Decorating
Come on in! Corrugated Iron Makes Its Way Inside
We're used to seeing the very Australian look of corrugated iron outdoors, but who knew it could look so good inside, too?
Corrugated iron has long had a strong association with the Australian bush, where it has been used since the 19th century as a roofing and cladding material on homes and sheds. It’s now enjoying growing popularity in architect-designed homes throughout the land, and usually on the outside. But corrugated iron can also be used to functional and stylish effect on the inside.
You may expect to find that most of the below examples are from Australia, but corrugated iron is being used in many US homes, too. Shiny and new, or rusty and recycled, there are many ways to use this versatile material in the home.
You may expect to find that most of the below examples are from Australia, but corrugated iron is being used in many US homes, too. Shiny and new, or rusty and recycled, there are many ways to use this versatile material in the home.
It’s a steel. Corrugated iron – or ‘corrie’ as it is popularly known in Australia – has long enjoyed a reputation as a cheap and easy building material. Nowadays, what we call corrugated iron is in fact steel. Iron was the original material used and so the popular name has stuck. This farmhouse in Michigan uses it very effectively on the ceiling.
In the kitchen. In this mud brick home in South Australia, a simple cladding of corrugated iron makes a functional but good-looking kitchen island.
See more of this house
See more of this house
High drama. With a growing focus on sustainability in the building industry, corrugated iron is now frequently used in architect-designed homes. It can look pretty glamorous, too, as these ceiling panels show in this dark-hued kitchen.
Popular panelling. It’s not surprising that corrugated iron is as popular as ever, given its properties – it’s still a relatively inexpensive material and is light, flexible, very durable and, therefore, reusable.
Recycle and reuse. The fact it can be reused almost indefinitely is what makes corrugated iron so popular for many sustainable houses.
Rustic charm. Look how much recycled corrugated iron is used in this room – it’s cladding all the walls and is even used as a room divider, but somehow, combined with those gorgeous exposed beams and rugs, it manages to look pretty special.
More: 6 Australian Bush Houses Redefine Rustic Charm
More: 6 Australian Bush Houses Redefine Rustic Charm
Timber companion. In this timber kitchen (and also in the next photo) the corrugated iron used as a cladding on the kitchen island makes for a beautiful contrast to the timber.
Here, just a small panel makes a simple but lovely statement in the all-timber kitchen.
See more kitchen islands here
See more kitchen islands here
Colour and texture. Corrugated iron can come in different colours – as can be seen in the range at Colorbond – or it can be painted. Here in this white bathroom, you can barely tell it’s there. It adds a textural twist on the traditional but creates a clean and contemporary look in this former church.
See more of this church conversion
See more of this church conversion
Wet-room saviour. Often used as a functional and inexpensive material for cladding the interior of bathrooms, corrugated iron makes a rustic backdrop for a sink, toilet or bath.
In the groove. The ridges of the corrugated iron come in varying widths and shapes for different looks. Here, the ridges are closer together, allowing for a finer texture.
Shower power. The owner of this Blue Mountains home wanted a curved shower wall to create the feeling of actually showering inside a water tank. Corrugated iron was the ideal flexible material. “It was also a playful reflection of the tanks that you can see when you are in the shower, which collect the roof water that you are using in the shower,” says architect Jamie Brennan of Six B Design. “Using an external wall cladding on the inside helps creates the inside/outside feeling with the large windows. It can feel like taking a shower outside.”
Here’s another curved shower which would probably have a similar effect, even if unintended.
Matching features. I love how this small piece of corrugated iron used as the mirror backdrop matches the main shower cladding.
Hallway helper. This is an interesting use of corrugated iron, as a wall lining and as the backdrop for a sliding door.
Penthouse pick-me-up. Look how funky corrugated iron looks in this glamorous Philadelphia penthouse apartment. The different coloured panels add extra interest.
See more of this apartment
See more of this apartment
Seeing red. Instead of a coloured feature wall, how about a feature using two old corrugated-iron warehouse doors? They make a for a strong backdrop in this home.
In the mud room. What a great idea for a mud room – clean and functional, corrugated iron makes sense for the muddiest room in the house.
Curved stairway. Moving far from its humble roots, and making the most of its great flexibility, here is a stunning – and unusual – use of corrugated iron. It’s more than at home in this converted silo.
Where to get it…
Corrugated iron sheets come in a range of sizes and colours. Buy new at Colorbond, Stratco and Stramit. For recycled corrugated iron, you can explore eBay or recycled building material yards.
TELL US
Do you love or hate corrugated iron? Have you used it in the interior of your home? Please tell us and attach photos in the comments section.
MORE
Jump Onboard and Ride the Wave of Corrugated Iron
10 Key Australian Looks We know And Love
7 Ways the Great Australian Landscape Can Inspire Your Colour Scheme
Where to get it…
Corrugated iron sheets come in a range of sizes and colours. Buy new at Colorbond, Stratco and Stramit. For recycled corrugated iron, you can explore eBay or recycled building material yards.
TELL US
Do you love or hate corrugated iron? Have you used it in the interior of your home? Please tell us and attach photos in the comments section.
MORE
Jump Onboard and Ride the Wave of Corrugated Iron
10 Key Australian Looks We know And Love
7 Ways the Great Australian Landscape Can Inspire Your Colour Scheme