Cabinets looking old? Try new hardware

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/03/2002 (8643 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

We pull and push them all day long but do we ever give them any respect? Cabinet door handles and drawer pulls are probably the last thing you think about when redecorating; after all, they’re totally utilitarian right? Not by a long shot. With thousands of wonderful designs and many choices in colours and materials, cabinetry hardware is what I like to call jewelry for the home. Just as great pair of earrings or cuff links can make an outfit, a wonderful set of hardware can add the finishing touches to your cabinets and to the overall look of a room. I use the reference to jewelry for a few reasons; no one needs to wear jewelry with their outfit just as you probably don’t need new hardware on your cabinets, but when you think about the difference this small (and yes, sometimes expensive) accessory can make it is sometimes worth the extra effort and cost. Whether one prefers diamonds or costume jewelry, we purchase jewelry to treat ourselves to something that makes us feel good and look our best. Consider then, treating your home to a bit of sparkle with some new cabinetry hardware. Kitchen cabinets are one of the main areas for this change, but consider as well your furniture and bathroom cabinetry when looking at new hardware.

Choices

To research this column, I went onto the internet and browsed a few related Web sites and found some very unique designs in hardware. From the eclectic to antique reproductions, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. While the list is endless, I must name a few of my favourites to give you an idea of just what great designs are awaiting you: for the kitchen there are handles in metals with the designs of asparagus stems, pea pods, roosters and cutlery; for the bathroom handles and knobs with the designs of butterflies, seashells, braided rope (nautical elements), birds, stars and moons are just a few of the choices available. There are, of course, more traditional designs and antique replication pieces as well as novelty items such as hunting dogs, Coca Cola related designs, sports pieces like football and golf ball knobs and more elegant porcelain and wood knobs. Any one of these designs can come in varying materials and finishes so you’re choices really are unlimited.

Cost

The cost per piece can run anywhere from a few dollars to over twenty dollars depending upon your taste. When you factor in the multiples needed for say, kitchen cabinets, the cost can be substantial, however there are clever ways in which to appease your budget and still accomplish your task. The Web sites that I visited did offer a discount when ordering multiples of any one design. So, if you’re heart is set on a specific piece, ordering a dozen or more will bring some relief to your budget. If you’re shopping in person it won’t hurt to ask for a similar discount if you’re buying in bulk. If you’ve found a special piece of hardware that you just have to have but the cost is prohibitive in large numbers, consider using them on a cabinet or piece of furniture that only requires a few new hardware pieces like a bathroom vanity or a china cabinet. Another way in which to incorporate new pieces into your kitchen without refitting the entire set of cupboards is to use two great new pieces as accent items in a centre or focal cabinet. When you visit your hardware store you may often find discontinued hardware at sale prices. Consider mixing and matching these more inexpensive pieces for an eclectic look. Antique shops often carry loose hardware that might just fit the bill for your antique furniture. Scour the thrift shops and garage sales for these items as well. Sometimes buying a dilapidated piece of furniture is worth it for the hardware that it has.

Measure

Be sure to bring an example of your old hardware with you when you shop to ensure the new piece will fit your current situation without having to create new holes in your cabinets or furniture. Handles and drawer pulls can be especially hard to retrofit while single knobs are a little easier. Talk to your supplier before you purchase just to be sure. It’s your decor so get a handle on it.

connio@3web.net