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

Rusty, jammed latches are the bane of winter homeowners. Whether you’re securing a barn, gate, or outbuilding, your latch should function smoothly in ice, snow, and wind.  

When designing a cozy, character-filled fireplace, the details make all the difference — and nothing grounds a space quite like authentic wrought iron mantel brackets. But when it comes to structural and decorative support, two main players take the spotlight: mantel straps and corbels. So which is better for your build? Let’s break it down. What Are Mantel Straps? Mantel straps are flat pieces of hand-forged iron that wrap around the ends or face of a wooden mantel. Traditionally used for both structural reinforcement and aesthetic appeal, they: Mimic traditional joinery techniques Reinforce aging or reclaimed wood mantels Add a blacksmith-forged, rustic look to any space Can be purely decorative or fully functional Their low-profile design makes them ideal for modern-rustic interiors, where clean lines meet old-world materials. Explore Our Rustic Iron Mantel Straps What Are Iron Corbels? Iron corbels are bracket-like supports mounted beneath a mantel or shelf. With roots in European architectural traditions, corbels provide both structural support and decorative flair, offering: Scrollwork, flared silhouettes, or simple right angles Varying degrees of weight-bearing capacity A visual cue of craftsmanship and stability Traditional detailing that enhances period homes or lodge-inspired builds They’re particularly well-suited for heavy mantels, timber beams, or when you want bold, statement-making fireplace hardware. Browse Our Corbels Collection Mantel Straps vs. Corbels: Feature Breakdown Feature Mantel Straps Corbels Best For Reclaimed or floating mantels Heavy timber mantels or deep shelves Structural Role Light-to-moderate support Moderate-to-heavy support Visual Style Sleek, minimal, rustic-modern Decorative, bold, old-world Installation Wraps over wood edges Mounts underneath shelf/mantel Popular In Farmhouse, transitional, rustic Lodge, colonial, Tuscan, traditional Which Should You Choose? Choose mantel straps if:You’re working with a floating beam or reclaimed wood and want low-profile, functional elegance. Choose corbels if:Your mantel is heavy or wide, and you want architectural detail with structural integrity. Combine both for a layered look:For a showstopping fireplace centerpiece, pair hand-forged straps on the face of the mantel with decorative iron corbels underneath. This adds depth, texture, and story to your hearth.   Custom Options from Old West Iron At Old West Iron, all our mantel brackets and rustic fireplace hardware are hand-forged by skilled blacksmiths using traditional techniques. Choose from various: Hammered textures Patinas and finishes Sizing options — or send in custom dimensions Whether you need historically accurate supports or one-of-a-kind architectural accents, we’ll help you find the perfect fit. Written by the Old West Iron Forge Team — crafting authentic American ironwork from our Idaho forge since 2011. Experience-backed, veteran-built, and proudly Made in the USA.

Why Historical Hardware Matters When choosing the right hardware for your home or restoration project, understanding the era it's rooted in can elevate your design from generic to genuinely timeless. From Colonial blacksmith staples to refined Georgian detail, each historical style brings its own character — and choosing the right one ensures your space stays architecturally authentic. Colonial Hardware: Rugged Simplicity Colonial hardware reflects the early 17th to 18th-century settlements — functional, hand-wrought, and straightforward. These pieces often feature: Blackened or raw iron finishes Bean and spade strap hinges Thumb latches, rim locks, and iron pulls Heavy textures, square nails, and clavos This style prioritizes durability over decoration, ideal for restoration of historic homes or adding rugged charm to modern builds. Explore Our Colonial Iron Collection Early American Ironwork: Rustic Meets Refined Early American hardware spans the mid-1700s through the early 1800s and reflects a transitional moment in U.S. craftsmanship — blending Colonial ruggedness with budding refinement. Expect: Hand-forged strap hinges with more curvature Decorative clavos and fasteners Early latch styles that balance function and form This is perfect for farmhouses, lodges, and cabin restorations that want a period-accurate yet rustic aesthetic. 👉 Browse Our Early American Iron Hardware Georgian Hardware: Classical Elegance Georgian ironwork emerged in the late 1700s and early 1800s with British influence, marked by balance, symmetry, and ornate touches. Georgian-style homes often feature: Decorative escutcheon plates and ring pulls Refined finishes like oil-rubbed bronze or hand-rubbed beeswax Symmetrical, scrolled strap hinges More delicate proportions and finer detail This style suits restoration work for estates, townhomes, and historic brick homes, or anyone looking to bring elegance to their iron selections. 👉 View Our Georgian Iron Collection Bonus: Federal & Revolutionary-Era Options We also offer substyles like: Federal Iron Collection — celebrating post-Revolution symmetry and neoclassical motifs👉 Shop Federal Iron Revolutionary Iron — showcasing period-accurate hardware from the 1770s–1790s👉 Explore Revolutionary Iron Heritage Collection 309 / “Bean Iron” — featuring signature rustic bean shapes in hinges, pulls, and fasteners👉 Browse Collection 309 Which Style Should You Choose? Restoring a log cabin? Start with Early American or Colonial. Working on a historic brick home? Look to Georgian or Federal. Creating a farmhouse feel? Mix Bean Iron or Revolutionary accents with Early American charm. If you’re not sure which style fits your project best, our team is happy to help you match finishes, hinge shapes, or period-accurate fasteners. Written by the Old West Iron Forge Team — crafting authentic American ironwork from our Idaho forge since 2011. Experience-backed, veteran-built, and proudly Made in the USA.

When you give iron, you’re not just gifting a material — you’re gifting a message: our bond is strong, grounded, and forged to endure.

Choosing hand-forged hardware isn't just about aesthetics — it’s about honoring a tradition, investing in longevity, and celebrating craftsmanship that can’t be replicated by machines.  

For load-bearing corbels, always choose those with vertical and horizontal structural arms, straight diagonals, and gusseted joints, as scrolled metal has a tendency to bend further under weight.

Whether you’re going for heritage charm or modern functionality, the right bracket makes all the difference.

Wrought iron shaped America—not just in its buildings and battlefields, but in its identity. Today, choosing handcrafted American ironwork is about more than style.

Whether your farmhouse is nestled in the woods or on a cul-de-sac, wrought iron adds grounding, meaning, and style that lasts. Browse our collections and start designing your forever home—one forged detail at a time.

Don’t settle for less when you can have hardware forged with pride, purpose, and precision. Whether you’re restoring a historic cabin or building a new family homestead, our hardware is made to be part of your story for generations.

At Old West Iron, every bracket is handcrafted by our team in Idaho with pride, precision, and purpose. Whether you're updating a single bookshelf or reinforcing a centuries-old barn, we're here to help you do it right — and make it beautiful.

Whether you're unsure about what you need, have a complex restoration, or are building from scratch, our team is ready to walk you through it. Just keep in mind that true custom work takes time, thought, and care — and that’s what we specialize in.