Consider hardware the jewelry of your kitchen. While drawer pulls and cabinet knobs are, of course, highly functional, they also infuse a layer of personality and help distinguish a space from the average white-box kitchen. And while there are plenty of places to shop for unique hardware, designer Lynn Kloythanomsup of Landed Interiors and Home is making the case for going vintage.
The designer argues that salvaged hardware is a simple way to achieve a custom look—for less. "Vintage hardware is sometimes more cost-effective for the budget," says Kloythanomsup, who recently used vintage drawer pulls from an 18th-century apothecary in a San Francisco kitchen. "It’s totally possible to buy new cabinetry hardware at $50 apiece, and also totally possible to find a whole set of vintage hardware at $50 for the whole lot!"
Where to Buy Vintage Hardware
For Kloythanomsup's San Francisco project, she says that her client was actually the one to find the vintage pulls on Etsy, which she agrees is a great resource. Ebay, consignment websites, 1stDibs, and Chairish are also great online sources for finding unique hardware. If shopping in person is more your style, Kloythanomsup recommends sifting through salvage yards or reuse shops. "While it can be time consuming, the end result is unique and custom," she says.
What to Look for
While shopping online, Kloythanomsup recommends using the search term "hardware lots," rather than searching for single pieces, especially if you're working on a big project. "and if possible, always buy overage," she adds. "Vintage hardware can be imperfect, so it’s best to have a little more than you need in case some need to be swapped out."
It's also important to be flexible in your search: "We have a quantity and finish in mind when we start looking, but it is important to stay nimble while looking at different options," she says. "Treasures can be found, even if it isn’t exactly what you were looking for when you went into it. Spontaneous finds can inspire mixing and matching different vintage pieces."
In addition to mixing different vintage styles, Kloythanomsup says mixing and old and new can also offer a bespoke look. "Use a set of vintage hardware and fill in the rest with new hardware," she says. But be warned: you'll want to check with your cabinetmaker or contractor to make sure the hardware you’ve selected is compatible with your install. "Or be prepared ahead of time that it may take some extra labor to figure out how to make it work," she adds. Ultimatately, the finished product will be well worth your while.
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Nathalie is the former Senior Editor of Content Strategy at House Beautiful where she covered everything from home decor to the latest news. She is a social media pro and is obsessed with all things travel.
