As permanent fixtures, choosing the right finish for handles and hardware is arguably more important than paint colours and wallpaper when renovating a home. The pressure is on to select a finish that looks great, is long-lasting and that you will love forever. This guide aims to simplify the selection process and help you find your perfect match.
How Do I Choose The Right Finish For My Home?
There is no right or wrong finish for a property, but if you need inspiration, the architectural heritage of your home will often lend itself to a particular finish. For example, period homes from the Victorian era and earlier are well-suited to
Antique Brass finishes as they look like authentic, original features.
Polished Nickel has a refined elegance that is particularly fitting in regency style properties and townhouses. In rural or industrial style homes, such as country cottages and factory conversions, the rawness of Unlacquered Brass is especially appropriate. The moodiness of a dark finish, like Bronze, can prove very striking in modern homes.
It can also help to consider what you want from your hardware. Would you like it to stand out and make a strong statement, or would you prefer it to sit quietly in the background? Consider a finish that will give a dynamic contrast; for example, Bronze on pale painted/light wooden doors and cabinetry. Conversely, you could choose a finish that will blend in, like
Bronze on dark painted doors.
One of the easiest ways to avoid costly mistakes is to order samples. Even with the best photography in the world, finishes viewed online may look different in the flesh. Samples are also helpful for checking the quality of a finish and compatibility with other colours and materials in your home.