About Wrought Iron Decorative Trim

Wrought iron has a multitude of uses.

Wrought iron has been used in Europe for thousands of years as a perfect blend of art and function. It has been used for railings, furniture, lanterns, trellises and gates, to name only a few of its forms. Today in the United States, wrought iron is undergoing a resurgence as a true art form. You can dress up a simple wood stove with a panel kit of wrought iron, or transform a plain mirror into an exciting work of art by adding a wrought iron grill over it. Using wrought iron adds an architectural element to your home.

History

Wrought iron can be forged into a timeless piece of art.

Wrought iron has been an essential part of Europe's architecture for thousands of years. Today's artisans blend the time-honored traditions of working with iron with the variety of uses that wrought iron now has to create timeless pieces of art that can be handed down through the generations. Decorative trim is one of these new uses, and can be as simple or as ornate as desired.

Benefits

Wrought iron is strong and corrosion-resistant.

In addition to offering endless possibilities in style and function, wrought iron is strong. It is one of only a few materials that will withstand the test of time. It is corrosion-resistant, and its beauty has been in fashion for thousands of years and will endure thousands more. It can be custom crafted to fit any style and decor.

Finishes

Wrought iron can be painted any color.

Although black is the most common and most preferred finish, wrought iron can also be coated in gray, copper or brown. It can also be painted to match your decor.

Uses

Use wrought iron as a decorative door pull.

You are limited only by your imagination in using wrought iron as a decorative trim. The choice of railings is endless, and any one element can be used separately to create a trim piece. Use decorative trim over glass for extra protection or to add greater visual interest. Wrought iron can be purchased in any number of shapes, from scrolls to flowers. Use a rosette as a hot plate in the kitchen, as hanging art over the fireplace, or have them forged together with other simpler rail pieces to form a gate. Hand-forged flowers and other components can be used as door pulls or decorative displays. Currently in favor are images drawn from nature, such as lizards, sea horses, starfish, leaves, butterflies and grapes.

Cost

The cost of wrought iron depends on how much you need and how ornate your taste runs. The more labor-intensive, the more expensive it will be. Consider the style of the house and your existing decor when deciding what wrought iron trim to add to the room.

References

• Malibu Remodeling: Iron Works
• Wrought Iron Creations: A Word About Wrought Iron
• Outwater Catalogs: Decorative Elements