Apr
23

Wrought iron beds were a common site in nineteenth and early twentieth century America. This popular style featured black metal frames, headboards and accents made from relatively thin iron bars bent into a variety of attractive and ornate patterns. Although some wrought iron beds were painted white, the traditional look of these frames involves a black matte finish.

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As time progressed, the once-popular wrought iron bed frames fell out of favor. This was due, in part to a change in tastes on the part of consumers. The highly decorative look that once prevailed in home decoration was slowly replaced by a less detailed and more colorful sense of style.

Additionally, wrought iron beds were not able to maintain a competitive price compared to mass-produced wooden frames. Wood became cheaper, more uniform, sturdier and more readily available and mass production of furniture became increasingly common. Wrought iron beds were generally handmade by artisans and the time-consuming process of making a beautiful wrought iron frame made them far more expensive than a variety of fairly attractive alternatives.

Today, some are looking at wrought iron beds again. This reflects a willingness among consumers to consider historical options in decorating. For decades, homeowners focused on adopting the newest styles and looks. As modern design radicalized, however, many began to look back through history for aesthetically pleasing options. This willingness to backtrack in style has led many to recognize the timeless beauty of wrought iron beds. Wrought iron is making a comeback in many settings, and the bedroom is chief among them. Antique styled dressers with wrought iron hardware and beds made from wrought iron are both climbing in popularity.

Though some buyers’ tastes are turning back toward the nineteenth century look, price tags for a good wrought iron bed remain relatively high. In fact, the price differential between standard wooden beds and even cheaper no-frills metal frames is even more pronounced today than it was decades ago. As such, those who want to capture the antique look of wrought iron must be prepared to pay for the privilege.

Most makers of wrought iron beds are smaller operations focusing on custom construction. They build the bed frames in a manner remarkably similar to the artisans of the past and show a painstaking attention to detail and quality. The beds are ornate, beautiful and extremely well made. In fact, their durability considerably outdistances that of most mass-produced alternatives. One may pay more, but they can get more in return.

If you are looking for a way to make a bold and beautiful statement in your bedroom, you may want to consider wrought iron. This old-fashioned element of design can today serve to reinvigorate a room. There are many features of antique furnishings that still have a striking visual impact today. A perfect example of this are hand-made wrought iron beds.

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Apr
18

Wrought iron entry doors are not made exclusively of wrought iron. In fact, many of the doors in this category make relatively little use, in terms of overall materials, of wrought iron. The term is used to describe any entry, or main, door that features ornamentation or decoration made of wrought iron. With a huge and always growing selection of wrought iron entry doors, one can certainly find a door for any home. The timeless beauty and elegance of these doors makes them a perfect fit for many homes.

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Wrought iron entry doors come in a variety of styles. Some may appear almost gothic, featuring an extensive bar-like pattern in wrought iron. Others may mimic the styles so often seen in outdoor gates, including arching and loops in iron. Usually, this wrought iron pattern is integrated with the overall look of the door. A wooden door may feature a few wrought iron accents and its windows may have an elaborate wrought iron pattern. A door’s hardware may also be made of wrought iron.

Homeowners love these doors for at least three reasons. First, they are quite beautiful. A plain door can seem almost out of place on many beautiful homes and adding the decorative touch of a wrought iron door can make things look a great deal better. At the same time, wrought iron entry doors can actually spruce up and “elevate” a rather plain home. Many incredibly striking door options make liberal use of wrought iron artistry.

Second, these doors often increase the overall value of the home. They add what a real estate agent may call “curb appeal,” making the home more attractive to buyers. In many cases, the price of adding an elegant wrought iron front door will add a great deal more in value to a home than the cost of the door itself. In a way, wrought iron entry doors are an investment in a property.

Finally, the addition of wrought iron to a door can actually serve a vital protective process. Often, wrought iron patterns are laid over large windows built into the door. The presence of this ironwork can stave off many potential sources of a major glass break. Additionally, many doors are built in such a way that the most common accidents are borne by the strong metal instead of the wood of a door, increasing the doors overall longevity and appearance.

Even though there are some very pragmatic advantages to wrought iron entry doors, the primary factor motivating their acquisition does tend to be appearance. A wrought iron door can be a stunning addition to any home.

If you are building a new home or are considering remodeling your existing property, you may want to consider improving the appearance and value of your home with gorgeous, yet completely functional wrought iron entry doors.

