India wrought iron furniture segment on the rise

New models' durability, corrosion resistance and lightness push the line forward.

India's wrought iron furniture segment is gaining industry steam as makers favor the material over cast iron and mild steel because of its better tensile strength, ductility and malleability. Wrought iron pieces are also lightweight and weather-resistant.

Suppliers use solid or hollow pipes that are round or square. Flat strips and sheets are adopted as well. These are welded or screwed together for improved stability.

Manufacturers apply two or three layers of powder coating or spray paint for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. A few companies even utilize imported equipment for increased efficiency. Some employ electrothermic coating, which is thicker and smoother, and withstands scratches and peeling.

Black powder coating is the most common surface treatment. Wrought iron furniture in black matte, antique, gold, bronze, silver, brown and white finish is also available.

Designs can be pressed or manually cut. Botanical and geometric patterns are popular. Many high-end releases feature heavy ornate styles, including intricate twists, coils, curves and meshwork. Less expensive pieces have simple vertical, horizontal or crisscross patterns. A number of new sofas and chairs also have embossed details in the armrests while such designs are present on the edges of some tables.

Leo Enterprises offers dining sets in a fusion of contemporary and Victorian styles. The backrests of the chairs are round or oval with curved patterns and gold or silver finish.

The majority of Suncity Metal Works' products, meanwhile, feature embossed sophisticated geometric patterns. Plain straight designs are also available. The company has wrought iron loungers, patio swings, and sofa, dining and garden sets in its lineup.

Manufacturers likewise adopt combination materials to raise aesthetics. Some racks and tables, for example, feature glass or acrylic panels or tops.

Maisha Handicrafts uses mango wood for the tops of its coffee and center tables. These come with handpainted patterns that are lacquered for protection and a glossy appearance. The supplier also makes chairs, bar stools, cabinets and consoles in plain design with powder-coated and patina finish.

India's selection of wrought iron furniture includes living room, dining, bedroom and patio sets. Prices range from $10 to $300, depending on the material's weight and craftsmanship.

Low-end releases are single-seater sofas, dining sets, or small racks or consoles, weighing at most 15kg. Pieces are black powder-coated with straight line designs. Products go for $10 to $50.

Two-seater sofa sets, loungers, rocking chairs, garden benches and dining sets with two to four chairs comprise the midrange. These are made of solid iron pipes and have straight, curve, geometric or floral patterns. Various finishes are available. Weight can reach 25kg. Models are quoted at $51 to $100.

Priced $101 to above $300, high-end wrought iron furniture weighs up to 50kg. The selection includes three-seater sofa sets, loungers and dining sets with four to six chairs. Pieces use heavy-duty round or square pipes, or flat strips and have intricate cutwork or embossing.

India's wrought iron furniture sector is in its nascent stage, and makers are still unorganized and scattered across the country. There is, however, a concentration of manufacturers in Jodhpur, Jaipur, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata and New Delhi. The supplier pool consists of about 500 companies, a fifth of which are exporters. The UK, Germany, France, the US and the Middle East are the main export destinations.

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