Here are a few tips on getting the correct hardware for your house or for that great deal you found at the thrift store. Know Your Vintage First, you need to determine the year of your house or piece of furniture and the correct style. Many styles of homes and furniture have subsets, for example the Victorian style, 1820 through 1920, includes Gothic Revival 1830-1850, Victorian Gothic 1850-1875, Queen Anne 1876-1905, and Victorian Italianate 1855-1870. As for furniture, Gothic and Rococo are approximately... more

When purchasing new or reproduction hardware, note some of the basic rules to ensure your purchases will proceed smoothly. Non-stock new items can take up to four to eight weeks to arrive. Schedule accordingly. When placing special orders, choose carefully as most special ordered items are non-refundable; check with your supplier. Choose timeless classic styling that will stand the test of time. Architectural hardware tastes change about every seven years. You may also want to go with a more common... more