Sheet Metal Wall Décor

Sheet Metal Wall Decor Basics

Luminous metallic themes are a hot trend in architecture, interior design, and fashion. Whether you use a whole wall of sheet metal or just a few metallic wall accents, this is a wonderful way to bring excitement to your room’s theme. Metal is a lightweight and durable material which has been used in decorative applications for centuries. Today, the choices of metallic raw materials include:

• Steel
• Stainless Steel
• Galvanized Steel
• Aluminum
• Copper
• Brass
• Copper
• Wrought iron

Metal has been successfully used in the commercial interiors of restaurants, theaters, retail stores, and health clubs for a long time. Stainless steel was all the rage in classic art deco interiors and architecture. Likewise, many fast food eateries and diners commonly feature stainless steel panels, fixtures, and furnishings. A fun, modern finishing technique seen in many of these commercial settings is reflective metal sheets decorated with a round grinding pattern which is randomly etched into the surface. Sheet metal wall décor can be sculpted and modified using the following techniques:

• Bending
• Burnishing
• Deburring
• Grinding
• Laser cutting
• Milling or turning
• Punching
• Riveting
• Rolling
• Shearing
• Weathering
• Welding

Metal Around the House

Sheet metal wall décor is ideal for almost any room, but it is particularly well suited for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, bars, garages, and game rooms. In kitchens, stainless steel and copper are fashionable choices for backsplashes and range exhaust hoods. Fireplaces are another area which can benefit from resilient metal finishes like brass, wrought iron, and copper. Metallic wall accessories are often made from sheet metal that has been bent into a pleasing curved shape such as wall vases and pot racks.

Due to the versatility of the raw material, sheet metal wall décor accents come in a wide variety of designs from whimsical to modern to abstract. Western and log cabin design motifs are often rounded out with metal accents featuring cutouts of mountains, cowboys, horses, cacti, bears, roosters, or coyotes. These rustic metallic accessories are often made into sconces, lamps, chandeliers, and wall art pieces.

Metal is a multipurpose material and can be found in many forms such as:

• Whole flat sheets
• Cutout shapes
• Perforated sheets for a screen like effect
• Corrugated sheets
• Brushed finishes
• Polished reflective finishes
• Matte finishes
• Rusted or weathered finishes
• Quilted or scored patterns
• Diamond-plate patterns
• Ceiling tiles
• Wall tiles
• Pipes or tubing

For a striking room design, consider covering an entire accent wall or ceiling in lightweight burnished metal sheets. Options for the metallic panels include ideas like warm copper, masculine diamond-plate steel, rippling corrugated steel, or rustic galvanized steel. Working with metal can be dangerous due to sharp edges and shards, so use caution when starting this type of DIY project.

Metal Alternatives

Sheet metal wall décor is generally an affordable decorative item. However, those on a shoestring budget may want to consider alternatives that mimic metallic surfaces. For example, there is peel-and-stick faux stainless steel film on the market which can be applied to items like appliances, doors, shelves, or tables.

Another alternative is Thomas’ Liquid Stainless Steel which applies like paint on almost any surface including wood, brass, chrome, metal, and plastic. This product is made with 100% stainless steel and gives the look of a brushed, satin finish which is great for hiding fingerprints.

Resources for Sheet Metal Wall Décor

Home Décor Living – Distinctive and beautiful copper art for modern and transitional designs.

Wrought Iron Decor Store – Features a vast selection of wrought iron and home decor accessories.

Unique Surroundings – Iron scrollwork wall decor, sconces, and shelves to accent Tuscan, French Country, or Mediterranean decor.