Colonial Coat Hooks

When you think of the colonial time period, many people will picture hand-crafted items, from tables and chairs to dressers and bed frames.  Tools were hand-forged out of cast iron, and the time and care it took to create these items can be seen in every strike of the hammer and anvil.

Cast iron is the metal of choice when it came to creating everything from door handles and furniture hardware to pots and pans and stoves and everything in between.  These were generally very simple designs, which still took hours to make despite the simplicity.  The metal would have to be constantly heated, cooled, and re-heated between strikes to ensure its strength and durability as well as to create just the right angles for everything.

Coat hooks were one thing created from cast iron that could be decorative, but nothing too elaborate.  Single hook designs were much more common than double hooks, and the backplate, or piece that attached to the wall, was often the decorative element.  Designs were usually just shapes, such as hearts, diamonds and spades, and would either be a solid piece or just an outline.

The strength of the hooks may seem to vary based on the thickness, but the fact of the matter is that these hooks were crafted so precisely that they can hold immense amounts of weight, even if it doesn’t seem that way.  There is one double hook option available, and it is very delicate in appearance but still quite strong.  If you are more interested in a hook that shows its strength while still being decorative, try one of the scroll hook designs.

The hooks vary in size, and can add the perfect touch of style and functionality to any home or business and will last for generations.  We include the necessary cast iron screws to securely attaché these to any wall.

Art Deco Push and Pull Door Plates

     Art Deco is characterized by a linear, hard edge or angular composition, often with a vertical emphasis, and highlighted with stylized decoration (according to Blumenson). Art Deco is an eclectic artistic and design style that began in Paris in the 1920s  and flourished internationally throughout the 1930s, into the World War II era. The style influenced all areas of design, including architecture and interior design, industrial design, fashion and jewelry, as well as the visual arts such as painting, graphic arts and film.

     The Art Deco style has become quite popular in home décor due to its versatility and uniqueness.  The style typically features clean lines and geometric patterns, usually carved into the metal so as to add contrast, or embossed on the surface to help it stand out.   There are several different methods used to create such designs, though creating a mold and pouring molten metal is a popular method, and can be fairly fast to do.  It is especially popular when making pairs of door plates, ensuring that the two pieces will match exactly.

It easy to see the similarities between art deco architecture and art deco interior design. We nick named this plate "The Chrysler".

 

 

     Etching a design into the piece is generally done when a pattern is placed on the solid metal and an acid, or other chemical compound, is used to eat away at the exposed metal.  The result is a design embedded into the metal.  It is not uncommon to have color differences in the metals, allowing the pattern to stand out a little more.  This is especially the case in the push plates featured in bronze and copper.

A brilliant example of the intricate detail that goes into art deco design elements.

 

     Our pieces are available in many different finishes and metals, making it easy to find just the right one for your home or particular room you are decorating.  Art Deco is an especially nice style for decorating, since it is extremely versatile and can match any current décor.  If you prefer your décor to stand out and make a statement, consider perhaps one of the more extravagantly decorated plates.  You can also choose plates in a metal that contrast with the rest of the décor or the color of the doors they are applied to.  Polished brass pieces look brilliant on a white door, and copper pieces on a dark colored wood add just enough color difference to be noticeable.

Arts and Crafts Door Pulls

     Arts and Crafts style homes, often referred to as Craftsman style homes, pride themselves on using local man-made materials to construct not only the exterior of the home but all of the interior decorations and hardware as well.  This includes any door handles, hinges, switch plates, as well as pieces of furniture like beds, chairs and tables.  While these styles of homes may be adorned with traditional brass metals, pewter and copper are the most popular.

the popular rice pattern

 

     If you are renovating your Craftsman style home, our website has a wide variety of hardware pieces to choose from in this style and most of them are available in the most popular finishes.  We carry an especially large selection of door pulls and handles, since these tend to be not only the most popular pieces of hardware purchased, but also the ones that tend to make the biggest statement.  One of the first things people notice when they arrive at your home for this first time, aside from the exterior structure itself, is the door handle.  Whether or not it makes a statement, or how much of one, is a decision up to the owner, and the finish choice has a lot to do with this.

Pewter is one of the most popular materials for manufacturing craftsman style pulls.

