Historic homes tell a story through time. There’s nothing like the detail and craftsmanship of historic trim profiles, window proportions, and stair newels. Even the smallest latch offers rich detail and character to the narrative.
At Rocky Mountain Hardware, we handcraft premium bronze home finishes that preserve historic beauty while adding modern functionality. Our work is personal, distinct, and built without taking shortcuts so designers, architects, and homeowners can honor the past and elevate daily living.
Why Hardware Matters in Historic Homes
In historic homes, hardware is a bridge between eras. The right choice supports original millwork, matches period proportions, and develops a natural patina that fits in seamlessly from day one. By choosing handcrafted bronze hardware, you maintain a consistent narrative from room to room and create continuity between preserved details and updates.
Understanding Architectural Styles and Their Hardware
Each architectural style has its own vocabulary of forms and finishes. Aligning hardware with that language safeguards authenticity and enriches the original design intent.
Colonial & Federal
Early American interiors favored restrained forms and honest materials. Simple round knobs, small escutcheons, and surface bolts or latches reflected a practical approach. Bronze with a soft, time-earned patina suits painted trim and wide plank floors. Keep size modest, profiles curved, and ornament minimal. The Carriage knob and Plymouth knob from Rocky Mountain Hardware are great examples of minimalist styles that fit seamlessly with existing Colonial styles.
Victorian
Victorian design celebrates ornament and variety. Cast rosettes, decorative backplates, and stylized floral or geometric motifs were common. Richly detailed bronze, showcasing crisp casting and depth, pairs beautifully with stained woods, tall baseboards, and statement staircases. The Crown knob is a great update for Victorian-style homes that fits with the royal and romantic design story. The beaded outline of the Maddox cabinet knob is also a refined choice for upgrading Victorian-era hardware.
Arts and Crafts
This movement honors visible craft and natural materials. Hardware was bold, substantial, and often textured by hand. Bronze is a natural partner for quarter-sawn oak, artisan tile, and built-in cabinetry. Finishes that invite gentle aging support the warm, grounded spirit of the style.
Art Deco
Art Deco favors geometry, symmetry, and streamlined glamour. Hardware often featured stepped profiles, faceted forms, or stylized rays. Cast bronze reproductions capture these shapes beautifully, balancing confidence with elegance in restored interiors. Rocky Mountain Hardware has an extensive collection of geometric designs suitable for historic Art Deco-appointed homes. The intricate pattern of the Emerald knob and Sundial doorknob is a great example of updated Deco-era ornamentation.
Where to Start: First Steps for Hardware Restoration
A clear plan protects original details and guides sourcing. Begin with documentation, then align selections with the home’s era and usage needs.
Start with a Room-by-Room Hardware Inventory
List every knob, pull, hinge, latch, and lock. Note location, condition, and whether pieces are original or later replacements. Flag hardware that is unsafe or no longer functional.
Identify the Era and Architectural Style of Your Home
Confirm the construction date and regional influences. Cross-reference surviving trim, tile, and lighting to validate the style. This helps you choose hardware that aligns with the home’s design vocabulary.
Document with Photos, Notes, and Measurements
Photograph each piece and record dimensions such as backplate size, screw spacing, and spindle length. These details will guide whether you restore originals, source reproductions, or commission custom work.
How to Choose the Right Hardware for Your Home
Choosing the right hardware for a historic home involves balancing authenticity with the realities of modern living. Some pieces may be salvageable, others may need replacing, and sometimes a thoughtful blend of original and reproduction will provide the best result.
Original vs Reproduction Hardware: What’s the Difference?
Original hardware carries history but may be worn or incomplete. Reproduction pieces in bronze replicate period forms with modern strength.
Balancing Authenticity with Functionality
Use originals in low-traffic rooms or as focal points. Incorporate reproduction or custom bronze in kitchens, baths, and entryways where durability is essential. This balance preserves authenticity while supporting everyday living.
Where to Source Period-Accurate Pieces
Work with trusted artisans and dealers who specialize in heirloom-quality bronze. Rocky Mountain Hardware artisans create custom solutions that reflect the unique needs of each historic home.
Materials and Finishes That Honor Historic Homes
The materials and finishes you select will determine how well your new hardware harmonizes with the home’s architecture. Bronze, brass, and iron each carry their own history, while finishes such as patina or lacquer define the character and longevity of the piece.
Common Materials in Historic Hardware
Materials and finishes define the character of a historic home. Each patina tells a unique story, where bronze stands as the pinnacle of hardware in historic homes. This offers unmatched durability, with an evolving finish that deepens with age.
Bronze
Bronze hardware offers an authenticity that speaks to those who appreciate materials with genuine heritage and enduring stature. Having adorned the finest estates and prestigious buildings for centuries, bronze develops a distinct character that cannot be replicated by other base metals.
Modern Manufacturing That Respects Historic Craft
Advances in casting allow artisans to replicate traditional details with precision. At Hardware Company, our bronze is handcrafted to honor heritage while offering lasting performance.
Regional Considerations in Historic Hardware Restoration
Restoring hardware is never a one-size-fits-all process. Climate, preservation guidelines, and regional practices all influence which materials and finishes will perform best. Being mindful of these factors ensures your investment endures.
Climate and Finish Longevity
Coastal humidity, dry mountain air, or desert sun exposure all affect patina and finish. Select finishes based on local conditions and styles.
Local Codes and Preservation Guidelines
Many historic districts regulate exterior details, including hardware. Consult these early to ensure compliance.
Working with Regional Suppliers or Artisans
Local artisans and suppliers bring invaluable knowledge of climate and codes. Rocky Mountain Hardware’s dealer network offers this expertise while connecting you to handcrafted bronze solutions.
Honor the Story, Elevate the Everyday
Hardware and historic homes belong together. By taking the time to inventory existing pieces, understand your home’s style, and choose handcrafted bronze finishes that respect the architecture, you preserve more than design. At Rocky Mountain Hardware, we believe hardware is not an afterthought, but functional art that connects the past to the present. When every detail is chosen with intention, you’ll ensure the story of your home lives on for generations.
Explore our door hardware, cabinet hardware, and custom capabilities, or find a Rocky Mountain Hardware dealer near you to begin your restoration journey.
FAQs: Hardware and Historic Homes
Is it worth replacing all my original hardware?
Not always. Preserve originals when possible. Replace only when pieces are unsafe, missing, or impractical.
How do I find the right style for my home’s period?
Start with the home’s architectural era, then align hardware details to that vocabulary. Dealers can provide samples and recommendations.
Can I mix original and reproduction pieces?
Yes. Many designers feature originals in special rooms and use reproductions elsewhere for functionality and consistency.
Where can I buy historically accurate hardware?
Specialty suppliers and artisans are the best sources. Rocky Mountain Hardware offers handcrafted bronze hardware through trusted dealers.
