Heavy Metal in Your Library
Mar 28, 2022
Heavy metal! One product that has a plethora of uses in the interior environment is actually metal products. I want to show you some really great applications for metal in your Library to add as a creative design element for any style of Library. Meaning you don't have to initiate an industrial style for your space to incorporate metal. Plus I'll show you plenty of unique ways to display metal details that you might not have thought of. So peruse the images in the next few paragraphs and let me know what you think!
OUTDOOR SPACES
If you've got the budget, you can use metal products for some really great decorative elements in your space. One example is in your outdoor areas. If you can put together a large outdoor reading area with beautiful landscaping, then you may want to consider using metal products to provide an almost sculptural element that also acts as a boundary element by creating metal panel walls. These can be applied in many different ways. Your imagination is your only limitation (well that and budget of course) And if cost is more of an issue, you can always use smaller scale ornamental pieces to add life to your design.
INDOOR SPACES
There are TONS of options for your indoor spaces as well. The beauty of metal is that you can laser cut it, basket weave it and even curve it. The possibilities are almost endless. You can purchase directly from a company and conform the piece to your design ideas or you can even create a custom design idea and have them bring your ideas to life to suit your design needs. Most of the images you see here are from one of my favorite metal design companies. But there are plenty of others out there as well. If you are interested in this one or even want to browse their site for more ideas, here's the link:
In the meantime, here are some great applications for interior spaces.
FURNITURE AND OTHER POSSIBILITIES
You can also use small amounts of metal in the faces of your circulation desks and information counters. When you get ready to work with your millwork designer, let them know how you wish for your custom pieces to display a bit of creativity using metal panels. And remember, you can bend metal, so if your furniture piece is curved, this shouldn't be a problem. This can be so simple and clean too. Take a look at this next example. The welcome desks they've designed here are nothing more than clean boxes with simple edges and a metal inlay. So easy and yet such incredible style and character. If you did nothing else but this as a decorative element in your Library, it would speak volumes and be the showpiece that everyone would remember.
Other options are ceiling fixtures and even backlit elements to function both aesthetically as well as functionally. I LOVE how the last image of the metal ceiling outside in the walkway also acts as a decorative element on the sidewalk by the amazing shadows cast from the sun pouring through the panels.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Metal really is a great product you can use if you're looking for something original to use that will create a true focal point in your Library. With the multitude of ways to apply it to your space, even small budgets can afford to use metal in some way.
