Wrought Iron Table Bases And Your Iron Decor

Rot iron, or otherwise known as wrought iron, is a fibrous material. The term wrought iron can be confusing. It not only refers to a type of metal, but also a process by which “iron” is produced. Wrought iron has a low corrosion rate, as it is a variety of iron with additives. The advantage to this type of iron is that it is malleable and relatively easy to form into different designs. It has a long history that dates back to Roman times. The Westminster Abbey in London has true wrought iron gates.

However, eventually, cast iron and steel became cheaper to manufacture, so the last wrought ironworks closed in Britain in the year 1974. Wrought iron, being very tough, malleable and easily welded, used to compose items such as nuts, horse shoe bars, rivets, chains, boiler tubes, handrails, raw material for the manufacturing of steel, railway couplings, and ornamental ironwork. Wrought iron furniture was produced by the process of bending, shaping and then welding wrought iron into the desired shape. Today, “wrought iron” is used to make everything from desks, baker’s racks, bars, bar stools, wine racks, etageres, gates, and wrought iron table bases. It isn’t truly “‘wrought”, but is rather a forged iron made from steel that strongly resembles authentic wrought iron.

When iron was actually wrought, it was infused with tiny slivers of iron silicate, which is known as slag. The slag changes the chemical properties of the iron, making a new metal. Metal is known for exhibiting rust after a period of time, due to corrosion. However, wrought iron is different in that, when it rusts, the piece tends to look aged or antiqued, with a dappled coppery finish.

Wrought iron furniture has several uses today. Restaurant tables, bar stools, bar tables, bistro tables, coffee tables, end tables and patio tables can be fashioned using a base made from wrought iron, making these tables durable and weighty (that means no wobbling!). Wrought iron table bases with decorative tops are popular in outdoor café’s and patio seating at quality restaurants, as well as personal patio areas. They’ll wear well, even in the outdoor elements, making them an excellent long-term investment.

These beautiful bases can be topped with clear glass, a tabletop mosaic, stained glass, marble, wood, slate, or even a mirror, to name a few options. Shapes for tops include small and large round, small or large squares and rectangles. Many bases made from wrought iron resemble a branched tree. The decorative design might include heads on the top of the base in patterns of a swirl (scroll), a club or a spear. Scrollwork is also seen on some styles near the feet of the table base. However, there are exceptional craftsmen who will create any number of patterns for you. Traditional and contemporary styles are available to meet your decorating tastes.

Wrought iron furniture and accents for the home are very popular given that there is something to fit every budget. These pieces add elegance and style to any décor, whether it be rustic, country, Victorian, modern, or contemporary. There are many combinations of metal and wood that create unique pieces for a business or the home. Some wrought iron table bases are sold with an aged iron finish that makes them appear older. Other finishes are jade patina, gun metal, antique bronze, sand, satin black, burnished copper, and charcoal.

Wrought iron can also be painted to better match your indoor or outdoor décor. Wrought iron furniture pieces can be used throughout the home. End tables in a simple design could accent a rustic living room. The modern eat-in kitchen would look beautiful with a straight-line base made from wrought iron and topped with glass for a clean, simple look. Bring elegance and beauty to a formal dining room with a table featuring wrought iron artistry in the base and topped with beautifully finished wood or even glass. Patios are a very popular area in which to use wrought iron furniture.

Pieces could include not only a table, but end tables and a side table. The side table could be used as a small beverage table when guests visit, or for showcasing your favorite outdoor plants. In a bedroom, wrought iron nightstands would be a beautiful accent next to a bed with the same style of craftsmanship. The possibilities for using wrought iron furniture in your home, office or business are nearly limitless. Just use your imagination and create spaces that are unique to your personality and your décor.