Wrought iron furniture offers elegance in garden decor. Crafted of sturdy material and designed with comfort in mind, wrought iron chairs add the perfect touch to any porch, patio or lawn space.
Antique dealers know to scour flea markets, yard sales and estate auctions for pieces of wrought iron patio furniture worth thousands of dollars – but how can you tell whether or not the furniture is genuine?
Durability
Wrought iron has long been recognized for its strength and resilience, making it an excellent material choice for applications requiring strength and permanence. Where many other materials must sacrifice beauty for durability, wrought iron stands out as being both beautiful and long-term durable – antique wrought iron patio furniture being one such example of its durability in your backyard!
Cast iron furniture, however, is manufactured using molds; in contrast, wrought iron furniture must be handmade by skilled artisans using their fingers. This allows artisans to craft pieces featuring intricate designs like scrollwork that would otherwise be impossible with cast iron. However, whether new or vintage, proper maintenance must be carried out to protect it against rusting; to do this you should clean and apply wax every few months to keep its integrity.
Wrought iron is an extremely heavy material, meaning that it won’t easily be moved by strong winds and less likely to suffer damage from falls. Furthermore, its durability also makes it comfortable when combined with quality outdoor patio cushions for seating.
The chair in the first image below is an example of this type. Though you could use it without a cushion, for increased comfort we advise adding one with thin pad style cushions for added color accent.
Wrought iron furniture offers many advantages, one being its low maintenance requirements. Simply by polishing and waxing regularly, its corrosion-resistance is virtually assured – many people even prefer its natural look by not applying any coatings or stains to it!
Wrought iron furniture is an excellent option for outdoor spaces due to its ease of maintenance. Simply wash it regularly with mild soap and water mixture before applying a layer of automotive wax once or twice annually. Furthermore, protect it from the elements by covering it with a waterproof tarp when not in use; typically this lasts a couple years until a replacement tarp must be purchased.
Style
Wrought iron furniture offers a rustic elegance rarely found in modern pieces. Constructed of durable yet visually appealing material, wrought iron gives any outdoor space an air of heritage and tradition. If your vintage wrought iron patio furniture has started looking worn down over time, don’t fret: there are several easy solutions you can employ to restore its looks back into good condition and bring its vintage beauty back into use!
One effective way of telling whether a piece of wrought iron furniture is truly vintage is by looking for its maker’s mark. While many pieces won’t bear such an indication, if its creation comes from an established manufacturer it will usually command more value than similar works from unknown artisans. If this proves unsuccessful then look out for catalogs featuring patterns used by the maker and this may help identify both maker and date of your piece.
Another way of telling whether a piece of wrought iron furniture is antique is by taking a closer look at its texture. Cast iron furniture features mold lines on its sides while wrought iron doesn’t; furthermore, look out for any signs of hamming or other signs of craftsmanship on its piece.
If your wrought iron furniture has started looking worn and weathered, there are a number of simple and inexpensive ways to bring it back into shape. First, remove its existing finish using either sanding or chemical rust removal products; next clean the metal surface thoroughly; finally apply primer followed by two coats of paint designed specifically for use on wrought iron surfaces.
Wrought iron patio furniture comes in an array of styles, from basic silhouettes to elaborate brass accents. 1stDibs offers a selection from different eras so that you can find exactly the set for your outdoor space – mid-century modern sets by Hendrik Van Keppel and Taylor Green, Hollywood Regency seating from Maurizio Tempestini, as well as other designers are just waiting to be discovered here!
Warranty
Wrought iron patio furniture is among the most durable options available and has long been prized for its strength and beauty. However, not all wrought iron sets are created equal; you should look for high quality sets which have been powder coated or baked to resist corrosion and weathering as this will provide longer warranties than most metal furniture sets.
Vintage wrought iron patio furniture can be found in antique shops, online retailers and specialty stores as well as auction websites and live auctions. Furthermore, secondhand stores may sell it. Refinishing and refurbishment will give your piece of wrought iron new life by taking away rust damage while protecting it from further deterioration – plus powder coating at 400 degrees provides silky smooth or textured surfaces with five year warranties against further rusting!
Wrought iron outdoor furniture can add rustic charm to your home or garden. Unlike most furniture materials, wrought iron’s beauty lies in both its durability and beauty; you can choose from various styles and finishes to find something that matches your decor. Lightweight pieces are recommended so they can easily be moved around; consider purchasing pieces with wheels for easy transporting; you could use a garden cart or ask friends to help move the pieces if need be.
Understanding how to identify wrought iron furniture is vitally important when shopping for your perfect piece. Wrought iron may often be mistaken for cast iron, but there are distinct differences. Most obviously, cast iron has mold lines on its sides while wrought iron does not. You can also tell which is which based on their surfaces: cast iron has dull and shiny finishes while wrought iron features more of a rougher texture finish.
Your furniture should also be checked regularly for signs of wear and tear. Since wrought iron furniture can easily rust over time, regular inspection is important in preserving its longevity and prevent further rusting issues. Consider purchasing a special rust repellent spray to safeguard its metal components against further oxidization; additionally make sure that regular wiping down and applying an automotive wax application will also help extend its life and prolong its beauty!
Value
Antique furniture and decorative elements add timeless elegance to any space, be it patio refurbishment, garden makeover or adding classic style into a back room. At 1stDibs we carry an expansive selection of vintage building and garden elements to meet all your design needs.
Wrought iron furniture is constructed from durable material that can withstand most weather conditions, offering both looks and durability in one material. Craftsmen also add significant value when crafting such pieces by creating beautiful works of wrought iron art.
At times you may come across wrought iron furniture that has been repainted. A great choice for this task is True Value X-O Rust-Oleum spray paint, which comes equipped with built-in primer. This saves both time and money since no priming of furniture prior to application of spray paint is necessary. Choosing a spray paint with proper instructions from its label will help your refinishing project look its best; don’t apply when it is wet outside nor apply when too hot outside!
Reupholstering your wrought iron furniture is one way to increase its value and bring it up-to-date, adding comfort and individuality to vintage patio pieces. Plush cushions make chairs and sofas more relaxing for sitting, while quality tablecloths provide soft surfaces for food and beverages.
Wrought iron differs from cast iron in that it’s formed through heating and bending the metal instead. This results in more delicate-looking and lightweight furniture. However, cast iron furniture may sometimes be mistaken for wrought iron when shopping; so be wary when selecting pieces. Likewise, be wary when purchasing used items as sometimes the mold lines on sides could indicate otherwise.
Antique and vintage wrought iron patio furniture pieces designed for gardens or patios still work beautifully in today’s environments – even having Rococo influences! If you want to bring garden beauty into your home, choose antique or vintage wrought iron patio furniture from our expansive collection.