Wrought Iron Furniture Manufacturers

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, Buckingham Palace in London, the Iron Pillar at Delhi – these are but some of the world-famous monuments that receive millions of visitors every year. Many of us have probably visited these three monuments multiple times. Did you know that there is a common thread, spanning continents and countries, that connects these architectural wonders? How can a fence surrounding a palace, a tower commemorating the French Revolution and a pillar believed to have been built in honour of Lord Vishnu have anything in common? That common thread is Wrought Iron.

What is Wrought Iron?

Have you ever counted the number of things in and around you that are made of iron? Iron is a very versatile metal that is used in almost every aspect of our lives – from hemoglobin and cutlery to buildings and bridges! The discovery of iron – between 5000 to 3000 BCE – can probably be attributed to the Hittites, an Anatolian civilization (in modern-day Turkey). The iron ore – found in meteorites – was heated, hammered and made into a workable material. This form of iron, that has been ‘worked on’, is called wrought iron.

While the Hittites and some civilizations in the Middle Ages may have discovered iron and the process to obtain wrought iron, the credit for popularizing wrought iron as a versatile material, especially in the world of furniture, goes to market leaders in the furniture industry like Suren Space. Wrought iron is one of the two major forms of iron; the other is cast iron. Wrought iron is soft, ductile and fibrous; with less than 0.1% carbon and 1-2% slag, it is probably one of the purest forms of iron available to man today. With Suren Space’s expertise, this ‘commercially pure iron’ is now being skillfully hand-forged to create beautiful furniture items that are in great demand in India and across the globe.

Wrought iron can be obtained by various methods, like the Bloomery process, the Osmond process, the Finery process, etc. One of the most popular processes was designed by Henry Cort in 1784 – the Puddling process. With the advent of this more efficient process, wrought iron was catapulted onto the world stage as the popular choice for a number of uses. One such use was for the creation of furniture. Wrought iron furniture, thanks to skilled craftsmen like Suren Space, has become synonymous with beauty and style, aesthetics and practicality.

History of Wrought Iron

How did a material that was discovered and used by early man reach the workshops of furniture manufacturers like Suren Space? The journey of wrought iron began in the 2nd millennium BC.

In ancient civilizations like Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations, wrought iron was mostly used to make tools and weapons. The Hittites and the Mycenaean Greeks were famous for equipping their entire armies with iron swords. By the Middle Ages, wrought iron began to be seen on doors and windows, not only as protection against raiders, but mostly for decorative purposes. Anyone visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris can witness the majestic grandeur of the wrought iron scroll work – created in the early 18th century – on the facade of the cathedral.

Wrought Iron Furniture

From swords and spears to elaborate facades – it was a matter of time before creativity in wrought iron reached new heights. Wrought iron furniture started appearing in homes and gardens, palaces and churches across Europe and America. The earliest examples of wrought iron furniture can be traced as far back as the early 1800s. Skilled artisans and production facilities started making wrought iron chairs, sofas and other furniture items on a mass scale, for both indoor and outdoor use. With the passage of time, mass produced furniture lost its shine, and the exceptional craftsmanship of Suren Space and other skilled furniture manufacturers – who specialize in hand-forged wrought iron furniture – became immensely popular.

What is so special about wrought iron furniture?

Wrought iron has many intrinsic characteristics, which makes it ideal for making furniture.

• Tough

Wrought iron has high tensile strength – it can withstand a lot of stress before reaching breaking point. That is why, when people want durable furniture that will not get damaged easily, wrought iron furniture is the solution.

• Malleable

Probably some of the most decorative furniture items that exist today are made from wrought iron. The material can be worked into various shapes and designs, using techniques like bending, flattening, impressing, embossing, engraving, etc.

• Ductile

Ductility is a quality that allows a material to be drawn into long wires or filaments without breaking. This characteristic of wrought iron makes it easy to stretch it into different forms and shapes, as per the design of the furniture.

• Easy to weld

Wrought iron’s low carbon content helps to weld two pieces together easily, thus aiding the creation of more complex and intricate furniture.

