7 Different Types Of Vintage Wrought Iron Patio Furniture: A Detailed Guide

Wondering why Wrought Iron Furniture is a great option for a patio?

Due to its classic visual appeal and aesthetic style look, wrought iron patio furniture is a go-to choice for people who want to give their patio an appealing, vintage, and romantic look.

There are a variety of designs in wrought iron furniture, and you can select any of your desires according to your patio outlook.

Many people today find that wrought iron furniture has some distinguishing factor that sets it apart from other types of outdoor furniture. Most of what is sold today are one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces.

So before making a wrought iron furniture choice for your patio, you need to know more details about their style and quality.

This article will share a brief guide on wrought iron patio furniture and everything you should have a clear idea about.

What is Wrought Iron?

Wrought iron patio furniture refers to chairs made from thin strips of iron that are welded together, and then shaped to form intricate designs such as scrolls or curves.

This design makes wrought iron patio furniture more expensive and intricate than steel. Wrought iron has a reputation for being heavy, very sturdy, and having an antique design that modern materials can’t replicate.

History of Wrought Iron Patio Furniture

You may be surprised to learn that the majority of outdoor furniture we have today came about due to industrialization in the mid-1700s. With much perseverance and time, wrought iron patio furniture has found its way into homes worldwide!

Wrought iron patio furniture has been around since medieval times.

The metal is made by combining purified wrought iron and scrap steel, which goes through a reduction process.

This process makes it strong and lightweight. The pieces are then forged together with hammers before being welded using molten metal to create intricate patterns, one piece at a time.

Wrought iron patio furniture was popular during the Victorian era due to its versatility and unique beauty.

It is most desirable for its timeless nature; since it is crafted by hand and one piece at a time, no two pieces are alike.

As technology advanced, wrought iron patio furniture also improved. The first steel-framed chairs with mesh wicker seats were invented in the 1960s by Gustav Stickley, a renowned American designer.

He popularized the rustic aesthetic design of the Arts and Crafts Movement. As technology advances and becomes more cost-efficient, we continue to make strides in finding unique ways to create beautiful pieces of furniture, such as wrought iron patio furniture.

7 Different Types Of Wrought Iron Patio Furniture

A patio is more than a place to enjoy the summer; it’s also an outdoor living area.

Whether you’re hosting a large party or just sitting down for lunch with your friends and family, you want to ensure your patio furniture is stylish and can withstand the elements.

But don’t forget that people also use their patios year-round! You’ll want to find comfortable pieces when it’s too chilly to sit outside and elegant enough for Christmas or New Year’s Eve.

But buying vintage wrought iron patio furniture can be tricky — there are many different types of styles, size options, and variations.

But here, we have discussed 7 different types of famous wrought iron patio furniture, which will prove a perfect fit for your patio and prove more durable.

The following are some of the different types of wrought iron patio furniture that are sold today. The list is in no particular order.

1. Basic Wrought Iron Patio Furniture

The most basic options are traditional wrought iron patio chairs and tables. These have a traditional look that will never go out of style and complement many different types of décor.

Whether your home is modern or traditional, you’ll find that these pieces are a classic addition to any outdoor space.

Consider antique wrought iron side tables if you’re looking for small accent or end tables for your patio.

Small enough to fit on your deck but large enough to hold drinks, books, and other essentials. These side tables can help transform your outdoor space into an extension of your indoor living.

If you’re looking for a more contemporary look, a wrought iron table lamp that matches your decor is a beautiful addition.

Some of these lamps are designed to look like fireplaces and are made with the same style and quality as your typical wrought iron furniture.

2. Wrought Iron Patio Coffee Tables

If you have a larger space needing extra seating, it’s time to think about patio coffee tables. These large tables can comfortably seat up to 8 people and can even be used outdoors during warmer months. They’re also attractive enough to complement your outdoor dining chairs.

Like all other types of wrought iron furniture, these tables are made with tempered steel that provides durability through years of use and weather elements.

They’re also coated with a durable polyurethane finish that’s tough enough to withstand salt and sun damage.

Consider a steel patio coffee table if you’re looking for a unique way to fill a large space and create more seating.

These tables are made using the same methods as your basic wrought iron tables but feature different design elements that set them apart from the traditional look.

3. Wrought Iron Patio Chairs

Buying vintage wrought iron patio chairs can be an excellent choice if you’re looking for a slightly more modern or contemporary feel. With these pieces, you can update your patio space without sacrificing your traditional look.

Make sure you’re comfortable with the wood used to make each chair. Whether you’re looking for a traditional dining chair for your family or a modern lounge chair for your guests, these unique chairs are built to last.

Each one is crafted using steel welded together and coated with a durable polyurethane finish to withstand the elements.

Like all other types of wrought iron furniture, these pieces have been tested and inspected to ensure that they are free of defects and have passed safety standards.

If you buy vintage wrought iron patio chairs from an online retailer, ensure that the company is knowledgeable about its product line and has excellent customer service before placing your order.

