Decorating with Wrought Iron: The Dining Room is Special Again

A wrought iron chandelier brings instant sophistication and character to your dining room. Styles range the gamut from modern contemporary, to country, to rustic, Mediterranean and traditional. You can find more ornate or simpler designs that will suit your taste. The matte black finish of wrought iron adds a sense of significance and style to any room and the black finish is a good accent for any color scheme. If you have a large blank wall in your dining room you could use a large metal wall hanging as a focal point and complement to the wrought iron chandelier. Once you find a style you love, your next concern is size. A light fixture that hangs over a table should be approximately ¾ the width of the table and the bottom of the fixture should hang 30-32 inches above the table top.

A wrought iron chandelier or hanging light fixture could also be used in a living room or entry area. Echoing the material and style of the dining room fixture in these other areas will create a feeling of cohesiveness and attention to detail. A simple fixture can easily combine with other accents that define your style, whether your dining room features contemporary wall art or music wall art.

If the concept of a wrought iron table brings to mind your grandmother's white wrought iron patio furniture, think again! Today's wrought iron dining tables are combined with natural wood and designed in styles that would fit in with Tuscan style, Colonial and Traditional, Contemporary or your favorite way of decorating. When choosing tables consider a size that is appropriate for the room as well as the number of people that typically use the table. Round tables look best in square rooms and can usually seat more people. In particular, a pedestal-style round table always has room for one more chair. Coordinating chairs, bar stools and club tables are also available in wrought iron. Just plan carefully and know the measurements of your space; as much as you may love the look of wrought iron furniture, you don't your space to look crowded.

Finish off the look with wrought iron accents like sconces, clocks, picture frames and wine racks. Virtually any item in any style, from large metal wall hangings to candle holders, is available in wrought iron.