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Apr
17

Even though the practice hasn’t changed much in several hundred years, modern sculpture is still a very popular form of art. It is a form of artistic expression where hard or plastic materials are worked, by carving, molding, or welding, into three dimensional art objects. The designs may be embodied in existing objects, reliefs on surfaces, or in environments ranging from tableaux to context that envelop the spectator. Sculpture can be made of clay, wax, stone, fabric, wood, plaster, rubber, and other seemingly ‘random’ materials and objects. These materials can be carved, molded, modeled, cast, wrought, welded, sewn, assembled, or otherwise manipulated into the sculpture.

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Modern sculpture is not a tem that applies to a fixed or permanent category of objects or activities. The term and practice of modern sculpture grows and changes and continually extends the range of its activities and evolves into new kinds of objects and designs. The definition has changed much more dramatically in the second half of the Twentieth Century than it had in much of the period before, thus turning ‘modern sculpture’ into a fluid state of creation that seemingly no one can predict it’s next inception.

Before ‘modern,’ sculpture was considered to be a solid form of art, or mass that represented something. While the voids and hollows have always had their space in the pieces, modern sculpture has shifted the focus to the spatial aspects of the works of art. Also, before the age of ‘modern,’ sculpture was considered a representational art. While it had long been accepted that three-dimensional objects such as furniture, pots, and buildings were expressive and beautiful, it was not until the Twentieth Century that nonfunctional, nonrepresentational, three-dimensional works of art began production.

Modern sculpture has not been confided to the two traditional forming processes of carving and modeling, nor to such traditional materials such as stone, metal, wood, ivory, bone, and clay. Sculptures can use any form of material and manufacture that serve their purpose, therefore the art of sculpture can not be identified with these techniques.

Even though there has been a great many changes in the mechanics of creating sculptures, the essential thing that remains the same is the fact that is the branch of the visual arts that expresses in three dimensions. Sculpture can either be in ‘round’ (a separate, detached object, with independent space) or ‘relief’ (sculpture which is an integral part or attached to something) forms. Sculpture does not conjure up the illusion of space by optical means – it has a reality, a physical presence that is denied to all other art forms. The forms of sculpture are tangible as well as visible, therefore it appeals greatly to both the touch and vision.

Because three dimensional forms are perceived as having a ‘character’ as well as spatial properties, the use of sculpture has evolved from representational art to an art that, while it takes up actual space, is abstract in thought and form. Modern sculpture manipulates our perceptions of art, bringing beauty, simplicity, and abstraction to prominent art form everyone appreciates.

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Apr
16

Wrought iron hardware can be a great way to improve the look of one’s cabinets and furnishings. This nineteenth century style, featuring a low-carbon form of iron that is usually painted black, can be effectively integrated into a twenty-first century home.

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Consider a few of the ways one can use wrought iron hardware.

Window treatments

Why hang your draperies or curtains from a plain wooden dowel or a cheap looking white aluminum curtain rod? Instead, one can use wrought iron hardware as an alternative. A thin metal bar of wrought iron can add a completely new dimension to any window treatment. Wrought iron brings a dramatic look to the area and an antique feel. Other curtain rods and window hardware tend to be completely utilitarian in nature, but wrought iron hardware is able to be both completely functional and highly attractive at the same time. If one is looking for a way to make a real statement in a window area, consideration of wrought iron is a must.

Cabinets

Stainless steel knobs have a great look if your are trying to create a modern feel to a kitchen or bathroom. One can replicate an antique look, to some extent, using either burnished or highly polished brass. There is another option, however. Wrought iron hardware can imbue any older piece of furniture with a certain antique feel. Wrought iron nicely compliments natural woods, creating a rustic look when the overly ornate doesn’t seem to fit. Wrought iron accessories of this sort are produced in a seemingly infinite variety of sizes and styles, insuring that the perfect hardware is available for any homeowner’s needs.

Bedroom furnishings

If you have purchased a wrought iron bed, the decision to use furniture featuring wrought iron hardware is easy to make. Even if your bed isn’t of the same material, however, it is possible to use wrought iron on a variety of bedroom pieces. Your dresser drawers may have come with no-frills steel hardware, but converting to a wrought iron alternative can increase their distinctiveness and appeal. Wrought iron handles and knobs are a wonderful upgrade for any number of potential bedroom furnishings.

Even a cursory examination of the home turns up multiple locations where one may be able to effectively use wrought iron as an accent. Wrought iron is a highly flexible decorative material and can be used in any room of the house without a great deal of concern. Its understated good looks and historical feel make it a great fit almost anywhere. It’s no wonder so many homeowners and remodelers are lingering longer in the aisles featuring hardware made from wrought iron.

