During the American Arts and Crafts movement, craftsman found copper finer and more attractive than iron, and less expensive and easier to work than silver. Thus copper became the premier metal for decorative ornamentation during this time. Copper decorative wares such as hand-hammered lamps, chargers and candlesticks are iconic collectibles now, but copper is and was an ideal metal for architectural use. Copper sheeting is perfect for crafting the best downspouts, half-round gutters, and flashing. Copper truly straddles the line between function and art. The stunning, motto-embossed fireplace hoods at Craftsman Farms are considered among the era’s most memorable works.

As the oldest metal in use, copper is enjoying renewed popularity almost everywhere in and around the house. Reproduction copper and mica lamps and copper basins appropriate for either the pantry or the garden are becoming more and more common in modern décor. 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.

The most popular place for copper is in the kitchen, especially in the form of hammered copper sinks. These sinks are crafted out of heavy-gauge copper and then chemically patinated to stabilize the finish. For a dramatic look, choose a copper range or fireplace hood.

Faucets and decorative hardware also benefit from a copper finish. In most cases, brass and bronze fittings are finished with a chemically applied coppery hue. As a fairly soft metal, copper will develop an attractive patina or coloration when left on its own. But fingerprints and other human contact will make it blotchy and unattractive. That’s why patination is always recommended, a stable coating that creates the look of age.

Copper provides a beautiful medium out of which decorative lamps and light fixtures can be crafted, especially when paired with mica or art glass and treated to an artist’s hand hammering and patination. These days, hammered finishes are fairly common in reproduction vases, chargers, and other tabletop accessories, but you need to be aware 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 has also found a place in the garden, not only in birdbaths and fountains, but also in the water-channeling devices known as rain chains, which have channeled and stored rain water for hundreds of years. Frank Lloyd Wright, for instance, 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.

Avo Barsoumian has been part of the interior design and flooring community for the past 25 years. He is the owner of Carpet Wagon, a family owned flooring company in Southern California. They have a huge selection of elegant hardwood flooring, beautiful laminate flooring and plush carpeting. So whether you’re looking for solid hardwood flooring for your new apartment or discount carpet to makeover your older house then Carpet Wagon carries everything you need.

Tags: copper, copper pots

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