4. Wrought Iron Patio Bar Stools

A vintage wrought iron bar stool is a great choice for your patio. These chairs have a modern or traditional look, depending on which style you choose, and are designed to fit indoors and outdoors.

Some bar stools are made with wood used in traditional woodworking tools, while others feature rubber inserts for stability. All of them have been tested for strength and durability to stand up to years of use.

5. Wrought Iron Patio Bench

If you have a small area to utilize, a wrought iron bench fits the bill. These benches are available in many different color options and are designed to look like wood from an outside perspective.

But they’re made with steel coated with a durable finish so that they will stand up to years of use and the elements. They’re also big enough for multiple people to sit on, making them perfect for tailgating parties.

6. Wiggle Back Patio Furniture

This type of wrought iron patio furniture has a curved, slanted back that allows for more comfort while sitting. The frame fits around the back and is attached to the seat, and there are many variations of this style.

In addition to comfort, the wiggle-back style also adds a touch of class and elegance to any outdoor area or indoor room.

Many antique pieces have been refurbished and modernized for home decoration or office furniture.

7. Garden Benches Patio Furniture

These are the traditional wrought iron patio furniture pieces used to sit outdoors. These benches often have intricate carvings on their sides and backs and usually come in pairs.

They can either be purchased as separate pieces or in sets. Garden benches are most commonly used as decorative furniture items for home patios, but many variations can also be used indoors.

How To Identify Vintage Wrought Iron Patio Furniture?

It’s often hard to identify vintage wrought iron patio furniture. It doesn’t look like it used to, and it’s challenging to identify the age of wrought iron pieces like chairs, tables, and other items you may come across in a yard sale, antique shop, or thrift store.

It happens because many types of wrought iron furniture . such as outdoor patio furniture, have been repurposed for indoor use.

It can be difficult to identify as pieces of wrought iron furniture may have been painted white or other shades, or ugly vinyl covers may have been placed over nice wrought iron furniture before being sold.

But with a little knowledge of the types of wrought iron outdoor patio furniture and a keen eye to look for those markings and details that will help you determine an approximate age, you can learn how to identify a vintage wrought iron patio furniture.

1. Markings and Details

Many vintage wrought iron patio furniture pieces will feature details like the name of the company that made it, the model number of the piece, some manufacturer’s stamps, or even a coat of paint applied when it was originally used in an outdoor location.

2. A Specific Model Numbers

Many companies used a model number system to identify the pieces. You can find these numbers on dining room chairs, tables, and many other pieces of outdoor patio furniture.

They are usually located on the underside of the piece or on the frame near where it was soldered together. An example would be “AS-287.”

This number shows that it’s an outdoor chair made by the Swedish American Society with a 287 model number and painted in green butler (or hunter) green.

3. Look For The Maker’s Mark

Another way to identify a piece of wrought iron patio furniture is by its maker’s stamp.

These stamps can be found where a manufacturer model number or number system was located.

They are commonly found on the underside of tables, chairs, and other end-table pieces. An example would be “JENKINS BROS FORGERY CO INC.”

This stamping is on the underside of a Martha Ann outdoor table and chair set made by JENKINS BROS forgery company.

4. Paint Colors And Patterns

There’s no better way to tell the age of outdoor patio furniture than by the paint colors and designs used. Different colors were popular in different years.

For example, red was very popular in the 1960s, while teal green outside furniture became popular in the early 1990s.

Most of these colors remained a staple throughout the life of an item or piece, whereas paint colors like white, yellow, and beige did not get any use after the 1960s.

5. Wrought Iron Patio Furniture Covers

One of the biggest challenges for antique dealers, sellers, and thrifters is selling beautiful wrought iron patio furniture that has been repainted with vinyl covers by the previous owner. It is because several markings can identify whether it’s vintage or not.

Some of these markings look like paint, while others are just small letters or numbers. Some may even have a symbol stamped onto the metal frame.

Once you learn which ones to look out for, you can identify with great accuracy if an item has been repainted or if it’s a restored vintage piece.

6. Wrought Iron Patio Furniture Hinges

All vintage wrought iron patio furniture has hinges. These hinges are specific to the piece they are on and can help identify a piece’s age.

For example, the hinges used on Martha Ann chairs were made by a company called Jenifer Rivet, while Kadee Hinge Company or Masonite Corporation made the hinges on other pieces.

Some of these hinges are still sold today, but most vintage pieces will be older but still functional because they were either used for an indoor piece or for an outdoor piece that was repurposed for indoor use.

How Do You Know If Your Patio Furniture Is Wrought Iron?

After deciding which piece of furniture to choose for your patio, now it’s time for you to know whether it’s made of vintage wrought iron furniture or not.

So there are some special characteristics of wrought iron, and by keeping in mind these characteristics, you can know if your patio furniture is wrought iron.

Hence your patio furniture is wrought iron if;

1. It is Heavy

Yes, your patio furniture is wrought iron if it is heavier than other furniture.

Wrought iron is a heavy material; if you find it hard to move a piece of patio furniture, it is wrought iron.

2. It Rusts

Wrought iron is prone to rust, and its color fades if you keep it regularly under the sun.