This is the secret behind Suren Space’s exquisitely designed wrought iron furniture.

• Corrosion resistant

Wrought iron does not corrode easily, thus making it ideal for patio and garden furniture, which is left exposed to Nature for long periods of time. It is this quality of wrought iron that can explain the ‘magic’ behind the non-rusting Iron Pillar of Delhi.

• Low maintenance

Once you have bought it, you can forget about it! One of the biggest advantages of wrought iron furniture is that very little maintenance is needed to make the furniture last several years.

• Aesthetics and comfort

The main purpose of any style of decor is the visual appeal. Wrought iron furniture’s intricate designs and detailed patterns look very attractive and add a timeless beauty to any style of decor.

Aesthetics, however, is not the only highlight of any wrought iron furniture. No matter how stylish a settee or bed may be, if it is uncomfortable, it loses its charm.

When we think of wrought iron furniture, we tend to visualise rigid, uncomfortable furniture with hard edges. Suren Space’s wrought iron furniture is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also very comfortable to use.

• Customizable

No two wrought iron furniture pieces are alike. Spirals, complex curves, scrolls, decorative insets and intricate designs – you can choose from numerous patterns and designs to decorate your wrought iron furniture. Suren Space’s bespoke wrought iron furniture range, where every piece of furniture is designed as per your preferences, speaks volumes about the company’s attention to detail.

• Durable

Did you know that in the furniture world, wrought iron is often known as the ‘100 year’ deal? High tensile strength, coupled with resistance to corrosion, makes wrought iron furniture extremely durable. Be it your home or office, a restaurant or a resort, long-lasting furniture is always preferred!

Wrought Iron Furniture Courtesy Suren Space

The global metal furniture industry has come a long way from the times of the Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilisations. Bloomeries went out of use and the puddling process was used to make wrought iron. By the end of the 19th century, the Bessemer process had been developed, which was used for the mass production of steel. Mild Steel or MS, as that quality of steel came to be known, then began to be used interchangeably with wrought iron. A low-carbon steel, mild steel is similar to wrought iron in many ways.

In recent times, the beauty, strength, durability and versatility of wrought iron has created a resurgence in the demand for wrought iron furniture. Catering to this rising demand is Suren Space, with its skilled craftsmen, dedication to quality and expertise in bespoke furniture. Suren Space’s wrought iron furniture can be seen in all types of setups: hotels, resorts, corporate guest houses, night clubs, malls, high-end fashion boutiques, etc.

Some outstanding examples of Suren Space’s wrought iron furniture include bar furniture, outdoor furniture and resort furniture.

• Iron All Weather Patio Chair
• Iron Base Granite Round Top Bar Pub Table
• Bent Metal Solid Wood Wheel Base Resort Camp Bedside

Suren Space also has a vast range of mild steel furniture. These furniture items  – hand-forged with great care – have the same high quality of workmanship and the look and feel as Suren Space’s wrought iron furniture.

• Reclaimed Wood MS Base Round Center Table
• Round Granite MS Heavy Base Commercial Outdoor Table
• Blue Leatherette MS Base Green Distress Bar Table Set
• MS Outdoor Area Bistro Café Chair
• Buff Leather MS Base Resort Rest Chair
• MS Iron Solid Wood FB Cart Trolley for Serving
• MS Black Metal Outdoor Restaurant Table Chairs Set

The journey of wrought iron furniture – that started centuries ago – continues even today. People all over the world still opt for wrought iron furniture to adorn their homes and workplaces, because the versatility, durability, beauty and elegance of wrought iron furniture – especially Suren Space’s wrought iron furniture – is unrivalled in the furniture world. Thanks to Suren Space’s skilled craftsmanship, exquisite designs and world-class products, the wrought iron style of furniture is here to stay. Suren Space can meet your every ‘wrought iron’ demand, except another Eiffel Tower!

The Surprising Origins of Iron: From Ancient Beads to Extraterrestrial Theories

Did you know that your barbecue grill is probably a gift from an extraterrestrial? Grills, hammers, nails, and cutlery all have one thing in common: iron. The earliest recorded use of iron was in the making of beads in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) around 3200 BC. But how do extraterrestrials fit into this narrative?

