Using Metal in Your Interior Design

Decorating and design isn’t just about painting a room or changing the curtains. It involves intricate details and subtle layers of home décor that really make the design pop. With the addition of fantastic artwork or intricate mosaics, you can add a layer of complex design elements without getting an over-cluttered look. But adding art to your design doesn’t have to be conventional and it certainly isn’t limited to any design. With so many different materials and methods for creating art in your design, it’s best to limit yourself to a particular material so designs don’t get overcomplicated. Use this guide to using metal art in your design and you’ll be sure to get the best metal art pieces that suit your design perfectly.

Using iron for metal wall art is a common practice in conventional, classic and country chic designs. Iron serves to create an antiqued look, especially when it is allowed to age naturally. Pitted iron creates an even more decayed look as the pits in the iron will rust and gain a unique patina that creates the ultimate in chic design artwork. Some iron artistry is powder coated with a protective dark covering. These powder coated iron art displays are made for the outdoors to prevent rusting. Painted iron art creates a detailed art deco design that is vibrant and bright, a perfect contrast to the contemporary design.

Iron wall art is extremely heavy. When hanging any iron artwork, it’s best to attach it directly to any framing members within the wall or ceiling. Simple butterfly toggles are acceptable for smaller and less heavy iron art pieces, but it’s always in your best interest to secure the piece directly to a stud or joist with a 2 ½ inch drywall screw.

Brass is a unique material that is easy to work with. It is typically welded together in sheets or pieces. Welded brass transforms into a rich rainbow effect when heated and welded together. Casts are another way brass is made into artwork. Molten brass is poured into a mold and allowed to harden. Multiple casts welded together create complex and intricate wall tapestries that can amaze and attract viewers with the beauty of its design.

Brass is a very light object when it is cut into sheets. However brass casts are often very heavy and must be supported with a direct attachment to the underlying stud or joist. Similar to copper, brass wall décor has unique weight distribution properties according to its shape. It can easily be secured using piano wire and picture hooks if it’s in sheets, but must be secured using sturdy metal hooks secured to studs when it is cast.