Old West Iron Blog: Craftsmanship, Heritage & Hand-Forged Expertise

The story of American blacksmithing is the story of this country: rugged, resilient, and rooted in purpose. And while the world rushes toward fast and cheap, we’re holding the line—for quality, for heritage, for the next generation that still believes in building something real.  

Adding wrought iron home décor to your modern home doesn’t mean stepping backward—it means honoring the story behind the space you’re building. Whether you’re outfitting a custom homestead or just swapping out mass-produced hardware, Old West Iron offers hand-forged, American-made pieces crafted to last generations.

At Old West Iron, we believe quality hardware should tell a story—and be strong enough to hold one together. Whether your heart belongs to the frontier, the farmhouse, or the revival styles of early America, our collections are made to help you build a space that honors your home’s history while standing strong for the next generation.  

The holidays aren’t about perfection. They’re about presence—gathering, sharing, cooking, and celebrating the people and traditions that make home feel like home. Let us help you make it unforgettable—with the kind of quality, American-made hardware and utensils that elevate the everyday and bring authenticity to every season.

When you choose a company that aligns with your values, you don’t just get a product—you get a promise. A promise that your purchase was built with pride, not just pressed through a machine. That your dollars went to a family-owned business instead of a foreign corporation. And that what you brought home wasn’t just hardware—it was a piece of America.

There’s something enduring about a fireplace. It anchors a space, offers warmth, and evokes a sense of heritage that never goes out of style. In 2025, we’re seeing a return to rugged, real materials—and leading that charge are wrought iron mantle straps. Once a necessity for timber support, these hand-forged pieces of hardware are making a strong return—not just in function, but in form. At Old West Iron, we’ve seen firsthand how homeowners, builders, and designers are reviving authentic iron hardware to add depth, character, and timeless durability to fireplace designs of every kind. Shop Our Rustic Iron Mantle Straps »   A Shift Toward Substance Over Simplicity Minimalism had its moment, but 2025 is about meaningful design—where every detail feels intentional, grounded, and tied to place. That’s why more homes (from cabins to custom builds) are returning to materials that show craftsmanship. Mantle straps—sometimes called mantle brackets or beam wraps—aren’t just decorative. They serve as visible anchors for heavy timbers while adding structural integrity and timeless visual interest. Why Mantle Straps Are on Trend Right Now Here’s what’s driving the comeback of these once-forgotten iron heroes: 1. The Return of Rustic From mountain lodges to modern farmhouses, designers are layering textures and bringing natural materials back into the home. Forged iron offers the perfect contrast to wood, stone, and plaster. 2. Custom Fireplace Builds Are Surging More homeowners are investing in statement hearths—and that means bigger timbers, floating mantles, and handcrafted details. Mantle straps add balance and authenticity. 3. Functional Beauty Our straps are forged to last—built with the strength to help support large timber pieces, especially in open-concept rooms where the fireplace takes center stage. 4. Versatile Styling Whether you're after a Spanish Revival, Colonial American, or modern rustic look, our wide range of textures, patinas, and shapes make it easy to match your style without compromising on integrity. Hand-Forged Options for Every Build At Old West Iron, our rustic iron mantle straps come in a range of widths, lengths, corner styles, and finishes—including custom measurements to fit your specific timber dimensions. Popular styles include: Wraparound U-Straps – For a true bolted-down look Flat Face Mount Straps – For a decorative statement without wrapping the beam Hammered or Distressed Options – Adds texture and a weathered feel Finishes like Oil-Rubbed Bronze, Aged Pewter, Raw Iron, and Black Looking to match existing hardware? We also offer custom color matching and can mimic the finish of your current iron pieces. Your Fireplace, Forged to Last Fireplaces are where stories are told. Whether you're hanging stockings, drying gloves, or warming up after chores, that hearth becomes the heart of your home. When you choose heritage hardware like our mantle straps, you’re not just chasing trends—you’re investing in pieces that will outlast the season, the year, and even the house itself. Explore All Mantle Strap Designs »   FAQ   Q: I'd like to order a mantel strap, but my mantel is an irregular shape. What should I do? A: If your mantel isn't a typical or uniform shape, don't worry; that's our bread and butter! Please send photos, measurements, and all relevant details to office@oldwestiron.com to receive a custom quote. Q: I already have hardware on my mantel, how can I make sure that the colors match? A: Take a look at our texture and finish guide to find out if any of our standard finishes match your existing hardware, then you can order a sample to see them in person. If you don't see a good match, please reach out to us via office@oldwestiron.com for a custom finish color.  Q: I want to replace the machine made straps that I already have, can you make my new ones to match the original screw holes? A: We can do that! Reach out to us at office@oldwestiron.com to specify your hole placement. — See you at the forge,Maddison MellemWriting for Old West Iron

