What is Metal Work Called When Over Cabinet Doors
Metal work over cabinet doors serves both aesthetic and functional purposes in kitchen design. The type of metalwork used can dramatically impact the overall look and feel of a kitchen. Understanding the different metalwork options for cabinet doors is important when designing or remodeling a kitchen.
Common Types of Metal Work for Cabinet Doors
There are several common metalwork styles used for cabinet doors:
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is iron that is heated and hand-worked by a blacksmith to create decorative designs. Wrought iron has a rustic, old-world look and is often used to make decorative hinges, handles, and accents on cabinet doors.
Some common wrought iron styles for cabinet doors include:
- Scrollwork: Intricate, curving iron designs
- Fleur de lis: Stylized lily flower shapes
- Vines and leaves: Nature-inspired ironwork
Wrought iron brings an elegant, handcrafted look to kitchens.
Cast Iron
Cast iron starts as molten iron that is poured into molds to create designs and patterns. It has a industrial, vintage look.
Some cast iron accents for doors include:
- Ornate medallions: Circular cast iron pieces with decorative motifs
- Corbel accents: Cast brackets under cabinet overhangs
- Cast handles and hinges: Molded hardware pieces
Cast iron is heavy duty and brings a sense of history.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel has a shiny, modern, industrial look. It resists corrosion and is easy to clean.
Stainless steel options for doors include:
- Handles and pulls: Bar and wire styles
- Integrated handles: Long horizontal or vertical handles built into the door
- Stainless panels: Sleek metal applied to door fronts
Stainless steel provides a contemporary, stylish look.
Pressed Tin
Pressed tin starts as flat sheets of tin that are fed through presses to create embossed, decorative patterns.
Pressed tin options for cabinet doors include:
- Tin panels: Applied to the center door panel
- Tin molding: Decorative borders along the edges of doors
- Embossed designs: Geometric and nature motifs
Pressed tin has an eclectic, vintage appeal.
Perforated Metal
Perforated metal has a mesh-like appearance with small holes punched in the material. It provides an industrial, modern look.
Perforated metal options include:
- Full perforated panels: Entire door fronts made of perforated metal
- Borders and accents: Perforated sheets combined with other materials
- Geometric and nature cut-outs: Custom laser-cut metal designs
Perforated metal brings visual texture and dimension.
Metal Mesh
Metal mesh has an open, woven look created from overlapping metal wires or strips. It has an artful, freeform look.
Metal mesh options include:
- Full mesh doors: Doors constructed completely from woven metal
- Mesh inserts: Sections of mesh combined with wood or other materials
- Hand-worked mesh: Wire mesh manipulated into shapes and designs
Metal mesh has an organic, sculptural appeal.
Benefits of Metalwork on Cabinet Doors
There are many benefits to using metalwork on kitchen cabinet doors:
- Durability – Metal is extremely durable and resistant to wear, moisture, and impact. Metal doors and accents hold up well to heavy use.
- Easy to clean – Most metalwork has a smooth surface that can be easily wiped down and kept clean. This is ideal for kitchens.
- Design versatility – Metals come in a wide array of colors, textures, and designs. Metalwork can be tailored to fit any style from traditional to modern.
- Customization – Many metal materials like wrought iron, tin, and mesh can be worked by hand allowing for one-of-a-kind designs.
- Visual interest – The gleam, texture, and crafted look of metal provides depth and sophistication to kitchen cabinetry.
Key Considerations
There are a few important factors to keep in mind when choosing metalwork for kitchen cabinet doors:
- Style – Select metalwork that enhances the overall style of your kitchen – rustic, modern, industrial, etc.
- Placement – Use metal to highlight specific cabinetry or architectural details rather than overwhelming the whole kitchen.
- Cohesion – Make sure the finish and style of the metal complements other kitchen finishes like hardware and fixtures.
- Maintenance – Be prepared to properly clean and care for the metal to prevent tarnish and corrosion over time.
Conclusion
The variety of metalwork options allow for stunning custom kitchen cabinetry. Wrought iron, cast iron, stainless steel, pressed tin, perforated metal, and mesh each provide unique visual appeal and personality. Choosing metalwork that aligns with the kitchen’s style and using it strategically to accent cabinet doors creates an elegant, high-end look that elevates the entire space. With proper installation and care, metalwork over kitchen cabinetry adds artistic sophistication, value, and lasting durability.
