Wrought Iron Arbor
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Early 20th Century American Garden Ornaments
Wrought Iron, Wire
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Wrought Iron
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Garden Ornaments
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century American Architectural Elements
Wrought Iron
Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Architectural Elements
Wrought Iron
Antique 19th Century English Garden Ornaments
Finding the Right Garden-ornaments for You
Vintage, new and antique garden ornaments and classical statues can help elevate your outdoor space. The right decorative touch can accentuate the areas you’ve set aside for outdoor meals and garden parties as well as create a welcome, relaxing environment for guests and family.
In ancient civilizations, garden ornaments and statues were symbolic of religious devotion, conveyed wealth and social class, and eventually were used primarily as decoration. Today, the addition of antique garden ornaments can still elevate garden decor and help personalize an outdoor entertaining area. Finding the right decorative elements and deciding where to integrate them can greatly enhance the visual impact of your home’s exterior and transform your landscape design.
Over time, artists have used ceramic, iron, stone and metal to cast garden ornaments such as porcelain urns, cast-iron lanterns, stone obelisks and marble seating. Positioning antique and vintage garden ornaments amid meticulously manicured greenery can help render more prominent the beauty of the outdoor space you’ve tended over the years. We promise that your brightly colored flowers and other plants will pop against the antique building and garden elements you’ve introduced to your outdoor space.
Nestling a garden bench or other garden furniture near statues or an antique fountain proves welcoming to guests, offering a place to appreciate the work you’ve done on your outdoor space or to enjoy a cocktail in the open air. A large statue in the corner of the garden can draw attention to an area that might otherwise go overlooked, while a grouping of smaller statues can create a similar effect in a less-traveled corner of the yard.
Exterior design matters. Express your individuality and emphasize the natural beauty of an outdoor space with a collection of antique and vintage garden ornaments on 1stDibs that includes modern garden ornaments, Art Deco fixtures, Victorian ornaments and more.
- What is wrought-iron furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Wrought iron is a highly refined iron alloy that is tough, malleable, corrosion resistant and easily welded. It is no longer produced on a commercial scale. Many items, including garden furniture, referred to today as wrought iron are actually made of mild steel. They are called wrought iron because they resemble objects that in the past were “wrought” by hand, rather than cast.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Modern wrought iron furniture is often made out of a type of carbon steel called mild steel that artisans work by hand. Vintage and antique wrought iron pieces are usually a genuine iron alloy. On 1stDibs, find a range of wrought iron furniture.
- Are wrought iron doors safe?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021Yes, homes are significantly safer with wrought iron doors. Because of their durability, they are a good option to protect your home. In unsavory weather conditions, wrought iron entries can protect your home from the damage caused by debris and objects, and they are strong enough to deter burglars. Find a variety of wrought iron doors on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024To tell if wrought iron is an antique, first check to see if there are any maker's marks on the piece. By researching these marks using trusted online resources, you can typically determine who produced a piece of furniture and when they were active and producing furnishings similar to yours. If the company was in business and crafting similar pieces 100 years ago or more, then the wrought iron table, chair or other item may be an antique. However, if the business opened recently or the style was offered more recently than a century ago, your item is likely not antique. If you cannot locate a maker's mark, inspect your furniture closely. Antique pieces often show signs of handcrafting, such as slight imperfections or irregularities. Also, antique wrought iron often has signs of wear, such as pitting in the metal or scratches due to age. If you're still uncertain whether your item is antique, you can ask a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer to date it. Shop an assortment of antique wrought iron furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
No, wrought iron is not stronger than steel.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024To tell if wrought iron is Woodard, examine its frame closely. Authentic pieces usually have the Woodard name embossed right onto the metal. Instead of embossing, some pieces display the brand name on a metal tag. For assistance with identifying a piece of wrought iron furniture, seek the help of a certified appraiser or licensed dealer. Explore an assortment of Woodard wrought iron furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Unlike cast iron, wrought iron is not brittle and will bend rather than break. Wrought ironwork is produced with a hammer and anvil and tends to be more intricate than cast ironwork, which is characterized by repetitive designs that can be carved into a wooden pattern and cast.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Wipe the surface with a sponge or cloth soaked in a solution of water and dish soap, then rinse with pure water and allow to dry.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023The difference between wrought iron and steel railings lies in the materials used to produce them. Wrought iron is made entirely from iron, while steel combines iron and carbon. Shop a selection of decorative railings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024Yes, vintage wrought iron may be worth something. Collectors often seek pieces from notable makers like Russell Woodward, Salterini and Meadowcraft. In addition to the maker, the style, type, age and condition will also contribute to the potential value of a wrought iron piece. For assistance with the valuation process, consult a certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer. Shop a range of vintage wrought iron furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024Yes, many experts state that wrought iron patio furniture is good. The metal is durable enough to withstand the effects of weather exposure and remains sturdy even with frequent wear. In addition, wrought iron is relatively easy to clean and maintain. Many people also love the appearance of the metal. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of wrought iron patio furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertJuly 30, 2024One way to tell if wrought iron furniture is vintage is to look for markings that indicate who produced it. Markings may appear on the underside, back and legs of wrought iron tables and chairs. You can then use trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and producing pieces similar to yours. Consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer if you can't find markings or have difficulty dating a piece.
Walter Lamb’s adventurous works and those of other mid-century designers noted for their seminal outdoor furniture — a list that includes Hendrik Van Keppel and Taylor Green, Russell Woodard, Maurizio Tempestini for John B. Salterini and Richard Schultz for Knoll — is often found among the offerings of 1stDibs dealers.
In colder regions, wrought iron, which can be left outdoors all year round, was the material of choice in outdoor furniture designs for the Atomic Age.
Shop a variety of vintage wrought iron furniture on 1stDibs.
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