Reproduction hardware is turning up all over the market these days. Everywhere from The Home Depot to women's clothing stores like Anthropologie, consumers can find treasures cast from another era. Whether they're looking for the glass doorknobs they remember from their grandmother's house or they just don't like what current design has to offer, homeowners are in search of the distinctive details that reproduction and antique hardware have to offer.
Terri Hartman, manager of Liz's Antique Hardware in Los Angeles, says that most of the store's customers aren't looking at antique or reproduction hardware to restore an older home. “I'd say 30% to 40% of our customers are doing a restoration, but the majority are just looking for a unique design detail. They're less concerned about looking for actual antiques.” Hardware styles from the 1940s and 1950s are particularly popular right now, says Hartman, who speculates that consumers may find these elements of days past comforting and familiar.
For purists who must have antiques, there are about a million pieces to choose from at Liz's, circa 1850 to 1970. Owner Liz Gordon travels the world and relies on a network of dealers to get the goods. Hartman sees the market for reproduction and antique hardware only getting stronger. “You can walk into any home store [and find reproductions]. We've been really fortunate. We've weathered any kind of recession.”
For more product information, visit ebuild.com, Hanley Wood's interactive product catalog.
