I don’t have anything against wood. It’s a beautiful natural material, it comes in various shades, colors, uses, and the good people at Viagra even built a company around wood! But I’m more of a steel guy.

Steel and wood have several similarities. Much like wood, steel comes in various shades, colors and it can be used in almost every way that wood can – although I wouldn’t try building a campfire with it. On the other hand, I wouldn’t try building a fire pit out of wood. In your face, wood!

While wood has different grain patterns and knot holes to give it character, steel has milling marks, dark and light areas and streaks and scratches that do the same.  You can even change the color and hue of steel with different stains and washes. And like wood, steel tends to darken with age, giving it a patina of sorts that adds to its beauty, not diminishes it.

So, why should you choose custom steel furniture or furnishings over wood?

Make a statement.

My first response is, “Everyone has wooden furniture, why not be a little adventurous?” How many wooden tables have you seen in your lifetime? Hundreds? Thousands? Aside from your family’s dining table, do any of them stand in out in your mind? Probably not. Now, have you ever you seen a steel table in someone’s home? If you have, you probably remember it. That’s the beauty of steel – it stands out, without being obnoxious. It’s distinctive, memorable and dare I say, “cool”?

Built to last.

My second response is: don’t just buy furniture, help create an heirloom. I design my stuff to be timeless and classic because I know it’s going to be around for long, long time. Basically, I don’t do ‘trendy’. I like to think of my pieces as the anchor of any room (not just because of the weight), but because it is strong, attention-grabbing and allows my clients to build their ever-changing decor around it.

The cold, hard truth.

Thirdly, many think steel has to be cold and modern – and it can be. However, when designed and built correctly, steel can bring a feeling of warmth and accessible permanence to a room. I also sign and date everything I make, so as the years roll by and the piece ages and gets handed down through the generations, it will take on a life and history of its own. A sort of time capsule that will age much better than any of us.

Try the Combo Platter.

Lastly, I know I may sound like a steel snob. But it’s not true! I’ve been known to combine steel with other materials because it makes good design sense, it looks good, and, of course, because that’s what the client wanted! I’ve incorporated wood (Toadstool Footstool), marble (Biko Console Table), and even glass (Treetop Nightstand) to my precious steel designs. So don’t be afraid of steel, it can be very flexible…you know what I mean.

I don’t think you should furnish your entire home in steel, although my accountant would disagree, but one or two (or five) pieces would add a nice change of pace to your décor. Little, metallic, visual speed bumps that make people stop and stare. And will make that wooden table hidden in the corner a little jealous.

Why are you interested in steel? Please share with me and the world…we’re dying to hear.