The Rise of Iron in Human History

Archaeologists believe that the iron discovered by ancient civilisations around 5000-3000 BC was extracted from meteorites. The Ancient Egyptians referred to iron as the ‘metal from heaven’ and ‘black copper from the sky’ due to its meteoric origins. By 1200 BC, iron became integral to everyday life, used in farming tools and weapons, marking the beginning of the Iron Age. Techniques for extracting iron from ore were developed in the Middle East, and this knowledge gradually spread worldwide. Early examples of iron casting include statues outside the Zhongyue Temple in Dengfeng, China, and cannons in Burgundy and England.

The Evolution of Iron Furniture: From Bed Frames to Modern Designs

As iron’s versatility became apparent, it transitioned into furniture. The origins of iron furniture trace back to the Middle Ages with iron bed frames. In the early 19th century, the first known piece of iron furniture, a round three-legged cast iron table, was designed by German designer Karl Friedrich Schinkel. The 1830s saw an explosion in the variety of iron furniture, including bar, restaurant, garden, and patio pieces.

Understanding the Different Types of Iron

Iron is an umbrella term for various forms classified by purity, carbon content, or intended use.

Pig Iron

Also known as crude iron, pig iron is obtained directly from the blast furnace. It contains about 5% carbon and other impurities like phosphorus, silicon, manganese, and sulphur. This hard and brittle iron is mainly used in the steel manufacturing industry. Did you know how it got its name? The traditional mould used for pig iron ingots was shaped like a central channel with several branches, resembling a litter of piglets suckling their mother! Hence the name, ‘pig iron.’

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron is the purest form of iron, containing only about 0.1% carbon. This metal is very malleable, soft, and at the same time very tough. Once used for building construction, wrought iron is primarily used for furniture making today.

Cast Iron

Made from pig iron, cast iron is an alloy of iron with about 2-4% carbon. It is brittle, hard, and non-malleable, making it suitable for a wide range of structural and decorative purposes, such as columns, balusters, fences, benches, and decorative plaques.

Wrought Iron vs. Cast Iron: Choosing the Best for Your Furniture

While iron exists in various forms, the types of iron used for furniture making since ancient times are wrought iron and cast iron. Cast iron can withstand a lot of wear and tear, making it a popular choice for garden furniture. Wrought iron, being extremely malleable, is associated with intricately designed and low-maintenance furniture.

The Origins of Garden Furniture: From Ancient Civilizations to Cast Iron Elegance

The earliest examples of garden furniture can be traced back to ancient Egyptian civilisation when leisurely strolls in beautiful gardens were a favourite pastime of the wealthy. Ornately carved benches decorated the gardens of Roman nobles. With the advent of iron—especially cast iron—as the preferred material in the construction industry, cast iron outdoor furniture soon became popular. The famed English gardens, known for their exotic beauty, began to feature opulent cast iron benches, urns, and other ornamentation.

The Iconic White House Rose Garden: A Legacy of Cast Iron Furniture

One of the most famous examples of cast iron furniture is found in the White House. The renowned White House Rose Garden was created by First Lady Ellen Wilson in place of extensive stables for horses and coaches. When Frederick Law Olmstead Jr redesigned the Rose Garden in 1935, he introduced exquisite pieces of cast iron furniture for visitors to relax and enjoy the lush scenery. The unique style is still known as the ‘White House Rose Garden’ style of furniture.

The Industrial Revolution: A Turning Point for Cast Iron Furniture Production

The Industrial Revolution saw a rapid increase in the demand for cast iron furniture, met by skilled artisans mass-producing both indoor and outdoor iron furniture. In the 1840s, the Coalbrookdale Company put Birmingham on the global metal furniture industry map, while August Kitschelt’s tubular iron furniture factory gained worldwide fame. America also witnessed the emergence of talented iron furniture producers like J.L. Mott in New York and Hanson & Kirk in Philadelphia.

