I love old salvaged architectural elements, from windows to old mantels. But what about some beautiful wrought ironwork? Old fireplace grilles, for example? I've always thought it would be nice to hang a beautiful panel of ancient decorative wrought iron on a wall as an alternative to the standard piece of framed art. Well, on the blog Salvage Dior I found a brilliant DIY idea for getting the look for less.
Kate from Salvage Dior spray painted cheap outdoor black rubber door mats with Heirloom White paint from Home Depot, then used a hand sander on them to give them an aged, distressed look. See image 1.
Get the Look: Images: As linked above.
• If you want to use a vintage version, how about the geometric cast iron wall registers with removeable louvers for $85 each at The Brass Knob in Washington DC.
• Another oldie from The Brass Knob. Large cast iron coal furnace grille labeled "HOMER" in center of grille for $495.
• I love this long and beautiful old heavy wrought iron scroll panel from Brass Knob for $465.
• For a cheaper repro version, you could peruse Metal Wall Art
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Cool if you can prevent sagging as the rubber stretches out....
This is resourceful but I don't think I could enjoy it knowing it was just a rubber welcome mat that had been painted. If it was wood, I would have no problem.
So why does wood as fake wrought iron get a pass and rubber acting as fake wrought iron fail? I think it's clever as hell!
Because wood is wood and rubber is rubber! I don't know, do I? It's just my dumb opinion, jeez. (Oh, and I believe I agreed that it was clever, I just used the word "resourceful" instead.)