iron candles

The wrought iron as we know today is only a slight trace of what people had in the past. Back then, wrought iron gates and grilles, were made of pure iron core.

Pure iron is one of the most expensive and toughest metal to form. Blacksmiths had to use extremely high heat just to increase the malleability of this metal. Because of their ability to form shapes out of these iron cores, blacksmiths were considered artists and received so much respect from the society that they belonged to. In fact, their works of art were deemed so highly that they only managed to grace homes of royalties and churches or Cathedrals in most of Europe.

Wrought iron in its present context has indeed changed a lot. For one, the wrought iron products that we often see now are made of mild steel – a combination of iron and a few impurities. These impurities expand the metal, makes iron more flexible and affordable for most of the average Joe’s. The “wrought iron” reference was eventually carried over because the finished products managed to retain the designs that were used in the past.

Today “wrought iron” pieces are available in any shapes in sizes. The usual colors of red, bronze and traditional black, have been replaced with almost any color in the palette through painting. Since this mild steel accumulates rust, the paint on them serves two purposes: one – to further beautify the work of art and two – to protect the metal from being damaged by rust.

Then again, the “rusting factor” did not really discourage people from purchasing mild steel pieces. Why? Simply because despite its minor flaw, the modern wrought iron accents or furniture still proved to be more durable and lasting than most of the decorations found in a home. They do not shatter and they do not burn just like decors made out of glass or wood. Moreover, maintaining them can be summarized in three simple processes namely: cleaning, retouching (of paint) and polishing. That kind of care is enough to allow owners to enjoy these works of art for even decades to come.

Apart from that, there is always the factor of price. A wrought iron décor for example is relatively cheaper than their copper, brass and silver counterparts. Upon comparison, it is easy to spot that the price discrepancy can range from tens to even thousands of dollars. This basically means that buyers do not have to commit financial suicide just to make their home beautiful.

Last but definitely not the least, the patrons get to have a lot of choices for a wrought iron décor. Selected pieces are available for those who value design and functionality. Candle sconces, picture frames and chandeliers are to name a few. On the other hand, traditional fleur – de – lis, intricate leaf and vine designs are always available to anyone and everyone who wants to achieve the look of rustic baroque era. Simply said, a wrought iron décor is made for any type of home owner’s personality and interior design.

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