Whether your tastes are changing or you want to keep up with the latest decorating styles, you’re tired of the way a space looks—maybe it’s your bathroom or the kitchen. Even a hallway can have you itching to make a few changes.
You’ve surrounded yourself with the latest home décor magazines and pinned countless decorating websites. You’re all set to start redecorating until you look at the price. Redoing even a small bathroom can be expensive, but a less costly option is to go with signature hardware.
However, did you know that simply switching out the hardware can completely revamp a space? Keep reading on to learn more.
The Importance of Hardware
Hardware can be anything from a door knob to exposed hinges, faucets and shower heads, and even drawer pulls are considered hardware. Hardware, first of all, must be functional.
In other words, you don’t want a doorknob that doesn’t turn or a shower head that only produces a trickle of water. Along with functionality, hardware can set the tone of a room. Everything from your drawer pulls to faucets can be durable, functional, and have great aesthetics.
Think about a cabinet that’s the perfect color for the space; everything blends beautifully until you look at the hardware. Maybe the hardware is the wrong color, for example, gold-toned instead of a burnished metal. The style of the hardware can also throw a room off or add something extra.
So, if you’re decorating on a budget, here’s how you can use hardware to freshen up a tired space.
Choose the Right Finish
Hardware is typically metal but this doesn’t limit your finish options. You can do a lot with gold, silver, and brass finishes, but don’t forget about color. Sometimes, a pop of color in the right place can make a huge difference in the room’s appearance.
Gold tones are a great option if you’re trying to achieve a more high-end aesthetic. Silver is a little more refined but still has some elegance. Brass can elevate a country-inspired décor. When it comes to colors, try to match or contrast with your existing décor.
Color can also set the tone for a space. For example, black metal door knobs look professional. Whether it’s an office building or your home study, a black door knob and draw pulls give the space a more professional vibe.
If you prefer lighter colors, white finishes are always a great option. White can give a classic feel to a space and really tie a country-themed kitchen together.
Pick the Right Materials
When you think of hardware, metal materials probably come to mind. Brass and stainless steel are common and popular options. Stainless steel is sleek, elegant, and can even be contemporary. Brass is more traditional and develops a gorgeous patina.
Both of these materials are great options, but you can also expand to wood and plastic. If you’re working to achieve a more natural feel, wood hardware is often the way to go. Wood is also a good option for eco-conscious decorating. Naturally biodegradable, you can feel good about your space looking great.
If you want to lower prices even further, take a look at plastic hardware. We’re not talking about common plastic, think of grocery bags and reusable food containers. Instead, commercial-grade plastic is durable, inexpensive, and easy to work with, which means you can find plastic hardware in a variety of sizes and styles.
Whether you’re going for a modern contemporary or a more rustic aesthetic, plastic hardware can make the ideal finish touch.
Mix and Match Styles
Yes, doorknobs are round unless it’s a latch-style handle. However, faucet styles can vary, along with shower heads and drawer pulls. You’re not stuck with a round or elongated drawer pull. You can go with square handles or even drawer pulls in unique geometric shapes. Your hardware can easily become the conversation piece you’ve been looking for.
Something to consider is you don’t have to stick with one style of hardware throughout your home—you can mix it up from room to room. Maybe you want a more professional look in a home office and something more fun in the kitchen. When it comes to hardware styles, there aren’t any hard rules. Instead, go with what makes you fall in love with the space.
Function and Quality are Key
We’ve already mentioned functionality is key and so is quality. You may find a great-looking faucet that’s perfect for a master bathroom only to find out it’s too large or too small. You also don’t want the hardware breaking after a couple of uses. A shower head that stops working is simply a waste of money, so are hinges that break easily and doorknobs that stop turning.
The feel of the hardware is a good way to tell if it’s quality—no, this isn’t a scientific method but it’s a good starting point. You can also do a little research on the manufacturer. Reading consumer reviews can give you an idea of whether the hardware’s built to last.
Only buying the hardware from a reputable seller is another way to help ensure functionality and quality. You may find a great deal on doorknobs from a vendor at a thrift shop but this doesn’t mean the hardware is worth the low price.
Tips on Decorating with Hardware
When you’re ready to update the look of your home on a budget, hardware is an easy way to freshen up a space. Some decorating tips include using matching hooks in a coat closet, and you also want to keep the style similar in the bathroom. Keeping everything the same, from the shower head to the sink faucets, gives the space a more cohesive and modern look.
Even though there’s nothing wrong with mixing up the drawer pulls in the kitchen, try to stick with the same shape. When mixing colors, it’s a good idea to stay in the same family.
Changing Out the Hardware Can Make a Big Difference
You might not often consider the impact of the hardware in your home, but changing it can make a significant difference.
Updating things like doorknobs, cabinet handles, and light fixtures is not only an easy way to refresh your space, but it’s also more cost-effective than undertaking a complete room makeover. This simple change can add a touch of style and modernity without breaking the bank.