    

     Pewter will stand out more against a light-colored door but at the same time can add a simple touch.  Copper on the other hand tends to add a statement no matter what the finish of the door is.   New copper has a sheen that cannot be duplicated with any other metal, and the patina that develops over time adds an additional touch.  Natural patinas tend to preferred to chemically created ones, and can only truly be appreciated over time.

    

 

     All of the Arts and Crafts style door pulls and door handles we feature ship in a timely manner with all the mounting hardware you will need to install it, saving you the time and trouble of finding just the right pieces to finish the job.

 

J. Arrington Family Door Knocker from the Bali Villas

There’s a lot of change happening in Bali, Indonesia right now.  Several American luxury villas that were built there in the 1920’s have been condemned and are slated for removal.  One of the villas belonged to the J. Arrington family of Massachusetts.  With no heirs to the Arrington fortune, the houses in the United States were auctioned off and the worldwide properties were kept as rentals to tourists visiting Indonesia.

With recent weather events, the four villas that are located in Bali were nearly destroyed, however the contents, much of it antiquities from the 1800’s were salvageable.  We sent a representative there to collect as much of the hardware as we could.  All of the pieces were handmade especially for the J. Arrington family and passed from generation to generation.

These particular pieces were handcrafted under the direction of Calvin Arrington for his wife Darla Arrington.  Darla had quite an eye for detail and a great appreciation for craftsmanship.  This beautiful brass door knocker was one of our acquisitions.  The Bali villas were built in the ‘20’s and served as a rice plantation and vacation spot for the Arrington family.  While we would have preferred to go in to the villas and acquire the hardware ourselves, we were not allowed as the buildings were too dangerous to enter.

The auction was quite successful, everything was sold from the shingles to the hardwood flooring and we were able to acquire several lovely pieces that we will be able to recreate shortly.  Most of the proceeds went to the Arrington’s estate which distributes funds to several different worldwide charities.  We will continue to be on the look out for auctions that hold the same kind of treasures as the Arrington family has had.  There are so many treasures to be found and we are dedicated to uncovering them and offering them to you.

Solid Brass Towel Bars and Bathroom Accessories

Georgian Roped Towel Bar

Redecorating a bathroom can be a time consuming process and it is sometimes easy to overlook the basic hardware in this room. Solid brass towel bars and other bathroom accessories are a great choice not only because of the inherent durability and strength brass provides but the elegant patterns that can be easily incorporated into any decorating scheme. Solid brass hardware is available in a variety of finishes and designs ranging from traditional roped patters to ornate fleur de lis.

Towel bars are an important aspect of any bathroom and a focal point of your design (especially in guest bathrooms where towels are frequently displayed). A solid brass towel bar with an elegant pattern can add a little extra detail to your bathrooms without overpowering your design. Towel bars come in single, double and triple configurations and are available in several sizes (usually 18, 24 and 30 inches although other sizes may be available).

Solid Brass Classic Towel Ring

When deciding on new bathroom hardware remember that attention to small details can create a common theme throughout your entire room. Choose coordinating robe hooks, soap dishes, grab bars, towel rings, shelves and hinges to complete the look. By using the same finish that is on your faucets you can tie the look together even further. Solid brass doorknob sets and lighting fixtures are also available and in similar patterns as well. The bathroom may be one of the smaller rooms in your home but there are a lot of ways to make it beautiful and unique.

LookInTheAttic & Company offers a wide selection of solid brass towel bars and other bath hardware. Ask questions if you are unsure about a particular item and see if entire sets are available. Remember that by choosing a common pattern you will be able to coordinate the room easily.

Mechanical Turn Doorbells – Elegant For Victorian and Modern Homes

Eastlake Mechanical Turn Doorbell

Solid brass mechanical turn doorbells are a unique and beautiful addition to any front entryway system. Before the invention of the electric doorbell, a turn knob was used to operate the bell inside. These doorbells ranged from simple patterns to ornate Eastlake designs. Because these bells are constructed from solid brass they are extremely durable and available in a variety of finishes to match your existing door hardware.

Mechanical turn doorbells were extremely popular in the United States during the 1800’s. Depending on the style some utilized a turning knob while others have a lever operation to trigger the bell and alert homeowners they had a guest. Doorbells are used as an alternative to door knockers which might not be as easily heard inside the home.