Whether you are considering a new or improved window treatment, changing the looks of your cabinetry or finding a way to add a sense of style to your bedroom, you may want to consider using wrought iron hardware.

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Apr
14

Wrought iron curtain rods provide a unique opportunity to add a dramatic twist to any window treatment. Instead of relying upon plain wooden dowels, cheap aluminum curtain rods or obviously mass-produced decorative rods, one can liven up a room instantly by using wrought iron curtain rods.

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Wrought iron curtain rods come is a variety of looks and can be found to fit most any window size. They range from simple squared metal bars with plain capped ends to fancier pieces that evoke a sense of elegance and class. The range of styles makes it easy to find a wrought iron solution for any room. One need not worry about their overall decorating theme-there will be a wrought iron rod to meet their needs.

Those working in a Spanish colonial style may opt for a simple rod, straight and understated. Someone working in a more decorative situation may opt for wrought iron rods featuring curves, arches, loops and other intricacies.

These curtain rods create a sturdy and professional look. Whereas conventional curtain rods are often a detraction from a window treatment (in fact, they are almost invariably hidden from view when possible), using a wrought iron piece actually adds to the overall effect, giving it a sense of weight and intention. Wrought iron curtain rods may not be the least expensive option, or the most common, but they are among the easiest ways to upgrade a window treatment.

There are some factors to consider, however, before one decides to invest in wrought iron curtain rods. First, installation is usually slightly more involved than it is with lightweight wood and aluminum alternatives. With these cheaper options, one can usually complete installation using nothing more than a few lightweight nails, a hammer and brackets. Using wrought iron can be a bigger job. The curtain rods are much heavier, necessitating the installation of heavier hardware. Installation is definitely a do-it-yourself project, but it will require more work than other options.

Additionally, wrought iron curtain rods are far more expensive than common options. One may be able to find the traditional white aluminum curtain rod at a bargain discount store for only a few dollars. Custom-made wrought iron bars, on the other hand may cost hundreds of times more. That may put wrought iron out of reach for some, but the expense is unavoidable. Wrought iron rods are often crafted by hand and even when they are not, the production of the metal is far more expensive than the process used to generate aluminum.

Wrought iron is a decorator’s dream. It can be used effectively in a variety of styles and can produce a great effect in any of them. If you are looking for a way to improve the look of any room in your home that features windows, it may be a good idea to consider wrought iron curtain rods.

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Apr
14

Rustic Metal Art is an often overlooked form of artistic expression. It is rustic because it incorporates elements of nature into the overall work of art. Metal art is something that continues to grow in popularity and isn’t limited to rustic items. As the field of metal art grows, however, it is only appropriate that the popularity of rustic art grows along with it. If you have ever found yourself looking with great longing at an ornate fireplace screen or some garden ornament that was crafted of metal or wrought iron then you have shown an interest in metal art. Who knew, right?

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I never really considered myself a connoisseur of art, but rather someone who liked nice things. I guess they really kind of go hand in hand. Not that everyone would agree that I have excellent taste, or even good taste for that matter. My opinion of what is and isn’t art certainly wouldn’t cut it for the Smithsonian but rustic metal art is something that I find interesting and worth having around my home. I love the garden art that is available whether it is deemed rustic or not. Art is generally something that holds value only in the eye of the beholder and what is art to one person could be simple garbage to another. I do not hold any pretensions over my artistic preferences. I’m not an expert by any means. I simply like what I like and feel no real need to explain why I like it other than on some level it appeals to me.

Rustic metal art is not something that is for everyone. Although I believe it has come a long way in the last few years towards reaching a broader audience (introductions of more whimsical subjects in addition to increasing the base of rustic subjects available), there is still a lot of room for interpretation. This is not a mainstream art form to say the least and is probably a long way from being so. Not everyone likes wind chimes and yet they continue to be a very popular item. There is room on this planet for all kinds of artistic preferences and no one has to be the end all of decorating style.

Rustic metal art isn’t limited to large and clunky. The appeal has reached the manufacturers of lamps, light fixtures, bathroom and kitchen hardware, these are just to name a few. As the appeal grows so do the options. There are even artistically rendered metal lamps, tables, and magazine racks. Perhaps one of the best things about the rustic style of metal art is the fact that it mixes art with something practical. How often do the artistic touches in your home have a practical purpose? Outside of the kitchen (pottery and wooden bowls), I can think of very few items that are of practical purpose in my home that I would consider at all artistic.

Big and small, there is something available to suit all kinds of tastes in the line of metal art. From bears, to moose, to antler and wrought iron chandeliers, there is something for almost every flavor when it comes to rustic metal art.

