Wrought iron's strength can be masked when used as an ornamental element.
Wrought iron as an ornamental element has only recently been appreciated for the fine art form that it is. Uses now abound, from the traditional, such as railings, to the unique, such as table lamps. Choosing decorate with wrought iron should take into consideration the architecture of your home, your taste and your budget. Decorative corner moldings can spice up any decor by adding an architectural element to an otherwise bland space. Does this Spark an idea?
History
Wrought iron has been used architecturally in Europe for thousands of years.
Wrought iron has been a part of Europe's architecture for thousands of years. In the United States, there has been a new appreciation for this beautiful and practical material as an element of texture and design. Fine artisans can now craft anything that your imagination can conceive. The four basic techniques are forged, where the metal is heated and then shaped by hammering; cast, where molten metal is poured into a mold; edge hammered, where the shape is hammered on all four edges; and heavily hammered, where all edges and sides are hammered. Corner molding is a relatively new use for this age-old art form.
Benefits
No two pieces of forged iron will look alike.
Wrought iron is extremely durable and can be used inside or outside the home. Maintenance is minimal because it is naturally resistant to corrosion. Due to the nature of forged iron, no two pieces are quite alike, so adding forged or hammered wrought iron to your home decor will give you an architectural focal point. Decorative corner moldings can dress up an exterior or an interior doorway or can be used to frame a garden entrance.
Finishes
All wrought iron in England was painted black following Prince Albert's death.
Although wrought iron can be painted, the most common finishes are black, gray and copper. The use of the color black can be traced to England, following the death of Prince Albert in 1861. All wrought iron fences in the country were painted black in mourning for the popular Royal figure. It remains the color of choice for wrought iron to this day.
Uses
Wrought iron can be forged into corner caps, which can add a protective edge to an otherwise exposed wall corner, or into a corner bracket that can be attached to each upper corner of a doorway to add architectural appeal. The use of several brackets in an interior corner can create customized built-in shelving. The combination of a delicate artisan's touch with the power of the blacksmith creates a unique piece that can be as old world or contemporary as you want it to be.
Cost
Corner moldings can be simple or ornate, depending on your taste. The simpler wrought iron is, the less workmanship is involved. Therefore, the price is less expensive. Your budget and the style of your home should both factor into your decision on the final look for your corner moldings.
Tags: wrought iron, your home, corner moldings, Decorative corner, forged iron, hammered where, into corner
