Kitchen & Bath Hardware

Kitchen & Bath Hardware FAQ

How will hardware patina over time?

Natural, unlacquered hardware is meant to change with use. Unlike a sealed or lacquered finish, these surfaces are left exposed so they can react naturally with air, moisture, and the oils from your hands. Over time, the finish may deepen in color, become less uniform, and develop a soft patina.

• Brass will typically move from a bright, golden tone toward a deeper, warmer brown. Areas that are handled frequently may remain brighter or become more polished, creating variation across the surface.
• Bronze tends to develop a deeper, richer patina, often shifting toward darker brown or warmer tones. Depending on the alloy and environment, you may also see subtle variations in color across the surface.
• Copper changes more dramatically. It can deepen from its original warm orange tone into browns and darker reds and, with enough exposure to moisture and air, may eventually develop blue or green areas of oxidation.

The rate of change varies from piece to piece. Hardware in a humid bathroom or kitchen may patina more quickly than hardware in a dry room, while frequently handled pieces will develop a different character from those that are rarely touched.

Why choose a pull instead of a knob?

The choice between a pull and a knob is partly about how a piece is used and partly about proportion. A pull gives you more surface area to grip, which can make drawers and larger doors easier to open. It can also feel more substantial on a wide drawer or cabinet.

Knobs tend to be simpler and more understated, and work particularly well on smaller drawers or doors where a larger piece of hardware might feel out of proportion.

Hardware also changes the look of a piece. A simple cabinet can take on a more traditional, utilitarian, or decorative character depending on the shape, material, and scale of the hardware. We think of pulls and knobs as part of the furniture itself rather than an afterthought - the right choice should feel natural to the proportions and construction of the piece.

What do I need to consider when mounting hardware?

Most knobs and pulls are straightforward to install with a drill, the appropriate drill bit, a screwdriver, and a measuring tool. The most important part is taking your time with the placement.

For a knob, mark the center of the drawer or door where you want the hardware to sit, then drill a clean hole through the front. Insert the screw from the back and thread it into the knob. Tighten until secure, but avoid overtightening, which can damage the finish or compress the wood.

For a pull, measure the distance between the mounting holes (the “center-to-center” measurement) and transfer those measurements carefully to the drawer or door. A template or simple piece of paper or cardboard can help ensure the holes are level and evenly spaced, particularly when installing multiple pieces of hardware. Drill the holes, insert the screws from the back, and attach the pull from the front.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Measure twice, drill once. Check your placement from several angles before making any holes.
• Use the right screw length. The screw should pass through the thickness of the drawer or door and engage the hardware securely without extending too far into the interior.
• Use a sharp drill bit. A clean, properly sized bit will help prevent splintering, particularly on wood veneer or finished surfaces.
• Protect the finish. If you’re drilling a finished piece, painter’s tape over the area can help reduce chipping or splintering.
• For thick or unusual materials, check the hardware specifications before drilling. You may need different screws or mounting hardware.

If you’re installing hardware on an antique, vintage, or particularly valuable piece, we recommend taking extra care before drilling. Existing holes may provide clues to the original placement, and in some cases it’s worth having a professional handle the installation.