From the Bench: Bespoke Joinery Knowledge Blog | Falkingham Joinery

The Art of Choosing Ironmongery for Windows and Doors

Written by Edward Falkingham | Dec 8, 2023 12:09:32 PM

Welcome to the world of ironmongery, where the little details on your doors and windows make the biggest statement about your home. Ironmongery might be a small addition, but it catches the eye, turns heads, and says a lot about your style. 

It's like choosing the right tie for a suit or the perfect earrings for a dress – it brings everything together with a personal touch.

Matching your ironmongery to your home’s architecture isn't just about keeping up with the Joneses; it's about expressing the character of your home and enhancing its ‘curb appeal’ to everyone who passes by. Whether you’re sprucing up a quaint cottage with some rustic latches or giving a Georgian mansion the grandeur it deserves with polished handles, the right ironmongery can make all the difference.

But it's not all about putting on a show. The ironmongery you choose works hard behind the scenes to keep your home secure and functioning smoothly, day in and day out, through the unpredictable British weather.

We have a wide array of modern and traditional ironmongery options in a full selection of colours and finishes. If nothing in our showroom catches your eye, our team can help source something truly unique to add the finishing touch to your timber windows, doors, and gates.

Ironmongery Options for Doors

Selecting the right blend of handles, hinges, knockers, locks, house numbers, and finger plates can transform your doors from mere entryways into an ensemble of security, functionality, and style, each feature contributing to your home's particular personality.

Types of Door Handles

When customising beautiful timber doors, selecting the perfect handle is key to achieving your desired aesthetic. The possibilities are vast, with handles available in a diverse range of designs spanning contemporary, traditional, modern, and period styles. 

The shape, size, materials and visual motifs of your handle selection will define how your door looks, feels and operates. An elegant bow handle evokes a traditional elegance, while a minimalist lever creates a sleek contemporary statement.

 

Ironmongery Options for Windows

Finding the perfect ironmongery for your bespoke timber windows starts with understanding their style and how they operate. Whether you have the wide, welcoming panes of modern casement windows that swing open to greet the day or the classic charm of traditional sliding sash windows, we can help pair the functional needs of your windows with aesthetic touches that complement your home's character. 

Popular ironmongery finishes

The shape, size, materials and visual motifs of your handle selection will define how your door looks, feels and operates. An elegant bow handle evokes a traditional elegance, while a minimalist lever creates a sleek contemporary statement.

Matching ironmongery to your home’s style

Whether it's the bold brass knockers of a Victorian terrace, the gleaming chrome of Georgian elegance, the understated finesse of Edwardian craftsmanship, the stark beauty of modern design, or the quaint charm of cottage life, the right metalwork can make your home not just seen but felt.

Georgian Properties

For those of you with Georgian homes, it’s all about symmetry and proportion, and your ironmongery should be no different. Think polished chrome finishes that catch the light and gleam with understated opulence. 

Envision your door adorned with a brass viewer, winking at guests with its shiny façade or a fingerplate that invites a touch of glamour with every push. 

Georgian design is the little black dress of architecture; it doesn’t shout, but it sure does charm. Consider ironmongery that plays to the strengths of Georgian simplicity but with that unmistakable hint of luxury. 

It’s about classic tastes meeting timeless appeal and your home wearing it like the grandeur it was built to reflect.

 

Victorian Homes

Step into the drama and detail of the Victorian era with ironmongery that reflects the confidence and flair of the period.

Imagine your home greeting visitors with the classic elegance of a brass door knocker shaped like a lion’s head - not just a knocker, but a statement of stately drama. 



Or perhaps the tactile pleasure of turning a nickel beehive doorknob, cool and textured to the touch, that harks back to a time when every detail in a home was crafted with care. These aren’t just functional pieces; they’re the intricate accessories that dress your home in its Victorian best, giving a nod to a time of exuberance and ornamental beauty. 

 

Edwardian and Art Deco Residences

If your home speaks the language the Edwardian era, with its airier spaces and lighter touches, you'll want ironmongery that whispers quality without screaming for attention. 

Look for pieces in satin and brushed finishes - they're the sort that offers a firm handshake or a gentle pat on the back, not an overzealous bear hug. Their subtle class complements the transitional Edwardian style, where less is more, and elegance is key. 

Geometric shapes, sleek lines and bold ornamentation feature heavily in the Art Deco style, which often includes stylised motifs and bold chrome or brass finishes. 

Edwardian and Art Deco homes prioritise both craftsmanship and elegance, and although Edwardian residences tend to be more traditional and muted in comparison to the modernity and glamour of the Art Deco style, both homes showcase symmetry, balance and highlight the craftsman's expertise. 

Think of door furniture that stands out for its craftsmanship, like a polished brass handle or a hand forged black monkey tail stay for a traditional box window.

 

Modern and Contemporary Homes

For the modern mavens among you, the architecture of your home is a canvas for minimalism, where every line and curve is intentional, and every fixture is a piece of modern art. 

Here, ironmongery should slice through the air with clean lines and smooth surfaces in durable stainless steel or nickel. It could feel like the cool touch of technology - pragmatic, strong, and with an edge of innovation. 



As you select handles, locks, and fittings, think of them as the final touches on a sleek gadget, the functional yet beautiful design that makes all the difference in a contemporary setting. After all, modern homes deserve ironmongery that stands up to their forward-thinking facades.

 

Cottage-Style Dwellings

And for those cosy cottage homes tucked away in the rolling countryside, let’s talk wrought iron - the kind of ironmongery that looks like it's been forged by hand in a village smithy.

It's robust, full of character, and brimming with stories. Each piece, with its rustic charm and old-world feel, should be as unique as a fingerprint, a testament to the artisan's skill. 

From black iron traditional lever door handles to hand forged pewter crook stays,  these are the bits and bobs that feel at home against the stone and wood of a cottage. 

And because we know the UK weather is as changeable as the landscapes, it’s wise to choose ironmongery with rust-resistant finishes to stand up to the challenge, keeping your cottage picturesque, come rain or shine.

 

The beauty of consistent ironmongery

Just as a well-considered wardrobe is built with pieces that work together, the ironmongery from your front porch to your back garden should have a consistent thread. It's about creating a smooth visual flow that ties together the windows, doors, cabinet hardware, and even the light fixtures.

This synchrony is not just pleasing to the eye; it’s a subtle nod to thoughtful design and attention to detail. It speaks volumes about the care and love you’ve poured into your space, making everything feel interconnected and intentional.

Continuity in ironmongery also offers a practical benefit – it simplifies decision-making for future updates or replacements. Once you've established your home's hardware 'genre,' picking new pieces is easier, and maintaining the aesthetic harmony of your home becomes second nature.

 

Fancy a chat about the perfect ironmongery for your bespoke windows or doors?

If the wide range of options in our showroom isn't enough, our team can help source something truly unique to add the finishing touch to your timber windows, doors, and gates.