Copper became the premier metal for decorative ornament during the American Arts and Crafts movement, as it was finer and more attractive than iron, and less expensive and easier to work with than silver. Hand-hammered lamps, chargers, candlesticks, and other decorative wares have become iconic collectibles, but it’s important to remember that copper is also an exemplary material for architectural use. Copper sheeting makes the best downspouts, half-round gutters, and flashing. Copper is a metal that adeptly straddles the line between function and art. For instance, the stunning, motto-embossed fireplace hoods at Craftsman Farms are among the era’s most memorable works.

Copper is considered the oldest metal in use but is enjoying renewed popularity. Copper can be found almost everywhere in and around the house, from reproduction copper and mica lamps to copper basins in either the pantry or the garden. Although there are many beautiful reproductions of the objets d’art so fondly associated with the original movement, copper is also increasingly being used for functional items like range hoods, sinks, lighting, and architectural trim.

Copper is most ubiquitous in the kitchen. Especially popular are hammered copper sinks. These heavy-gauge copper sinks are usually chemically patinated to stabilize the finish. Copper also creates a dramatic look when used for range and fireplace hoods.

Another great place for copper is in faucets and decorative hardware. These fittings are constructed from brass and bronze, and then a coppery-hued finish is chemically applied. A fairly soft metal, copper develops an attractive patina or coloration when left on its own, but fingerprints and other human contact will make it blotchy and unattractive. This is the reason for patination, which is a stable coating that creates the look of age.

Copper is a wonderful medium for decorative lamps and light fixtures, especially when treated to hand hammering and patination by a real artist. It can be paired with mica or art glass for a beautiful result. For today’s reproduction vases, chargers, and other tabletop accessories, you can easily find a hammered finish, but remember that some work is better than others. The Michoacán region in Mexico produces wonderfully affordable hand-worked copper. If you’re looking for something a little closer to home, many local artisans craft reproductions of chargers, candlesticks, and other vessels that closely copy period originals but at the same time are imbued with their own personal sense of the Arts and Crafts spirit. If you want a more unique piece, other artisans branch out in different directions. For instance, Repoussé has become popular, a hand-worked and hand-tooled technique in which one creates more figural, three-dimensional results, requiring a superior level of craftsmanship.

Copper is also becoming increasingly popular in the garden. Copper basins are perfect for birdbaths and fountains, and copper is also stunning in the water-channeling devices known as rain chains, which have channeld and stored rain water for hundreds of years. As a classic example of this, Frank Lloyd Wright incorporated a sculptured rain chain in one of his Usonian houses. In any garden, these long linear skeins of rings, inverted bells, or fluted cups are certainly both useful and beautiful.

For the past 25 years Avo Barsoumian has helped home owners with their home flooring and interior decorating needs. He owns and operates a carpeting company in Los Angeles. The offer the largest selection of elegant hardwood flooring, beautiful laminate flooring and plush carpeting under one roof. Searching for high quality laminate flooring for your new apartment or carpets for sale to makeover your older house? Then Carpet Wagon carries everything you need.

Elegant Decorating Home Decorating With Copper

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Gilded Antique Bronze 3-light Pendant $149.99 Brighten your home decor with an elegant pendantLighting fixture showcases a gilded antique bronze finishPendant light features a decorated satin glass shade

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