It’s Metal, Chairs
My new and beloved, NYC thrifted, iron chair.
DETAILS
Where — The home
Beautiful — Iron work
Iron is the new black.
I recently won a bet with my boyfriend, and my prize? A pair of these stunning ornamental iron bar chairs (pictured above). Ladies and gentlemen, if your boyfriend ever offers you a football bet, take it and run. Needless to say, thank you Michigan, and thank you, Ben!
So, what’s the deal with my obsession with metal chairs? Honestly, I'm not sure if it’s the recent revival of beautifully crafted iron pieces or my long-standing love for Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Either way, I’m all in on the ornate yet delicate craftsmanship of wrought iron.
Ironwork dates back to ancient Egypt, with the first uses appearing as early as 3500 BC, primarily for tools and weapons. But fast forward to 16th-century Europe—particularly France and Spain—and ironwork started to find its way into the decorative realm, becoming a symbol of luxury. As the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements emerged, organic forms in furniture and home fixtures gained popularity, and wrought iron became a versatile material capable of taking on these motifs. In the modern world, it seems like we've seen a return of metal furniture that embraces these curvilinear and organic shapes.
What I love about wrought iron in the home is its combination of strength and delicacy. When paired with warmer, softer materials like wood and upholstery, these metal pieces create a beautiful, timeless ambiance. And as Rule #5 suggests: create harmony in your space by blending soft and hard materials.
So, how can you incorporate iron or metal into your home? My personal favorite is through chairs—dining chairs or side chairs, in particular. Cocktail tables also look stunning in wrought iron, and light fixtures are another great way to introduce the material. The movement within the ironwork can add a dynamic element to your space. Smaller decor items, like candleholders or fireplace screens, are also wonderful ways to bring metal into your home without overwhelming the space. But if you're feeling bold, consider a dramatic wrought-iron railing for your staircase—imagine how stunning that could be!
Now that you’re hooked, you’re probably wondering where to find these pieces. Antique stores are a great place to start, especially those that source from France, where you might find unique and original treasures. You could also explore art galleries and showrooms, where you'll find one-of-a-kind pieces (at a higher price point, of course). For those of us on a budget, there’s no shame in going the big-box route. Stores like Lulu and Georgia, CB2, and Crate and Barrel (which has some incredible new pieces through its collaboration with Athena Calderone, aka Eyeswoon) have begun offering striking iron and metal furniture that speaks to this design movement.
So, with all this knowledge in hand, good luck in your journey to make your home even more beautiful!
A pair of iron chairs from Bruises Gallery.
A pair of Art Deco chairs from 1stDibs.
An Art Nouveau chair in a space designed by Victoria Hagan.
