When installing a replacement window or door, or looking to upgrade existing ironmongery, it is important to consider the style that would suit your property, in addition to the quality of the furniture.
Period Appropriate
Installing period appropriate ironmongery can help retain the look and value of your period home.
Georgian front doors would have had simple ironmongery, often just a door knob and lock. They would not have had a letterbox, as these had not yet been introduced. Door knockers became popular towards the end of the Georgian period in the 1800s.
With sash windows being popular in the Georgian period, sash lifts and handles were common. The Georgian rope design was popular on sash lifts.
Victorian doors often had plenty of polished brass ironmongery, with furniture being more elaborate than previous periods to make a statement. Front doors in properties built after 1850 also had a letterbox. Similar to door furniture, sash window furniture also became more decorative in the Victorian period.
Edwardian window and door furniture became even more elaborate. Round door knobs were popular for Front doors and often had additional designs added to them. Door handles on mounted plates were also popular.
Brass or Chrome
Whether you choose to have brass, polished chrome or brushed chrome is often partly comes down to personal preference. Historically brass would have typically been used until the 1920s, when polished chrome became more popular.
If you are only replacing the ironmongery on one or two windows, check what ironmongery is installed on the remaining windows and doors, as the house will look better with a similar style throughout.
There are other less common ironmongery finishes available which tend to be expensive.
Quality
Before making your final decision to purchase any furniture, check that it is high quality and hard wearing. This may mean spending more money, but it is likely to be worth it in the long run. This is especially important for locks, which need to be strong and resilient to secure your property.
It is worth noting that there are often insurance stipulations for locks, so it is worth checking with your insurer that the locks you are installing are acceptable for your insurance cover.
The Sash Window Workshop
At The Sash Window Workshop we offer a standard range of window and door ironmongery which we have identified as being high quality and suitable for period homes.
We can also source alternative ironmongery where specified. However, it is important to realise that not all ironmongery will fit traditional windows and doors so check with your sales surveyor before you purchase.
If you are looking to repair or replace your timber windows and doors, contact us to obtain a free, no obligation site survey and quotation on: 01344 868 668.