Advancements in Casting Techniques: The Rise of Intricate Cast Iron Designs

As casting techniques advanced, the designs of cast iron furniture became more intricate. Popular design styles were recreated, such as the Rococo Revival (with rustic themes like grape-and-leaf motifs, floral garlands, and flower-and-scroll crests) and the Renaissance Revival and Neoclassical motifs (featuring columns and lyres with antique ornamentation).

Wrought Iron: From Ancient Techniques to Modern Craftsmanship

‘Wrought’ literally means ‘worked on.’ Wrought iron is very malleable and can be extensively shaped to create the desired design. It has been in use since the 2nd millennium BC in the Anatolian Peninsula (present-day Turkey), initially for weapons of war. Iron was originally extracted in bloomeries, which produced a porous mass of iron and slag. The ‘bloom’ was then ‘wrought’ with a hammer to eliminate impurities. Bloomeries were also used in ancient China as early as 800 BC, with other production methods like the Osmond process, Finery process, and Puddling process developing much later.

The 19th century saw wrought iron being used for building construction. Apart from these functional uses, wrought iron has been used decoratively for centuries. Intricately carved wrought iron railings, grills, doors, and balconies are seen in many ancient buildings, with Church screens of the 15th-16th centuries as prime examples.

Wrought iron furniture gained popularity in the 18th century. Local blacksmiths and artisans created ornamental garden gates, benches, and other pieces inspired by master furniture craftsmen like Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton. One of the finest examples of wrought iron furniture is the remarkable garden collection at Strawberry Hill, the residence of renowned art historian and antiquarian Horace Walpole.

Why Iron Furniture Remains Timelessly Popular

Why is iron furniture—be it cast or wrought iron—still so popular today?

• Great Style: There is a diverse range of designs and styles available. Iron furniture is painted to prevent corrosion, ensuring it blends seamlessly with any décor!
• Great for Outdoors: Iron withstands the forces of nature better than most materials, making it ideal for patio and garden furniture.
• Durable: Iron is one of the strongest materials for furniture making. Iron furniture lasts for many years, maintaining its look as if it were new.
• Environment-Friendly: Iron furniture can be easily recycled and has minimal negative impact on the environment.

India’s Rich Iron Heritage: A Foundation for Modern Iron Furniture Manufacturing

The use of iron in India dates back to the 2nd millennium BC. Several archaeological sites across the country have yielded iron artefacts ranging from knives and daggers to spoons and saucepans. Greek historian Herodotus was among the first Westerners to document the use of iron in India.

One of the greatest metallurgical wonders is the Iron Pillar near the Qutub Minar in Delhi, which, though made of 99% iron, has not rusted after 1600 years!

With such remarkable metallurgical prowess, India has a significant advantage in the global iron furniture industry. Abundant iron ore reserves (the fifth-largest in the world) and skilled manpower contribute to India’s competitive edge. The global market for iron furniture was valued at £141.444 billion in 2020. India’s leading furniture manufacturers are at the forefront of the global industry, catering to the demand for all types of iron furniture.

Our Wide Range of Collection of Iron Furniture at Suren Space

One market leader is Suren Space, known for quality furniture, exquisite designs, and skilled craftsmanship. Suren Space offers a vast range of iron furniture, including:

Wrought Iron

• MS Iron All Weather Patio Chair
• MS Base Granite Round Top Br Pub Table

Cast Iron

• Cast Iron Industrial Theme Park Bench
• Cast Iron Adjustable Regular & Bar Height Multipurpose Table

Restaurants

• All Metal Solid Frame Outdoor Iron Chair
• Cast Iron Unique Folding Mango Wood Restaurant Table

Some other iron furniture items include:

• Metal Natural Finish Mesh Design Iron Cabinet
• Cast Iron Adjustable Drafting cum Console Table
• White Distress Tractor Seat Cast Iron Bar Stool
• Iron Round Shape Pendant Lamp
• Cast Iron Baroque Style Chair
• Cast Iron Folding Rustic Finish Raw Inspire Dining Set

Whatever the setting or décor, Suren Space’s beautifully designed iron furniture is sure to be the star attraction! Which iron furniture piece will you take home today?