In the world of French design, few materials carry the same timeless power as iron. From the sweeping balconies of Paris to the sculptural bases of Art Deco tables, ironwork reflects a balance of artistry, endurance, and refinement. At Panoplie, our collection of French iron furniture and décor celebrates this enduring tradition — where craftsmanship meets architectural beauty.
A French Tradition in Metal
France’s legacy of ironwork stretches back centuries — from ornate 18th-century gates and balconies to the minimalist wrought-iron forms of the 1920s and 30s. During the Art Deco era, iron was reimagined as a luxury material: sleek, geometric, and structural.
Designers like Raymond Subes and Gilbert Poillerat transformed iron into art, crafting hand-forged balustrades, lighting, and tables that embodied modern elegance. Their work blurred the line between architecture and décor — a principle that continues to inspire contemporary interiors today.
At Panoplie, this heritage is alive in our curated selection of vintage iron tables, stools, and lighting, where every curve and weld tells a story of craft and character.
Iron as a Design Element
What makes iron so compelling in modern interiors is its duality: at once industrial and graceful, strong yet surprisingly versatile. Whether used structurally or decoratively, iron adds weight and rhythm to a room.
- Wrought-iron tables ground airy spaces with sculptural form.
- Iron stools add textural contrast beside wood or marble.
- Patinated metal lighting introduces a lived-in richness that pairs beautifully with vintage textiles and ceramics.
French ironwork’s signature curves, scrolls, and geometric lines bring an unmistakable sense of history — but never heaviness.
In the Panoplie Collection
Our current inventory showcases the diversity of French iron design:
- 1940s Wrought Iron Tables, featuring hand-forged bases with simple, architectural symmetry.
- Sculptural Iron Stools, pairing rustic patina with elegant form — ideal for both interiors and covered terraces.
- French Iron Candleholders and Lamps, each piece uniquely oxidized, celebrating the beauty of age and use.
Every item in our collection embodies the same values as its early 20th-century predecessors — craftsmanship, balance, and a tactile honesty of material.
Styling Iron in Modern Interiors
Incorporating ironwork into a home doesn’t require a traditional setting. In fact, it’s at its most striking when juxtaposed with softness:
- Pair iron tables with linen or boucle seating for contrast.
- Let blackened metal accents anchor bright, airy rooms.
- Use forged details — handles, frames, bases — as sculptural punctuation in an otherwise minimalist space.
Iron works beautifully with wood, stone, and natural fiber, making it a bridge between industrial and organic design sensibilities.
Enduring Craft, Enduring Form
Ironwork represents more than just material—it’s a statement of craftsmanship. The evidence of the hand, the visible hammer marks and welds, give each piece an authenticity that modern manufacturing can’t replicate.
At Panoplie, we believe these objects belong not only in collections but in daily life. A wrought-iron table in a sunlit kitchen, or a sculptural base beneath marble, connects the present to centuries of artistry and ingenuity.
Explore the Collection
Browse Panoplie’s selection of vintage French iron and metal pieces, from hand-forged tables to decorative ironwork. Each item embodies the spirit of French design — functional, enduring, and deeply elegant.
