Wrought Iron Lighting

Wrought Iron Lighting

Wrought iron has served as the basis of interior and exterior design for hundreds of years. Dating back to 1718 and the founding of Vieux Carré , wrought iron was matched against red brick in what is now the French Quarter of New Orleans. Wrought iron also served as a fundamental element of design thousands of miles away in Spain. Its influence spread to Mexico, then worked its way up the western coastline until it became just as important to the Spanish-Mediterranean style of architectural design. Even today, Southern California and the American Southwest are heavily influenced by the use of wrought iron, matching it with earthen red tiles and modest white stucco walls. Any current design projects should begin by taking into account the cultural influences of surrounding architectural landmarks. This preliminary research should allow the designer to select wrought iron lighting fixtures that appropriately match the inspirations of the region.

Exterior design projects attempting to reflect a French Quarter influence should rely on the use of wrought iron outdoor lanterns. Design elements should typically incorporate more vertically-oriented patterns with an emphasis on ornamental features. Traditionally, these lighting fixtures would be mounted against a red brick wall. Interior projects should incorporate wrought iron chandeliers as vital centerpieces. These artistic and intricately-designed features are a powerful way to highlight the overall theme of the project. The same theme can then be reflected throughout the interior with the use of wrought iron wall sconces, but special attention should be placed on the specific features of their design. In a thorough and detailed design project, specific ornamental designs should be reflected throughout the structure.

In a region more heavily influenced by Spanish or Mission style architecture, the visual appearance of wrought iron fixtures can be notably different than the French Quarter style. Spanish style structures generally celebrate more unassuming characteristics. The interior of a home or building will typically share many visual features with the exterior of the structure. Both inward and outward-facing walls are similarly colored white, and the extensive use of tile is reflected from the flooring to the roof. Main interior rooms will likely be decorated with a Spanish chandelier, allowing the surrounding walls to remain fairly plain and uninterrupted. While surrounding rooms can make use of wall-mounted lighting fixtures, each room should continue the theme of wrought iron implements. Even a modern-day game room in a Spanish style home can benefit from the inclusion of centrally-located wrought iron billiard lamps.

The most effective use of wrought iron lighting requires some degree of preliminary research. Individual countries and cultures have customized the use of the material in a variety of different ways. They have incorporated their own specific design characteristics ranging from the functional to the artistic. Yet the essential presence of wrought iron in fine design and historic architecture is unmistakable. The use of the timeless material in any inspired project can be the keystone to a cherished design.