Decorative hardware serves as the jewelry of a home, enhancing its visual appeal and aesthetics. The right piece of hardware can work wonders in transforming an ordinary-looking house into a luxurious and elegant residence.

Understanding the Impact of Decorative Hardware

Decorative hardware refers to the knobs, pulls, hinges, and other fixtures that are used to open and close cabinets, drawers, doors, and windows in a home. While they serve a functional purpose, decorative hardware also makes a strong aesthetic impact and can be used to update the look and feel of a space.

The hardware finishes, styles, and shapes you choose for your home can breathe new life into existing cabinetry or complement a brand-new kitchen or bath design. Decorative hardware allows you to put your personal stamp on a space through small but meaningful details. Thoughtfully chosen hardware complements your home’s overall design and decor. It draws the eye and creates visual interest through color, texture, and sheen.

The Importance of Decorative Hardware in Home Design

Decorative hardware plays an important role in interior design and home decor. It serves both form and function while providing finishing touches that elevate the look of any space. The right hardware can pull a room together, adding cohesiveness and purposefully guiding the eye throughout the space. Decorative hardware also enables you to mix design styles or periods seamlessly by choosing pieces that blend well together.

Additionally, upgrading old or outdated hardware is an easy and affordable way to update the look of your home without a full remodel. New knobs and pulls can modernize cabinetry or doors in an instant.

How Decorative Hardware Can Transform Your Home’s Aesthetics

The decorative hardware you select for your home can completely transform its visual appeal. Hardware acts as an accessory that infuses personality into your space. For example, bold oversized hardware in a front entryway makes a strong first impression. Delicate glass knobs in a bathroom provide an elegant and glamorous look. Industrial pipe pulls in a kitchen give a nod to vintage workspaces. In addition, decorative hardware can integrate with electrical components for a seamless look. Take a deep look at electrical hardware here or learn more in our guide on hardware.

Various Types of Decorative Hardware to Consider

Hooks

Hooks are a versatile decorative hardware option with both form and function. Hooks allow you to neatly organize coats, towels, keys, and more while providing decor that compliments your home’s style.

Knobs

Knobs are likely the most prominent and frequently used decorative hardware in your home. Used on doors, cabinets, drawers, and more, knobs enable you to easily open and close doors and drawers without hassle.

Pulls

Pulls refer to handles used on cabinet doors and drawers to open them. They come in a range of sizes – from small round styles to long rectangular industrial pulls – and an array of materials like wood, leather, metal, glass, and more.

The shape and size of your pulls impact their look and function. Long horizontal pulls make wide drawers and doors easy to open. Tiny pulls allow access to compact spaces without overwhelming them. Pull orientation also matters – straight bar pulls have a streamlined look while angular pulls make bolder visual statements.

House Numbers

House numbers serve the practical purpose of identifying your home while also allowing you to make a fun, decorative statement. Use stylish, unique house numbers to express your home’s personality.

Options abound for shapes like circular numbers, conical numbers made to look like lanterns and numbers formed from natural materials like stone or reclaimed wood. Pretty scripts, bold numerals, and whimsical fonts set different tones.

Door Knockers

Door knockers provide homeowners and guests with a striking way to announce their arrival while accenting the home’s entryway. Traditional lion head and ring styles exude elegance and class on a front door. Nature-inspired designs featuring pinecones, starfish, leaves, and animals appeal to homeowners who favor rustic decor. Bold abstract door knocker shapes make modern artistic statements. Learn more in our guide on premium door hardware.

Mailboxes

Mailboxes may be humble receptacles, but they can still make an impressive decorative statement outside your home. Use them as an opportunity to reflect your home’s architecture, artistic tastes, or quirky personality. Wrought iron mailboxes with intricate scrollwork suit Tuscan villas, while those with nautical designs complement coastal cottages. For modern homes, sleek stainless steel boxes have streamlined appeal. Mailboxes that mimic shapes like birds, cow heads, and beach homes make fun, eye-catching statements.

Practical Tips & Tricks for Installing Decorative Hardware

To install decorative hardware properly, first gather all necessary tools like a drill, drill bits, tape measure, level, screwdriver, compatible fasteners, pencil, and painter’s tape. Also, clear a clean workspace. Then read the installation instructions thoroughly to understand how the pieces fit together before drilling any holes. Following specific directions and taking time to prepare helps achieve the desired look when adding hardware like cabinet knobs, pulls, and hinges.

Proper Placement and Installation of Decorative Hardware

The placement of cabinet hardware greatly impacts the overall look. As a general guideline, install knobs and pulls about 8-10 inches from the top of the base cabinets and 4 inches down from the top of the upper cabinets. However, aligning hardware with existing features like the countertop overhang can help create visual continuity. First map out the placements to ensure a cohesive look before installing. Be very precise when drilling pilot holes, using painter’s tape to prevent slippage. Use the correct fasteners and tighten the hardware carefully to the recommended torque to avoid damage.

Maintenance and Care for Your Decorative Hardware

Regularly wipe down decorative hardware with a microfiber cloth, mild soap, and water to prevent buildup. Immediately dry any water to prevent spotting. Avoid hanging items from pulls or using them to open drawers and doors, which can scratch and ding the hardware. Instead, open carefully without knocking knobs against the cabinet frames. Use polish made for the specific hardware finish to gently restore shine and luster after testing in an inconspicuous spot.

The Effects of Decorative Hardware on Resell Values

Upgrading decorative cabinet hardware like knobs and pulls can significantly increase a home’s resale value. Unique or high-end hardware styles and finishes like brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or vintage glass knobs help a kitchen appear updated and custom. This relatively inexpensive upgrade makes the space look far more expensive than it is.

During resale, upgraded hardware shows buyers the kitchen is modern and makes the space feel luxurious. Investing in attractive, current hardware vastly improves perceived value and gives buyers a reason to offer top dollar. With a focus on cabinet hardware, sellers can maximize return on investment and boost their home’s resale value.

Make a Statement with Decorative Hardware

Decorative hardware like knobs, pulls, hinges, and hooks add affordable personality and visual interest to any space. The right metalwork can elevate cabinets, doors, walls, and furniture. Hardware is an easy, customizable finishing touch that can pull a room together, reflect your style, and make your home uniquely you.

For insider knowledge on home industry innovation, look no further than High Performance Home. On our website, you can read up on the newest in home design, explore our blog posts, and learn about our mission to unite home industry leaders to spur progress and growth. To learn more about hardware, check out our guide to hardware in kitchens, hardware in gathering rooms, or see our bathroom page for more insight and inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardware is timeless?

Hardware made from high-quality materials like brass, bronze, and stainless steel tends to remain timeless in style and durability.

What is the most popular hardware finish?

Chrome and nickel finishes are among the most popular hardware finishes because they have a clean, modern look and are easy to coordinate with many decor styles.

What is popular for cabinet hardware?

Matte black hardware and aged bronze finishes are very popular right now for cabinet hardware as they provide an elegant, sophisticated look.