Solid brass mechanical turn doorbells are a wonderful way to add extra detail to the exterior of your home and add something extremely unique to surprise your visitors. Create a complete entryway set by using similar patterns and finishes for doorknobs, knockers, kick plates and hinges. Installation of a mechanical turn doorbell is relatively simple usually requiring surface mounting screws and a shaft for the turn mechanism to connect with the interior doorbell. Consult with a design expert or contactor if you need additional assistance or have specific installation questions. Remember that by using a common design for your exterior and interior home hardware you can easily create a common theme throughout your entire house.

LookInTheAttic & Company offers a selection of mechanical turn doorbells for the home and they offer free design assistance and help as well. Search for solid brass construction to ensure durability over time and be sure to ask questions. The front door is the focal point of the exterior of your home so be sure to choose high quality materials and pay attention to small details to create a beautiful entryway system.

Octagonal Glass Cabinet Knobs and Crystal Doorknobs – Elegance and Contemporary Design

Old Town Glass Cabinet Knob (Polished Brass Finish)

Using glass door and cabinet knobs throughout your home is an unexpected and wonderful addition to any décor. Glass provides an extra touch of detail on otherwise bland household furniture and doors while providing an excellent opportunity to create a common theme to tie your home hardware together. Although glass knobs are available in a wide variety of shapes, octagonal glass cabinet knobs offer a simple design that suits both old and new homes.
When replacing your older cabinet knobs or doorknob sets, try using glass instead of metal knobs to create more interest in this area of your design. The knobs on your cabinets and doors are some of the most frequently used items in your home and they are often overlooked during a renovation or remodeling projects. By simply replacing older and worn hardware you can dramatically change the appearance of any room or piece of furniture without needing to spend a lot of money or time on the project. Most cabinet knobs are easily replaced with a simple bolt and nut installation. A glass doorknob set creates a beautiful focal point for any door and can transform the most mundane door into an important element in your overall decorating scheme.

Octagonal glass door and cabinet knobs are available in a wide variety of sizes and the bases are usually offered in several finishes. Polished brass and chrome are popular choices in bathrooms and kitchens to coordinate with current home hardware. Oil Rubbed Bronze, Satin Nickel and Antique Brass are all great choices for furniture, doors, and other cabinets with existing hardware as well. Different rooms may require different finishes but by using the same octagonal shape glass throughout your house the look will tie itself together beautifully. The traditional octagonal shape is easy to use in other areas of your home as well including entryway hardware, bathroom hardware and lighting.

Providence Glass Doorknob Set (Oil Rubbed Bronze Finish)

These door and cabinet knobs are available online through LookInTheAttic & Company and they offer free design assistance and help. Look for glass (not acrylic or plastic) knobs to ensure high quality and a beautiful design. Solid brass bases offer higher durability as well and can be used to match your existing hardware.

Oceanic and Nautical Theme Hardware for the Bathroom

Pewter Dolphin Cabinet Knob

One of the most popular themes in bathrooms today is an elegant nautical theme. Oceanic and nautical hardware can add subtle touches of detail to enhance your theme beyond shower curtains and towels and serve as a very creative touch. Pewter bathroom cabinet knobs, pulls, robe hooks, towel bars, tissue holders and bathroom accessories are available in a variety of oceanic and nautical themes and can be a fun way to introduce new and unexpected designs into your bathroom or any room in house.

Conch Shell Knob (Antique White Finish)

One of the great advantages of choosing a general theme like Oceanic/Nautical is the wide variety of choices available and the opportunity to use different shapes and patterns in the same room. Cute fish knobs on your cabinets can be accented perfectly with a shell pattern towel bar or tissue holder. Beautiful shell design knobs can be mixed and matched so that every cabinet has a different look but still ties itself together into a beautiful theme. Depending on the hardware chosen optional finishes can include Pewter Matte, Pewter Bright, Satin Pewter, Brushed Pewter, Matte Black, Bronze, Rubbed Bronze, Antique White, Antique Copper, Verdigris, Antique Brass Gold, Iron Red, Rust, Black Terra Cotta and Black Copper Wash.

