Is Iron Hardware Appropriate for Your Furniture?
When you go to the hardware store to replace handles, knob or other furniture hardware, you know you're going to have options. Because you have so many options, why then should you consider purchasing iron hardware? Or perhaps you're already considering iron hardware but you're not sure if it's the best option. Not to worry. The following are scenarios in which iron hardware would be a great addition to your home or furniture. Hopefully, these examples will better help you decide if iron hardware is a good fit for you.
First things first: if you're restoring antique or time sensitive furniture, please consider iron hardware. Iron hardware was used on a lot of old colonial furniture, so if you're living in New England and you've got your hands on an antique piece, there's a good chance it's dripping with iron fixtures. If this is the case for you, finding the appropriate replacement hardware is crucial. The replacement hardware you choose to restore with will contribute to the overall appearance of the piece. If you use contemporary hardware on an antique piece of furniture, the end result will look cheap and unauthentic. If you have an antique piece but you're not convinced that iron is the way to go, you could be right. Before you purchase any hardware make sure you've researched the piece to find out what type of hardware you should use. When it comes to antiques, the bottom line is this: iron is a timeless metal and great for restoration.
Iron is tough and sturdy. If you're shopping for hardware that is intended to be touched and used on a regular basis, iron could very possibly be the best way to go. Unlike wood and brass, iron will stand up to the test of time; so, if you're going to be replacing knobs, handles or knockers definitely look into purchasing iron. On the other hand, if you're replacing decorative hardware on a trunk or armoire and the replacements will rarely, if ever, be touched, you might want to consider lighter weight hardware.
Lastly, you need to know that untreated iron is subject to rust if left outside. So, if you're replacing hardware in a barn or on any exterior doors you may want to avoid iron. However, if you have your heart set on an iron door knocker, just make sure you buy one that is treated for outdoor weathering. You can also treat hardware yourself… once it's treated, your outdoor iron will last a lifetime.
First things first: if you're restoring antique or time sensitive furniture, please consider iron hardware. Iron hardware was used on a lot of old colonial furniture, so if you're living in New England and you've got your hands on an antique piece, there's a good chance it's dripping with iron fixtures. If this is the case for you, finding the appropriate replacement hardware is crucial. The replacement hardware you choose to restore with will contribute to the overall appearance of the piece. If you use contemporary hardware on an antique piece of furniture, the end result will look cheap and unauthentic. If you have an antique piece but you're not convinced that iron is the way to go, you could be right. Before you purchase any hardware make sure you've researched the piece to find out what type of hardware you should use. When it comes to antiques, the bottom line is this: iron is a timeless metal and great for restoration.
Iron is tough and sturdy. If you're shopping for hardware that is intended to be touched and used on a regular basis, iron could very possibly be the best way to go. Unlike wood and brass, iron will stand up to the test of time; so, if you're going to be replacing knobs, handles or knockers definitely look into purchasing iron. On the other hand, if you're replacing decorative hardware on a trunk or armoire and the replacements will rarely, if ever, be touched, you might want to consider lighter weight hardware.
Lastly, you need to know that untreated iron is subject to rust if left outside. So, if you're replacing hardware in a barn or on any exterior doors you may want to avoid iron. However, if you have your heart set on an iron door knocker, just make sure you buy one that is treated for outdoor weathering. You can also treat hardware yourself… once it's treated, your outdoor iron will last a lifetime.