So to make sure your patio furniture does not rust, coat your pieces in a clear material such as polyurethane or varnish.

3. It Has a Rough Texture.

The furniture is not shiny and has a rough texture to the touch.

4. Has Welded Joints

It can be identified by the welded joints that are visible on the frame of the furniture.

Is Wrought Iron Good For Outdoor Furniture?

 It’s quite a common misconception that wrought iron is unsuitable for outdoor furniture.

But in reality, wrought iron is the perfect choice for your outdoor patio furniture. It can provide you with a classic and beautiful look for your garden.

Wrought iron styles have become more durable and resistant to corrosion, so it is a great option if you’re looking for patio furniture. We’ll take you through some benefits of having wrought iron furniture outside!

So, here are the top reasons why wrought iron is great for outdoor furniture.

1. Superior Materials

Your typical cast aluminum furniture may look great in your backyard, but it won’t last as long. It will likely get damaged from the weather conditions and constant exposure to the elements.

But this is not the case with wrought iron furniture! It is made with alternating layers of steel or aluminum to create a strong and durable frame.

Cast aluminum also makes up most frames, so if you have ever heard that wrought iron is heavy . that’s because it has layers of cast aluminum.

2. Improved Design

Wrought iron furniture is available in a wide range of styles, designs, and colors to fit your specific patio. It comes in various finishes to look great on your deck, porch, or around your pool.

3. Maintenance-Free

Wrought iron patio furniture can easily be cleaned using a hose or pressure washer in high-traffic areas such as patios and decks.

If you choose to clean it in the sink with soap and water, be sure to clean up any excess soap or water afterward, as this will remove the sealant from the product.

4. Stylish and Elegant

Wrought iron furniture can give your patio an elegant and sophisticated look that no other type of garden furniture can achieve.

When you have wrought iron on your patio, it will complement your other outdoor decor as well.

5. Versatility

Wrought iron furniture is suitable for various styles and patios because it is not limited to outdoor use. Wrought iron will also fit perfectly with your interior decor and give a stylish touch to your room.

Is Wrought Iron Furniture Durable?

Wrought iron furniture is extremely durable and can last for years without any problems. And the durability of wrought iron makes it a good fit for outdoor furniture.

However, we recommend that you try to avoid direct sunlight when possible so that the colors don’t fade.

It’s ideal that you also store your wrought iron furniture inside during the winter. The main reason we recommend taking preventive measures is that the sun could damage the finish on your furniture, causing it to chip or peel off, making it look old and worn out quickly.

Buying Guide For Vintage Wrought Iron Patio Furniture: A Value Guide.

You’ve decided you want to add a little rustic charm to your outdoor space, but you’re not sure what type of vintage wrought iron patio furniture would mesh well with the rest of the design.

No worries! We have mentioned some tips in this guide that will help you select.

Tips For Buying Vintage Wrought Iron Patio Furniture

1. Determine Your Theme and Design Style

You want to make sure that the furniture that you buy matches the theme and style of your home or space.

For example, if you already have a lot of industrial decor around the yard, then buying a piece with too much traditional appeal might not mesh well with it.

Think about the idea behind each piece of vintage wrought iron patio furniture that you’re looking at buying, and make sure it is something that fits in with the rest of your space or area while still being unique enough to stand out on its own as well.

2. Consider the Age

Vintage wrought iron patio furniture can be quite old. Before making a purchase, you want to take a minute to consider how old the product is before choosing one and whether you’re okay with having something so old.

3. Consider The Size

While vintage wrought iron patio furniture takes up less space, it can still be quite big and bulky.

Be sure to take measurements of the area where you plan to store the furniture when you get it so you can know how much space it will take up.

4. Consider Durability And Quality

Vintage wrought iron patio furniture can be quite old, meaning it may not be able to stand up to the wear and tear that you put it through.

If you’re fine with getting an older product, this is a good choice because they tend to be sturdy and well made. They’re also more likely to hold up well over time, even if they get dented or scratched.

5. Consider The Condition Of The Product

While they may be sturdy and well made, vintage wrought iron patio furniture can often have some damage on them.

 Make sure to look closely at the product and ask anyone who sells it to you if it has any damage or problems you should know about before buying it.

6. Consider The Availability of Parts  

Most vintage wrought iron patio furniture is relatively easy to repair or refurbish so long as you have the parts available.

If you don’t plan on fixing the product yourself and instead want to pay someone else to do it for you, then make sure they have all the necessary parts for fixing or working with your particular piece before buying it.

7. Consider Where You Want The Piece

Some pieces of vintage wrought iron patio furniture will fit better with certain areas of your home or yard than others.

Be sure to put some thought into where you want it placed when it arrives so you can make sure there’s enough space for it and that it looks good in the space as well.

Conclusion

Buying vintage wrought iron patio furniture is a great idea for anyone who wants to add a little rustic charm to their outdoor space.

You can get the most out of this patio furniture if you know what you’re buying and where to put it. And once you do, you’ll enjoy the prettier, more peaceful area of your home for many years.