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Apr
12

Wrought iron patio furniture remains a popular purchase for many homeowners looking to improve the look and utility of their outdoor area. Many appreciate the good looks and historical feel of wrought iron, but wonder whether or not it is truly a good choice of outdoor furniture. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of using wrought iron patio furniture.

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The advantages of wrought iron…

Wrought iron patio furniture has many great traits. Two of the most significant are appearance and overall durability. The look of wrought iron is what sells most people on the patio furniture. The pieces are usually painted in a flat black and feature ornate patterning and a classy antique look. That look is not an accident, as most of the patio furniture produced in wrought iron today is at least loosely based on patters popular in the nineteenth and early twentieth century.

People describe the look of wrought iron in many different ways. It has been referred to as “stately,” “old-fashioned,” “classy,” and “decorative.” No matter what exact terms one uses to describe the metals and furnishing constructed from it, wrought iron is certainly attractive to many buyers. It has a unique look people love.

Wrought iron patio furniture is also relatively durable. Although malleable by the standards of other irons and steels, it is certainly strong enough to stand up to years of use in a patio or outdoor situation. As we will discuss later, wrought iron patio furniture does have a tendency to oxidize, but this problem is minimized by modern treatments and the overall durability of iron is still tough to beat.

There, are however, reasons to think twice before making a wrought iron outdoor furniture purchase.

The disadvantages of wrought iron…

Wrought iron patio furniture can be expensive. When compared to plastic and resin alternatives, it is extremely expensive. When compared with other more upscale options, such as redwood, wrought iron still tends to cost more, although the differential may be slightly less pronounced.

Cost is a factor in virtually any purchase, and the selection of patio furniture is no exception. Cost can be a prohibitive factor for many homeowners who might otherwise be interested in wrought iron patio furniture.

These furnishings also have a tendency to rust. In the early days of wrought iron, in fact, the metal was treated with a special wax sealant for that very reason. Today, no one relies on wax to treat the metal, but a variety of paints and other coatings have been designed to stave off rust. Oxidation is still a problem, to some extent, however, and buyers should consider the humidity of their area and the likelihood of rust setting in on their patio furnishings.

There are some very good reasons to by wrought iron, but there are also a few disadvantages to buying patio furniture made of the material. Some may love it, others may pass. Regardless, it is not a surprise to encounter wrought iron patio furniture in many backyards.

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Apr
11

Wrought iron art may not be the most commonly encountered form of self-expression, but it does exist. We usually think of paint or clay (perhaps marble for sculpture) when we think of art, but a number of artists are using the low-carbon iron in a variety of interesting and attractive ways. Wrought iron is a legitimate medium for a variety of talented artists.

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There are, of course, those whose experiments with wrought iron art are a bit outrageous. Take for instance on gentleman who has garnered a fair amount of attention for his Volkswagen bug automobile which completely ensconced by a decorative wrought iron pattern. This is certainly a creative use of wrought iron! There are others who will find ways to use the material in experimental pieces, too. We may not soon see an armada of wrought iron Volkswagens, but who knows what might be next? Others tend to work in a slightly more “mainstream” fashion even though their medium of choice isn’t the most common.

Some sculptors enjoy working in wrought iron. The attraction makes a great deal of sense. Wrought iron is a relatively malleable form of metal, making it possible to work in interesting shapes. The immediately recognized nature of wrought iron, which has been so frequently used in gates and doorways for centuries, provides an opportunity to play with the unexpected using a commonly encountered item. Additionally, those who create rustic pieces love the simple but antique look of wrought iron art.

Sculptors and the outrageous aren’t the only ones creating wrought iron art. Artisans dedicated to making aesthetically pleasing or interesting functional pieces also work in the medium. This is probably the most commonly seen kind of wrought iron art. Many times, it is not even recognized as art and is instead categorized as a household fixture instead. This oversight should be corrected, as artisans truly are combining the functional with amazingly artistic stylings.

Examples of this kind wrought iron art include wall scones, lamps, chandeliers and other fixtures. They often feature intricate patterning and are incredibly ornate. Other artists may create works that lean more to the simplistic, featuring cleaner lines and an attractive sparseness which is a perfect fit for the squared black strips of wrought iron often used. Other functional items cross the line in to art, including many of the specially designed intricately patterned doors and gates made by artists rather than mass manufacturers of household home improvement gear.

The great variety in wrought iron artwork illustrates just how flexible the material is. A quick consideration of its non-artistic uses demonstrates just how versatile wrought iron can be. Wrought iron is used to create everything from delicate cabinet handles to large outdoor security fences. It’s no wonder creative people have found a host of ways to use the metal in a variety of different wrought iron art pieces.

