Why Traditional Hardware is a great option?

Why use Traditional Hardware, Drawer Pulls and Knobs?

Traditional hardware, often referred to as Period Hardware, represents the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Historically this hardware included handles and knobs made in various patterns and shapes. Specific details and characteristics were dictated by the time period in which they originated. Current trends were a major design factor. Location influenced styles. Formal, high style designs were found in urban areas while rural country locales had simpler, informal characteristics. Handle styles included bail pulls, drawer pulls with a backplate,  cabinet handles and campaign handles.   This traditional hardware was durable and well made. Most handles and knobs were made of brass. Other materials used include: nickel, iron, glass, porcelain and wood. Fabrication processes varied according to manufacturing methods of the day. 

Famous cabinet makers and social movements defined the appearance of both furniture and hardware during the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Each particular style became known as a furniture period, reflecting the cabinet maker’s name or the movement title. Queen Anne, Chippendale, Hepplewhite, Sheraton, Empire, Victorian, Eastlake, Mission, Art Deco, Campaign and Arts and Crafts are the most familiar. Each period was unique with it’s own design style and distinct, identifiable characteristics.  When restoring antiques it is best to use handles and knobs of the same period as the furniture. This provides both a cohesive and authentic appearance. 

Preserving antiques: we recommend using original hardware if it is all there and intact. When cleaning old handles and knobs, start by removing them from furniture. Carefully polish using a mild cleaner.  Be gentle, as trace amounts of surface may be removed during the polishing process. This is of particular concern with plated metals. When polishing solid brass a lustrous sheen can be achieved provided the brass was not previously lacquered. If the brass was lacquered, the lacquer will need to be removed, before polishing.  Once clean and polished, rinse away any residue and thoroughly dry with a soft cloth. Mount on furniture.

Hardware used on 20th century mass produced furniture is different than what was used on earlier styles. During the 1900’s these 20th century furniture manufacturers produced many popular styles. The handles and knobs used, were often their own custom designs.  Not only were these styles specific to each manufacturer they were also typically made in unusual sizes. This mass produced hardware was normally made of pot metal with a brass-finish. Pot metal was ideal for mass production as it was inexpensive to produce. However pot-metal handles did-not hold up well to daily wear and often broke. Matching handles and knobs on this mass produced furniture can be very difficult. Once the manufacturer was done producing a furniture line, the handles and knobs were rarely made again. When trying to replace mass produced hardware, it is best to first look for handles with the same mounting size. Secondly search for the matching pattern. If the pattern is no longer available, finding handles of the correct size will at least enable the drawers to be opened and closed.

A common question when building furniture today is: should I use traditional drawer pulls and hardware? The answer depends on: overall design, your taste and the image you want to project. Some will say: tradition is too predictable. It's old. It's not cool or modern. But tradition evokes comfort and belonging. These hardware, handle and knob styles are trusted, each has stood the test of time. Whereas new designs are often passing fads, here today gone in a couple years. Traditional hardware, period handles and antique knobs project sincerity. They comfortably transition from one generation to the next. It is this familiar look that is reassuring. It stretches between the ages providing a cohesive bond.