Posts Tagged ‘Decoded’

Cabinet Hardware Materials Decoded

March 10th, 2021

If you’re looking for new cabinet hardware but don’t know where to begin, you’re not alone. Cabinet hardware is available in infinite designs and countless finishes, making the prospect of finding the right style both exciting and overwhelming. Understanding the advantages and drawbacks of each cabinet hardware material can make it easier to narrow down your options so that you can find what you’re looking for a bit more quickly.

Here are some things to consider when choosing cabinet hardware:

-Brass is a material that is available in a wide range of finishes, which makes it a popular choice for homes of most designs. As its name suggests, polished brass offers a high gloss golden finish that is suitable for a rustic-themed room. Polished brass can also be found in conjunction with polished chrome or other silver-toned metals which provides a more contemporary look. In contrast, antique brass offers a matted gold-brown hue reminiscent of times gone by. Antique brass is often textured in some way, which provides for an additional style element.
-Bronze is a metal that offers unique advantages because many forms of bronze have a ‘living finish’ which matures over time. Oil rubbed bronze hardware is among the most popular finishes in recent years because it provides a classic look that is simultaneously luxurious and sophisticated. More expensive oil rubbed bronze hardware may slowly change color or scratch over time, to give each piece its own unique look.
-Chrome is a silver finish that is often applied on top of another metal to create a cool silver finish. Polished chrome provides a shinier finish than brushed chrome, though the finish can range from extremely high-gloss to moderately shiny. Chrome hardware does not tarnish or chip and is designed to provide years of stylish usage.
-As the metal often connected with the bottom of kitchen pots and cookware, copper is famous for its reddish hue. Antique copper, which has a dull, matted look, is one of the most popular copper finishes, though some copper hardware can be found with a brighter color.
-A popular metal for home design products because it is easy to work with and has a timeless design, iron is an obvious choice for the production of cabinet hardware. Additionally, iron makes for extremely affordable decorative hardware because it is so easy to mold and to produce. Homeowners can match iron cabinet hardware to wrought iron furniture and light fixtures for an upscale look.
-Nickel cabinet hardware is quite similar to chrome hardware in that it is a thin metallic finish that is applied over hardware made from another metal. Nickel hardware has a slightly warmer hue than chrome hardware, but is available in similar brushed and polished finishes. Consumers should beware that satin nickel cabinet hardware which is the most popular form of matte nickel hardware may dull over time.
-Pewter hardware is a trendy finish because it is soft enough to create intricate hardware designs and sturdy enough to withstand the test of time. Pewter hardware is available in a variety of finishes from verdigris to chocolate and nearly every color in between. In its most common form, pewter hardware has a dull grey finish which can blend seamlessly into most spaces. Pewter hardware costs slightly more than nickel and iron, but is designed to last forever.
-Plastic cabinet hardware is among the most affordable materials on the market today. Plastic hardware is available in a variety of colors, shapes and styles and is ideal for homeowners looking to match a specific color scheme without choosing a generic metallic finish.
-A common choice for cutlery, faucets and sinks, stainless steel is also a wonderful choice for cabinet hardware. Stainless steel provides a contemporary style and will complement any modern space. Although it is moderately expensive, many owners of stainless steel cabinet hardware agree that it is worth the price because it will match other kitchen fixtures perfectly.
-Wood is perhaps the most natural material for cabinet hardware, and it can be painted to match nearly any color scheme. Wood cabinet hardware may require a metal insert in order to ensure that it is install