Metal has been employed in furniture making since time immemorial. Metals, which was previously used in parts is now used to create full furniture sets. In the past, bronze, gold, silver, and iron were the most commonly used metals; currently, steel and aluminium are the most commonly used metals in furniture production.
Metal may be found in your house in a variety of forms, from appliances and accessories to furniture and light fixtures. The five most popular types of metals and metal finishes are:
Aluminum:
Aluminum has a dull silver surface that resembles stainless steel in appearance. It is less expensive and lighter than steel, however it is not as strong as steel. Aluminum does not rust, although it does oxidise and leave a chalky white residue. Aluminum is commonly used in outdoor furniture and looks best when combined with light shades.
Steel:
Stainless steel is a metal alloy made up of carbon, iron, chromium, and other metals. From accent tables to kitchen sinks to bedside tables, stainless steel is deployed these days. It is resistant to corrosion due to the presence of chromium and is therefore, a low-maintenance material. It is far more durable than aluminium, which it resembles. Stainless steel is adaptable and goes well with cool tones, but it can also be used with warm tones. Using additional grey accent items with stainless steel might help integrating metal better
Mild steel has a higher percentage of carbon as the alloy composition and therefore is less resistant to corrosion. However, it is more malleable and is
Brass:
While gleaming, polished brass has been out of favour for several years, matte, aged brass has resurfaced in the home decor market. Brass is a blend of copper and zinc alloys that comes in a variety of colours, including red, yellow, gold, bronze, and brown. Gold is the most popular colour. This metal is corrosion resistant and antibacterial, so it's ideal for knobs and faucets. Although it is resistant to corrosion, strong cleaners can induce cracking in the material. So, brass should be cleaned with mild soap and water and polished with special brass polish. Solid brass is costly; instead, opt for brass plating at a lower cost.
Copper:
Copper is ideal for brightening and incorporating warm tones into your environment. Copper is an excellent way to liven up a white or neutral-toned kitchen or bathroom. Copper is a reddish orange colour that appears in a variety of decor and fixtures, including lights and utensils. It is corrosion-resistant and antimicrobial. Because of its great heat conductivity, copper is found in high-quality cookware. Due to oxidation, copper can develop a greenish blue coating over time(particularly if used outside). Coat with beeswax or carnauba wax, buff with a clean cloth, apply a coat of linseed oil, and finally cover with lacquer to prevent this.
Wrought iron:
Wrought iron is metal that has been hammered or bent into shape rather than being cast or poured. As a result, the surface is rough. It's widely used to construct fireplace accessories, outdoor furniture, pot racks, rustic beds, lights more because it's corrosion-resistant and long-lasting. In an environment that is primarily white or neutral-toned, wrought iron shines through.
While these are some of the metals used, here are a few examples of finishes:
Antique finish:
This metal finish generates a surface roughness that appears to last over time by darkening or tarnishing the metal. Often, one finds this finish in traditional homes.
Brushed finish:
A brushed metal finish is a matte finish that leaves faint brushstroke traces on the metal surface and appears to have been polished with a paintbrush.
Hammered finish:
Many microscopic indents offer surface texture to a hammered metal finish. This ornamental finish looks excellent in French country homes and warmly designed kitchens, and it can help you add detail to an otherwise plain space.
Polished finish:
This metal finishing gives metals a reflective, mirror-like gloss. Smudges and fingerprints show up more easily on metal polishing than on other surfaces. Polished metal is a popular stainless steel finish.
Satin finish:
This form of finishing is comparable to brushed metals, except it is smoother and usually lacks brushstroke lines. It has a gloss that is in between matte and polished. Often this sort of finish is deployed in mid century homes.
So getting to the main point...why use metal in our furniture?
Style quotient:
It has fantastic style, believe it or not! Metal furniture designers have worked hard to produce furniture that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Natural wood-like colours and laminate drawer fascia can change a basic piece of metal furniture into something that is aesthetically indistinguishable from wood furniture.
Cleanliness and pest control:
Due to its less absorbent surface, metal furniture is easier to clean and tolerates pesticides better than wood. Metal furniture includes bends, folds, and board areas that provide a hiding spot for pests like bed bugs, thus it is not bed bug or pest proof. As with any furniture, metal furniture requires regular cleaning.
Easy to blend with surroundings, while staying bold!
While most metal furniture is made to look like or blend in with wood, it may also make a bold statement. Because metal lacks the variances and graining of wood, standard basic colour selections or custom match paints are simple to accomplish on metal furniture.
Lasts for a very long time:
The contract furniture market's workhorse is metal furniture. Metal furniture can withstand a lot of abuse, making it ideal for any group living situation, especially in dorms and temporary housing. Metal beds and bunk beds are long-lasting and easy to clean. Storage, nightstands, and chests of drawers are examples of metal case pieces.
Affordability:
While good-quality metal furniture may cost more than wood furniture, you should anticipate metal furniture to endure 10 to 15 years or longer. Many metal furniture collections come with ten-year or longer warranties that cover typical use. Metal furniture may have a higher initial cost, but it has a shorter replacement cycle.