How to Decorate with Wrought Iron Gates

Vintage wrought iron gates are finding their way into Antique Malls, Flea Markets and Architectural Salvage Shops across the country. Interior Designers and home owners are using them to create new and useful pieces to decorate their homes for a rustic or shabby chic decor. Iron gates come in all sizes and vary in ornamental design. The individual designs were created by local blacksmiths and craftsmen. They have stood the test of time and are very solid in construction. Most have weathered from being outside and have turned a rusty patina, which makes the piece visually interesting. Here are a few ways that you can use them to create beautiful pieces for your home.

Create an Iron Gate Wall Hanging

• Measure the size of the wall that you plan to hang a gate before purchasing. The gates are very heavy and you will need to have a solid stud or wall to mount them on.
• Look for a gate that is solid and decorative. They come in varying sizes and can be found in Antique Shops, Farm Auctions, Flea Markets and online.
• Prepare the gate by lightly sanding with fine grit sandpaper. The gates can be used as is, sealed with a clear coat sealant or painted your favorite color.
• To hang a gate on a wall you will need to use heavy duty mounting brackets or bolts. Many gates are quite heavy and need to be anchored securely into the studs of a wall. If you are unsure of how to hang heavy objects hire a professional to provide a safely hung piece.
• Gates can also be hung outside on a garden shed or out building. Sometimes the rust will bleed onto a wall when the gate becomes wet, so be sure you hang in a place that can be repainted if needed. Use a clear coat sealant to help prevent further rusting and bleeding.

Ways to Display a Vintage Wrought Iron Gate

• Use as an accent piece in a foyer or great room. Display the gate by simply setting it on a cabinet or large council piece.
• Create a headboard by leaning the gate against the wall.
• Design a unique window valance or side panel by hanging an antique gate around or above a window.
• In the kitchen suspend a gate from the ceiling to use as a pot rack.
• Need a semi private room divider? Arrange several gates to create a free standing room divider.
• The perfect place for vintage wrought iron pieces is outdoors displayed in a garden to provide a wall for climbing flowers and plants.
• Repurpose as an outside entrance door by having hinges welded to the sides.

Create a New Piece of Furniture

• Design the base of the table from a gate and add a wood top. You can use a top that you already have or have one custom made.
• Locate a custom wood shop to make the table top and the legs of the table.
• Finish the wood to match your existing furniture.
• Attach a table base to a gate and place a clear piece of glass on top.

Antique Gates make beautiful decorative pieces for your home. Look for architectural pieces on your next antique shopping trip to create a unique piece of sculptured art for your home. Find vintage iron gates online for more creative ideas.