Everything you’ve Ever Wanted to know about the Iron Gazebo

During the late 1700s, a fad for Oriental tea houses or pavilions swept Western Europe. This craze led to the very invention of what we know today as a gazebo. The 1800s saw us move away from more traditional materials such as wood towards metal and wrought iron due to their elegance and durability. This resulted in the creation of the iron gazebo. The actual word ‘gazebo’ entered the English language in 1750, first used by British architects John and William Halfpenny in their book ‘Rural Architecture in the Chinese Taste.’ As the structures in Chinese gardens were primarily used as a point of observation, later speculation upheld that it came from the Macaronic Latin word gazebo meaning, I shall gaze. Defining the Gazebo There is a somewhat blurred definition of the iron gazebo which is often confused with other popular outdoor structures such as pagodas, pavilions, kiosks, belvederes, follies, alambras, pergolas, and rotundas. The Oxford English Dictionary definition is “a small building, especially one in the garden of a house, that gives a wide view of the surrounding area.” This doesn’t help much. After much research, the defining characteristic of a gazebo is that it has a covered, dome or turreted shaped roof, with open sides and supporting pillars or columns. Very often they are octagonal but can be found in any shape, round or square. Traditionally they are freestanding, offering a 360 degree view of the surroundings. Why Get a Gazebo? An iron gazebo can be a great addition to your outdoor space, aesthetically pleasing as well as extremely functional. Imagine your gazebo either tucked away in a corner of the garden as a romantic spot to sit or as a prime gathering place for friends and family when you have a barbecue. Beauty An iron gazebo will give an otherwise flat, dull looking landscape height or a focal point. Its architecture will add a geometric feel to your garden, striking the right balance between the natural and the man-made. They can then be decorated too, with colourful, fragrant trailing plants or hangers. Utility You many simple want a sheltered area in your garden to protect you from the elements, as a sun shade or rain cover. Gazebos are great for all-year-round outdoor activity. In the summer sun, you’ve got a shady place to lounge. In the winter you can bring in a heater and enjoy the beauty of the season. Iron gazebos can make great enclosures too. A gazebo over your Jacuzzi gives you just the right amount of privacy and protection, enhancing the overall experience. Relaxation An iron gazebo can extend your outdoor living space, offering a pleasant, place to relax. You can use it to escape at the end of a busy day, a place to get some much needed fresh air, read a book, or watch the sunrise. In the modern world, having somewhere where you can go for some peace and reflection is extremely important. Dining, Entertaining and Events Al fresco dining, pre or post dinner drinks and social gatherings will be even more special in your iron gazebo. You’ll get much more outdoor time, with your friends and family in the knowledge that you have a covered area to use. The beauty and romance of the structure makes them it the perfect setting for just-the-two-of-you to spend intimate evenings. They’re also ideal for special events, elegant parties and weddings. If you're looking for strength and longevity a wrought iron gazebo, is the preferred choice as it can withstand anything. A wooden gazebo may seem attractive but they are prone to rot, fading, warping and chipping. Besides, nothing can compare to the charm, elegance and detail of a wrought iron structure.

Avi Reisman works on the design team at Metal Design Furniture Ltd. Avi's articles on interior design, landscaping, garden furniture, iron gazebo and metal work are a must read for anyone considering investing in a feature piece of metal garden furniture for their home.

Metal Design Furniture Ltd, based in London, produce quality metal furniture; using a merger of advanced robotic technology with traditional handicraft. The result is high-end, exquisite metal furniture that will stand the test of time. Furniture is all manufactured in Europe, and they retail their furniture all across the UK.

Far from being mass produced, many of their products have handcrafted details and finishes. In fact, you can customise every piece online before buying with options of colours, sizes and styles. For more information visit http://www.metaldesign-fu iture.co.uk