When the chill of the season settles in and the scent of wood smoke hangs in the air, there’s nothing quite like gathering around a roaring outdoor pizza oven. It’s more than just a meal—it’s an experience. One that warms hands and hearts, and brings together generations over homemade dough, hand-tossed toppings, and the kind of conversation you only get when time slows down. At Old West Iron, we know that every great gathering starts with the right foundation. And when it comes to outdoor cooking, it starts with your oven—specifically, the pizza oven door that seals in flavor, heat, and tradition. Explore our Full Pizza Oven Door Collection » The Hearth of the Holiday Table For centuries, the hearth was the center of family life—a place of warmth, nourishment, and storytelling. Today’s pizza ovens continue that legacy, especially when designed with hand-forged iron doors that feel as timeless as the tradition itself. Our collection features functional works of art: each one handcrafted with rugged durability, old-world styling, and optional custom details that allow you to make it yours. Designs That Set the Tone Whether your holiday feast leans rustic, colonial, or European-inspired, we have a pizza oven door that suits your scene. Best-Sellers for Holiday Hosting: Traditional Tuscan Arched DoorsWith curved lines and decorative boltwork, this style evokes Italian countryside charm—perfect for wine-and-pizza nights under the stars. Colonial Iron Oven DoorsStrong and straightforward, these bring an early American look to your space—ideal for lodge-style homes or homestead patios. Custom Engraved DoorsAdd your family name, brand, or holiday message for a personalized touch that turns your oven into a legacy piece. All of our doors are crafted to withstand high heat and include options for thermometers, draft controls, and hinge styles to match your setup. More Than a Door—A Statement Piece Your outdoor pizza oven is more than a tool—it’s a centerpiece for celebration. A well-made iron door not only retains heat more efficiently, it also becomes a talking point, a visual anchor, and a reminder of what matters: good food, shared stories, and slow evenings under the winter sky. If you’re looking to upgrade your gatherings this season, start with the details that last. Our doors are hand-forged in Idaho, tested by time, and built with the kind of pride that shows up in every weld and rivet. Shop Pizza Oven Doors for Your Holiday Table » Holiday Tip from the Forge: Once your oven is hot and ready, try making cast iron skillet bread or roasted root vegetables alongside your pizzas—our doors are designed to handle extended heat cycles with ease, letting you get creative with your seasonal menu. Whether you’re hosting a quiet evening for two or a holiday feast for the whole clan, a handcrafted iron door is the first step to turning your pizza oven into the heart of your holiday home. — Warmest from the forge,Maddison MellemWriting for Old West Iron

Whether your mantle is the centerpiece of a cozy log cabin or a towering Tudor hearth, the right iron mantle strap can tie it all together. At Old West Iron, we’re proud to offer hand-forged options that honor the style of your home—and the craftsmanship of the ages.

Bring warmth, weight, and timeless character to your home this season When the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, there’s something deeply comforting about the texture and permanence of wrought iron. Unlike trendy decor that comes and goes with the seasons, hand-forged iron adds rootedness to your space—a grounding sense of warmth that feels right at home during fall and winter. If you’re nesting for the season or preparing your home to host family gatherings, here are some timeless wrought iron décor ideas to add coziness and charm to every room. Before we begin, if you're new to wrought iron and wondering what makes it different from cast iron or mass-produced metal hardware, take a moment to read:What Is Wrought Iron? 1. Cozy Up the Entryway with Iron Door Accents Start your seasonal refresh at the front door. Iron door knockers, escutcheons, and decorative clavos (nail heads) add historic charm and Old World detail that makes your home feel warm and welcoming before guests even step inside. Choose a hammered door knocker in an oil-rubbed bronze finish for a rustic, lived-in feel Add clavos to wood doors or shutters for a farmhouse or Spanish Revival look Layer a fall wreath over iron accents for added seasonal texture Explore: Iron Door Knockers & Clavos » 2. Iron Mantel Straps for Hearth Season The hearth becomes the heart of the home in colder months. Mantel straps and fireplace accessories made of blackened iron instantly anchor a space. They draw the eye to the fireplace and provide visual balance to soft textiles like wool throws and flannel pillows. These are especially striking when paired with: Stacked firewood Vintage candle sconces Seasonal garlands of pine, eucalyptus, or dried orange 3. Add Rustic Kitchen Comfort with Iron Hooks & Pulls There’s something deeply satisfying about working in a kitchen that feels functional and grounded. Swap out your cabinet pulls and knobs for hand-hammered iron hardware, or add a line of wrought iron hooks to display cast iron pans, mugs, or drying herbs. Look for: Classic black or rust patina finishes Visible hammer textures Custom sizing to match older cabinetry These small changes can make a kitchen feel like a true homestead gathering space. 4. Outdoor Iron for Winter-Ready Entrances Don’t forget the outdoors. Fall and winter weather call for durable hardware that holds up to the elements while still offering curb appeal. Iron gate hardware, post caps, or garage door straps can help you transition your exterior into the colder season with style. For extra protection, opt for: Black finish for snow-prone areas Sealed rust patina for that naturally aged look Oil-rubbed finishes for mountain homes and lodges Need tips on rust-proofing? Read:Best Finishes for Outdoor Beam Brackets » 5. Iron Décor That Lasts Beyond the Season The best part about incorporating wrought iron? You’re investing in pieces that stay with your home year after year, not just through fall and winter. Hand-forged iron doesn’t warp or fade—it develops character. It ages with your home, telling your story. Some great all-season iron additions: Entryway benches with iron supports Iron curtain rods and tiebacks Tabletop candle holders or trivets Rustic shelving brackets Start Small. Think Long-Term. Build Warmth. You don’t need a full renovation to bring the coziness of wrought iron into your home. Even a few key pieces—a door pull here, a fireplace bracket there—can shift the mood of a space and add that old-fashioned sense of comfort we all crave when the temperatures drop. So whether you’re decorating for a family feast, preparing for the long nights ahead, or simply looking to bring a little more soul into your space, wrought iron might just be the seasonal touch that lasts a lifetime. Learn More About Wrought Iron » Maddison MellemWriting from the forge at Old West Iron

Minimalism doesn’t have to mean sterile. In fact, when done right, it can feel rich, soulful, and grounded—qualities that wrought iron naturally brings to the table.  

Whether you're updating a historic homestead or bringing timeless character to a new build, Old West Iron has the pieces you need to complete the look. Explore our colonial-inspired collections and discover ironwork that stands the test of time—because it always has.

Blacksmithing at Old West Iron isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Jon and the rest of the team forge each piece with care, history, and durability in mind, whether it’s a custom iron bracket, a wrought iron door pull, or a one-of-a-kind structural hanger.