Antique Nickel Cabinet

Antique Nickel Cabinet

Choosing Antique and Vintage Hardware – A Basic Overview

Antique hardware or antique reproduction hardware refers to time period specific door, window, cabinet, furniture or other home hardware pieces. Depending on the era, hardware was (and still is) produced in a wide variety of materials including forged or cast iron, solid brass, pewter, bronze, steel, or even glass. Popularity of designs and availability of materials varied during different architectural periods. For example Colonial Era hardware was traditionally simple in design and made of cast or forged iron, while other Victorian era used highly ornate pieces cast from solid brass and were used as much for their esthetic qualities as their functionality in the home. 

Antique or reproduction antique hardware for the home is a wonderful way to add elegance to any room, door, or piece of furniture. The wide variety of materials, designs and finishes gives you a chance to refurbish old pieces or add a beautiful finishing touch to new additions to your home. While antique hardware may be more limited in availability, reproduction antique hardware is beautifully hand cast and finished to fit your design needs. Original designs are recast to maintain all the detail of the original designs and frequently available in a wider variety of finishes including Polished Brass, Antique Brass, Polished Chrome, Satin Nickel and Oil Rubbed Bronze.

Reproduction antique hardware is produced today – allowing you to incorporate their patterns in your doors, windows, kitchen cabinets and more. It is a simple way to introduce a common theme to your house. Antique or reproduction antique hardware can transform a boring home into a showplace – but be sure to follow a few simple steps. First, remember that antique hardware (especially doorknob sets) may not be designed to work in modern doors. Most reproduction doorknob sets are designed to fit modern doors while still using traditional historic designs. Second, replace older or worn pieces throughout your home with the same or similar period pieces to help tie the look together for you. Note: The use of a common theme will help tie the look together for you. You can consult decorating magazines for assistance or ask an interior decorator for help as well.

Antique or reproduction antique hardware is readily available online. Research period specific pieces and be sure to ask questions. When working with antique or reproduction hardware it is important to remember that different shapes and combinations will work to tie themselves together nicely. A large collection of antique reproduction hardware is available online through LookInTheAttic & Company and they also offer free design assistance and help.

About the Author

Kohn Coleman born in Michigan - received his Ph.D. from Iowa State University in 2000 - currently leads several online companies and ventures.

What tone of white should I paint my bathroom?

We just bought a 120 year old farm house and my first project is the bathroom. It's itty bitty with an old claw-foot tub and wainscoting cabinets. I'd like to keep with the antique theme. I'm planning on tiling the floor with small white tiles and putting more wainscoting on the walls and putting in a pedestal sink. I would like to use brushed nickel hardware.....so I'm painting the entire bathroom white. Should I go with a white that leans on the side of yellowish, or white closer to beige?

I second the nomination for the grey toned white - because of the metal, and to preserve the antique feeling you are going for....beige might work, but it has to have some blue or black in the mix...

'Course, once you have the tiles selected, that will help you further in your decision - see how they look in the light thats available.

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