When you decide to redecorate any room in your house with an oceanic or nautical theme you are sure to create a unique design that reflects your creative personality and personal interests. Pewter bathroom hardware gives you the flexibility to choose from a wide variety of designs and work with your current bath hardware (such as faucets and showers) when selecting complementary finishes. There are a few simple steps to remember before replacing the hardware in any room however. First, remember that different manufacturers finishes can vary slightly so even if two items are ordered in the same finish they can appear slightly lighter or darker than each other. Second, if you are replacing existing hardware – measure carefully! Not all pulls and knobs are the same size so if you are using pre-existing holes (this is especially important in items that have a center to center measurement) know what size you need. Home decorating magazines can offer some great tips on how to further enhance your theme as well. Remember that different designs within the same theme will tie themselves together nicely.

This oceanic/nautical themed home hardware is available through LookInTheAttic & Company and they offer free design assistance and help. It is often the smallest touches that make complete a room and by using oceanic hardware you can be sure that your room will be beautiful transformed with a few small and elegant touches.

Clear Glass Cabinet Knobs and Drawer Pulls

Clear Glass Cabinet Knobs and Drawer Pulls

 

When looking for news ways to liven up a dull kitchen or bring new life to old furniture, glass knobs are a wonderful and inexpensive way to make a dramatic and exciting change. Glass knobs and pulls offer a vibrancy of design and touch of elegance that can be incorporated into any decorating scheme whether you are looking for a contemporary touch or elegant Victorian design. It is often in the smallest details that the most profound changes can be made and by replacing your old and worn metal hardware with new glass knobs and pulls you can reinvent your entire home in no time.

 Clear glass knobs and drawer pulls offer a wide variety of patterns that can offer a subtle change without overpowering a room. If you like the look of glass but do not want to change the overall design or do not want the knobs to stand out against the cabinets, clear glass is a great solution. Depending on the design, glass knobs can come with a base offered in a variety of finishes that can be used to tie your current hardware in with your new knobs and pulls. From a simple hexagonal shape to wonderful pressed floral glass, you can be sure that you can find a knob that meets your expectations and your budget.

When you decide to replace any older hardware it is important to remember a few simple steps. First, measure carefully – especially if you are planning on reusing the existing mount holes.  Not all pulls have the same center to center (distance between the two bolts) and it re-drilling may be required to accommodate different lengths. Second, you can enhance your new cabinet and drawer hardware by replacing older doorknob sets with glass knobs as well. Tying the look together by incorporating glass into your door, windows and lighting will create a new and beautiful theme throughout your home. There are a lot of opportunities to make significant changes to your house with a few simple and basic touches.

 Clear glass knobs and pulls are available online through LookInTheAttic & Company – they offer a wide selection of beautiful clear glass knobs and pulls as well as many other colors.

Solid Brass and Solid Bronze Doorknob Sets – Architectural Style

Solid Brass Doorknob Set

Solid brass door knob sets have two great qualities that make them an excellent choice when remodeling your home: their durability over time and beautiful designs and patterns. Door knobs are an easily overlooked detail in the home but can also be a great opportunity to dress up otherwise boring doors by adding new color and designs. Solid brass door knob sets can match your current home hardware or be used as the basis of a whole new theme in your home.

Door knob sets were first mass produced in the United States in the mid nineteenth century. Solid brass door knobs have been the most popular choice for a long time because of their strength and natural resistance to rust (this is especially important for exterior door hardware that is exposed to various natural elements). Solid brass door knobs are also more resistant to showing signs of wear and tear over time that other materials are susceptible to (such as wood, plastic or various low quality metals).
Decorative doorknob sets first became popular in the United States around 1876. Solid brass door knob sets come in a variety of exciting patterns that can be used in other areas of your home, such as lighting, window hardware and cabinet hardware. Brass can also be finished in many colors including Polished Brass, Antique Brass, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Polished Chrome and Brushed Nickel. Solid brass door knob sets can be used on closets, bedrooms, bathrooms and any exterior door.

LookInTheAttic & Company offers a wide selection of solid brass door knob sets and they offer free design assistance and help. Remember that when you are replacing older and worn hardware it is important to look for quality materials and patterns that you can incorporate throughout your entire home to create a new and beautiful theme