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Apr
10

Wrought iron candleholders are available in a countless series of designs and shapes. There are wrought iron candleholders designed for every size of candle and made to blend with any decorating styling preference.

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One of the most fascinating things about wrought iron candleholders is the fact that so many different cultures produce them in their own unique styles. Wrought iron is one of the first metals humanity was able to effectively work, and it was used throughout the world. This history has created a variety of wrought iron pieces from a variety of nations and cultures. Let’s consider a few examples of candleholders made from wrought iron.

The Southwestern look that is so popular in many homes has a good portion of its roots firmly anchored in the soil of Spanish colonialism. The influence of the Spanish remains obvious today in the candleholders offered by Mexican manufacturers. These wrought iron candleholders are a beautiful accent to any room needing a bit of southwestern flair. They are a clear representation of the overall aesthetic style associated with Spanish colonial furnishing and decorating.

Meanwhile, the Amish of Pennsylvania are producing their own wrought iron candleholders. Featuring natural themes and a crafty, homespun look, these candleholders are made the old-fashioned way by trained artisans. They make a lovely addition to any home decorated in country theme and capture the simple aesthetic preferences of the Amish people.

Wrought iron candleholders are not an exclusively North American product, however. Europeans are well acquainted with wrought iron and produce any number of candleholders in the low-carbon iron. One example is the Dutch candleholders. These often feature a ball-shaped base and are often built in the shape of a wheel, with a spot for one candle in the center and multiple spokes for smaller candles reaching out from the center.

North Africa is also known for its candleholders in wrought iron. Egyptians were among some of the first people to work in wrought iron and that tradition continues today with candleholders made in a distinctive Egyptian style reminiscent of ancient artifacts. These pieces can be an interesting touch in a Middle Eastern setting or an eclectically decorated home.

Other cultures offer their own spin on wrought iron. You will see the metal used to produce candleholders of all shapes and sizes depending upon where on the planet you encounter them. From ornate French pieces to simple rustic styled pieces crafted by artisans in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, candleholders made from wrought iron seem almost omnipresent.

Wrought iron was one of the first metals with which people worked and that fact has resulted in people all over the world providing their own unique interpretation on a simple home accent item. If you are interested in the various styles in which the metal can be used, you may look at wrought iron candleholders as a vivid illustration.

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Apr
6

Wrought iron furniture can be a great addition to many homes, patios or other outdoor areas. In some cases, however, people make unwise wrought iron furniture choices. Most of these mistakes are avoidable if one goes into the buying process with a few key factors in mind. Let’s take a look at some of the things for which you should be looking before buying wrought iron furnishings. Keeping these factors in mind when looking at furniture options should help you to make a quality decision.

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Comfort

When it comes to interior furniture, few things are more important than comfort. Although wrought iron pieces often boast a wonderful appearance, their rigid frames can often result in a less comfortable experience than other alternatives. This analysis, of course, does not apply to items such as tables and bed frames, but is something to consider before purchasing dining room chairs or other chairs with wrought iron construction. Comfort should also be closely assessed when considering patio furniture.

Rust

One of the greatest weaknesses of wrought iron is its tendency to rust. Over the last several decades, better paints and treatments have made wrought iron more rust-resistant. However, the propensity for oxidation must be taken into account by anyone purchasing outdoor wrought iron furniture or who lives in a particularly wet or humid area. Wrought iron may not be a good match for those situations.

Cost

Cost seems to be an inevitable factor in every purchase decision. The selection of wrought iron furniture is not an exception to that rule. One must take a serious look at the cost of many wrought iron pieces. Some of the most coveted and beautiful wrought iron offerings are handmade by expert artisans and their price tags will reflect that cost. There are other manufactured wrought iron furnishings that may const considerably less but that will not boast the beauty or attention to detail of the custom items. One must know what they can afford and how much more they are willing to spend to acquire wrought iron furniture.

Style

Wrought iron furnishings can be incredibly attractive and they are offered in a variety of styles. They are not throwaway pieces, however. Their cost and durability make them a true furniture investment. Thus, it is essential to be sure that one is truly committed to the wrought iron style they are considering prior to purchase. The antique look may be perfect on a furniture store showroom; buy may seem wildly out of place when brought back to an ultramodern home. Make your choice with both a short-term and long-term assessment of the piece’s style.

If you are thinking about buying furniture made from wrought iron, consider those factors carefully. Comfort, rust, cost and style should all play a roll in your decision. Think about those topics seriously as you consider wrought iron furniture.

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