Cartwheels drove the spread of civilization. From the war chariots of countries around the Mediterranean to the movement of European settlers in the United States, wheels have increased the mobility of diverse cultures around the world. Sometimes they’re old and rusty, sometimes they’re made out of pieces of wood, sometimes they’re beautifully finished and painted bright colors, but they all help people get from one place to another. It is not for nothing that wheels are often referred to as “wheels of fortune”, not only in connection with television broadcasts. When you pick up a tarot deck, luck is represented as a wheel that can either lift the seeker up or drag it under their profile.
Wagon wheels as symbols of the American Wild West
When making decorations, the wooden wheels with iron wreaths on which Conestoga wagons, feed wagons and simple agricultural wagons are based are most often used. These wagon wheels are a symbol of a short twenty-year culture that has captured the imagination ever since. They pull up images of train drivers shouting, “Cars, HO!” They also refer to images of broken axles, lonely wheels lying in the grass of Kansas or on the salt flats of Utah, silent evidence of the weakness of human effort and human short-sightedness.
Wheels in Europe and Asia
Wheels allowed the steppe nomads to take their houses with them. They were the basis for the Roma, those itinerant tribes who transported goods and gave Europe’s pre-motorized societies the opportunity to migrate. These wheels were often brightly adorned, but no less full of inspiration and tragedy.
Wheels in a modern context
Modern technology has turned us all into nomads, traveling from one job to another, always looking for a better life. Is it any wonder that we refer to a new car or truck as our “new wheelset”? Wagon wheel ornaments are both a reminder and a promise of how technology is changing our world. Or sometimes they’re just a nifty way to decorate in a certain style. Whether authentic antiques or replicas made of wood, metal or plastic – wheels are a symbol of mobility, both nostalgic and modern. Check out the selection of wagon wheel decorations below. Most of them primarily commemorate American expansion westward, but the tapestry is a reminder that fine wheels are not solely the property of European expansion in a land that seemed endless and unclaimed to them.
Wall decoration with wagon wheel
Brighten up your country or wild west decor with an old style rusty wagon wheel with a star in the center of the spoke. Bring national memories of westbound Conestoga wagons or a sea of cattle horns accompanied by the steady motion of a loader wagon cruising from the Lone Star state to Kansas City.
Wagon wheel trellis made of wood
Add a rustic touch to your garden with this wooden wagon wheel trellis from Birch Lane. Made from cedar wood, it is resistant to rot and mildew and has a soft to gray discoloration, making it perfect for outdoor use. It offers you a long-term service while supporting your favorite vines.
Pair of replica wooden wagon wheels
Bring an aura of yesteryear to your garden, yard, patio or even an interior wall. Made from weatherproof materials, this pair of wooden wagon wheels can be placed anywhere you want to add a touch of the Wild West. Brought to you by Pier Surplus, they’re the perfect rustic touch.
Large and small wagon wheel decorations
Decorate a wall with this pair of stepped wagon wheels, one large and one small. They are extremely detailed including a metal rim. Place them anywhere, indoors or out. The wood is weatherproof and offers years of viewing pleasure. This decorative element comes from Pier Surplus, a fast-growing company that offers garden decoration.
Worn metal rim wheel from Williston Forge features bike spokes, red paint and a silver center fairing. There is a hanging loop on the back for easy hanging. It can be displayed indoors or outdoors depending on your decorator’s needs and inspirations.
Unfinished wooden wagon wheel
Ideal to combine with any country or western decor, this wagon wheel is unpainted so you can color or paint it to suit your colors and themes. The thick outer rim is supported by thick wooden spokes and an unadorned wooden center. With the right treatment and finishing it can be displayed outdoors but works very well indoors as well.
Pine wagon wheel with star spokes and charred walnut finish
This wooden wagon wheel, with its tapered spokes and charred walnut finish, is perfect for wall decoration or as a chandelier to support lights. Pre-drilled with holes for hanging or wall mounting. Intended for indoor use only. It is not weatherproof.
Decorated wall hanging with wagon wheel
This replica wagon wheel is accompanied by a textured cactus, saddle, boots, lasso, hat and ola glass reminiscent of the Spanish caballeros of ancient Mexico. It is made in China and ready to hang. Primarily designed for interior decoration.
Large wagon wheel decorations
Order this pack of twelve wagon wheel decorations for your next wild west party or event. With a diameter of around 30 cm and made of plastic, they are perfect for the soiree celebrating a rodeo or a big cattle sale. Or you can use them to brighten up the square dance floor at your next social dance event. Easy to set up and take down and store for the next party.
Tapestry with Bulgarian cartwheel print
As a reminder that the United States’ Wild West wasn’t the only culture powered by wagon wheels, this beautiful tapestry features brightly colored wheels leaning against a wall, as well as a colorful scattering of leaves. Single sided printing on high quality fabric will enhance any wall in your home.
