Decorating With Wire in Surprising Ways

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Although decorating with wire is not usually something people immediately think of when decorating their home, it can definitely be used in artistic and stylish ways to add some very surprising effects. There are many different types of wire, including rustic varieties such as chicken wire fencing, as well as elegant looking wire made from specialty metals. Wire can be used as part of a piece of art, as is the case with wire and metal art sculptures, or it can be used to accentuate or decorate other objects within the room.

Rustic Decorating with Chicken Wire and Hardware Cloth

Although chicken wire is a rather primitive material which is not often thought of when decorating with wire inside the home, it can be used in creative ways to add a rustic touch. Rooms decorated in a country style, such as a kitchen with a farm theme or a rustic styled bathroom often lend themselves to the use of wire. Chicken wire can be used in place of the normal center panel or glass insert panel in many types of cabinetry, including kitchen cabinets and storage units. The chicken wire can be used on its own, letting the objects stored in the cabinets show through the wire, or fabric can be used behind the chicken wire to provide more coverage and color. Chicken wire has rather large openings, so if a bit more coverage and strength is desired, metal hardware cloth can be used. The small square openings in hardware cloth can add an attractive finish when used as the center panel in cabinet doors. Chicken wire and hardware cloth can also be used as a fun wall finish, especially when used as an accent in smaller areas. It can also be used in a country style of decorating on the lower portion of the wall to simulate a fence, using wallpaper or paint on the top portion of the room; cover the top edge of the wire material with a wooden chair rail. When using wire materials, make sure that all the sharp edges are completely covered, and it is best to use the wire in areas that will not get wet, to avoid the chance of rust.

Creating Wire Art

Although you can find wire art sculptures and art pieces already created, it can be fun to make some of your own items. Wire can be wrapped around other types of objects, such as rocks, to create striking pieces of art. It can also be wrapped around a variety of objects, such as around the edges of photo frames to add an interesting effect. Small baubles can be made from twisting wire into interesting shapes, which can be hung from the edges of lamp shades or displayed on a shelf as a free-standing object. Those who know how to knit or crochet can try using fine metal jewelry wire instead of traditional fibers to create extremely interesting pieces, which can be wrapped around the outside of common objects. Or, an entire panel of lacy crocheted or knitted wire could be used as a type of window topper, weaving the curtain rod through the opening in the wire in order to hang the panel. Decorating with wire has endless possibilities!

Jessica Ackerman, author and staff designer at WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, specializes in tropical wall decorations and wine metal art.

Decorating With Wire