Wrought Iron Benches

HOW TO USE WROUGHT IRON BENCHES INDOORS AND OUTDOORS

Outdoor furniture crafted of water-resistant polyurethane, PVC, and temper-coated glass may be all the rage, but sometimes bringing it back to basics is arguably the best approach. Case in point: vintage wrought iron benches. Wrought iron benches have been a garden mainstay for centuries, lending garden alcoves architectural intrigue and outdoor conversation zones dynamic appeal, all while racking up accolades for their unparalleled durability and never-goes-out-of-style aesthetics. When it comes to outfitting your personal outdoor oasis, it may be tempting to opt for new-fangled plastics, but there’s no denying the pared-back perfection that an antique wrought iron bench can bestow.

Part of the secret to wrought iron benches’ staying power is the wrought iron itself. Wrought iron out-performs virtually any outdoor furniture material on the market, from powder-coated aluminums to all-natural teak. Wrought iron is essentially iron that has been heated to chemistry-altering temperatures in order to create a malleable material that can be hammered into intricate shapes. Once set, wrought iron is near indestructible—hence the reason it's been used historically to cast everything from railways to warships. Weather, even the most inclement, has virtually no effect on wrought iron. So long as wrought iron isn’t nicked or chipped, it won’t rust, either.

Which isn’t to say that wrought iron bench seats won’t age. But rather than devalue a piece, age can actually enhance a vintage wrought iron bench. A bit of weathering can result in subtle rivets, divots, and coloration changes that actually beautify. To keep more drastic aging at bay, black wrought iron benches can be easily maintained by way of a seasonal wellness-check. Give your piece a once-over to search for any nicks or dents. Scratches should be immediately sanded and touched up with paint. Cleaning wise, antique wrought iron benches only require a mild soap and water sponge-down. For extra credit, some iron enthusiasts will recommend a spritz of automotive spray wax, but it's by no means a must.

Using Vintage Wrought Iron Benches Outdoors

When looking for an antique wrought iron bench to style outdoors, it’s worth taking stock of where you’ll be using it—As a stand-alone fixture at the end of a breezeway? As part of a conversation zone?—and pick accordingly. Small wrought iron benches can be best for small, secluded garden nooks, while more substantial benches, such as a full-back bench with Italianate villa-style scrollwork, are better for holding their own on a patio or deck. A curved wrought iron bench can also be a befitting option for a seating area surrounding a circle-shaped feature such as a fountain, fire pit, or even the base of a mature tree.

Especially if you have a garden, it can be great fun to consider a vintage wrought iron bench with elaborate scrollwork to train creeping vines. Look for high-backed wrought iron benches if you plan to indulge climbing greenery. For those looking to achieve a truly verdant masterpiece, it can be worth seeking out vintage wrought iron garden benches with built-in trellises or canopies. While it can be difficult to bear a bare-bones frame for a season, a quick grower like star jasmine, white jasmine, or any number of climbing roses will make for a stunning statement bench in no time.