The iron metal in sculpture and decoration art is common material in human history. What is mentioned here is not about water pipes and hardware fittings, but a design element specifically designed as a decorative material. From Chinese style to modern iron art, no matter what style of decoration, metal has become an indispensable part of modern decoration and is regarded as a representative element of modern style.
When it comes to metal, the first thing that comes to your mind is definitely the hot iron art recently, which is a very skinny black metal line decoration.

Wrougth iron in home furniture art
Many people may still think that iron metal is a decorative material that has emerged in recent decades. They do not know that it has a long history. The history of iron can be traced back to the Heti Empire of Asia Minor (now northern Turkey) around 2500 BC. At that time, people were able to cast all kinds of ironware. The true transformation of ironware into iron art began when iron cast was introduced into Europe.

In the Roman era, ironware had begun to spread, and a specialized blacksmith profession appeared. The iron art we are seeing now mainly developed and formed during the Middle Ages.

There are many decorative elements in the truest sense of the word. The patterns are mostly Roman shapes, and there are also ancient Greek and Egyptian styles. Some styles have been used until now.

The iron signboard that we often see in movies is a product of the Middle Ages

The iron art of this period followed the heavy and rigorous style of Rome, as well as the theme of war. Especially after the appearance of the medieval knight culture, the styles of armor, shield sword, horseshoe and family crest totem were very common.

The history of old wrought iron style
The iron metal in sculpture and decoration art is common material in human history. What is mentioned here is not about water pipes and hardware fittings, but a design element specifically designed as a decorative material. From Chinese style to modern iron art, no matter what style of decoration, metal has become an indispensable part of modern decoration and is regarded as a representative element of modern style.
When it comes to metal, the first thing that comes to your mind is definitely the hot iron art recently, which is a very skinny black metal line decoration.

Wrougth iron in home furniture art
Many people may still think that iron metal is a decorative material that has emerged in recent decades. They do not know that it has a long history. The history of iron can be traced back to the Heti Empire of Asia Minor (now northern Turkey) around 2500 BC. At that time, people were able to cast all kinds of ironware. The true transformation of ironware into iron art began when iron cast was introduced into Europe.

In the Roman era, ironware had begun to spread, and a specialized blacksmith profession appeared. The iron art we are seeing now mainly developed and formed during the Middle Ages.

There are many decorative elements in the truest sense of the word. The patterns are mostly Roman shapes, and there are also ancient Greek and Egyptian styles. Some styles have been used until now.

The iron signboard that we often see in movies is a product of the Middle Ages

The iron art of this period followed the heavy and rigorous style of Rome, as well as the theme of war. Especially after the appearance of the medieval knight culture, the styles of armor, shield sword, horseshoe and family crest totem were very common.

- European nobles like to put a few sets of knight armor at home

- There are many embossed patterns on the armor

- The iron nail door and wrought iron door decoration appeared in the Middle Ages

- Until modern times they often follow the same art style

- This iron door bolt imitates the medieval style with classic creeper pattern and dog head

- This kind of wall lamp stand that everyone is very familiar with is actually a product of the  Middle Ages

- Seeing this spire, you know it is Gothic design

- Now Britain and France streets are decorated with middle age iron art style

Like many other artistic creations, in the Renaissance, the iron art developed in a diversified direction. In addition to retaining the artistic elements of the Middle Ages, the style has changed from the old-fashioned medieval style and has a strong romantic temperament.

Iron art in the classical period has a wide range of applications, especially in various outdoor environments. In Europe in the 17th century, "stone building + iron decoration" was the basis of urban landscape. Iron gates, stairs, fences on terraces and window sills, decorative parts on lighting, furniture and supplies, etc., all have a part made in iron art.

You can contemplate the iron figures in many places

The wrought iron gates that appeared in the 17th century were deeply loved by European aristocrats. The styles include retro Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Rococo styles. During this period, many manors used iron gates, and this practice later spread to the Americas.

The wrought iron gate

The famous British Chatsworth House

The ironwork of this railing is too luxurious

The gate of the manor made of iron

After the Industrial Revolution, the productivity under mechanization provided the basis for more complex iron crafts. The most representative one is the well-known Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Eiffel Tower

In general, there are two styles of modern iron decoration. One follows the traditional iron method to produce finished products with classic patterns. The materials are mostly copper and cast iron. In fact, the gates, railings, wall lamp stands and various decorative parts mentioned above are still in production and use. The other style is a pure product of industrial era and follows a modern style that still use iron metal emphasizing on functionnal aims where the texture and beauty of lines are predominant. This kind of design has gradually become the mainstream since the 19th century. To explain it in a simple terms, it is what we call "Nordic iron art", mainly because it is more matched with retro and Nordic styles in modern homes. In fact, it was created by modern designers and has little to do with Northern Europe.

The pioneers of modern iron art

Peter Berens known as "the first modern art designer"

The Nordic wrought iron design you are talking about is his invention

△Designed by Peter Berens

Various furniture accessories, background walls, partitions and ceilings, etc are made in iron art and this attests many possibilities to use the iron material in modern homes design

△ The iron partition wall

△ Very simple, linear design iron chair

△ Stainless steel wrought iron background wall

In summary, for a long period of time, various decorative arts and materials have occupied the mainstream of architecture and interior design, but the metal elements based on iron art have always had irreplaceable charm, and even ceramic tiles have also appeared in products with metal texture.