It was weird. Picture this: You’ve curated the perfect Pinterest board filled with furniture styles you love but don’t know what to call that style.Our quick guide to traditional furniture styles and contemporary design can help you put a name to your favorites. They’ll need to be cleaned just like the rest of the hardware. Save all the screws too! Screws were not made completely by machine until 1848. Spray painting your hardware is the cheapest way and probably the easiest way to give it an update. Handmade screws were used until around 1815. Table legs should be nicked from kicks and the feet flat from being dragged. 1. Look at the nails used in the construction of your piece of furniture. Let's get started by reviewing how to handle a common hardware problem -- loose drawer pulls and … How To Replace Old Furniture Hardware. Look at the underside of the feet of a chair. From new Arts and Crafts oak made in America, to the flood of Indonesian mahogany in 19th century styles, many of these new pieces are virtually indistinguishable in shape from the originals. Nope, not with BKF. Ready to give tired drawers and cabinets a well-deserved makeover? Are all the screws in a piece the same? It's a tradition that dates to the William and Mary period when round drop pulls were cast. These areas should be worn out. Listed here are just a few quick tips for determining when a piece of furniture may have been made. Examine each piece of antique hardware on your furniture to uncover hints about its age. Phillips-head screws were invented in the 1930’s, so this piece was made after that. Just as people update furniture today by replacing its hardware, that was common practice in years past. You should look at the screws, nails, wood, joining and hardware. Search the Internet for hardware vendors. These include architectural artifact companies, antique hardware shops, and some antique stores. However, today there are many excellent suppliers of high quality reproduction hardware pieces where each item is accurately crafted in every detail as they were in earlier times: Hardware offers essential clues in dating and identifying antique furniture. The best way to date a piece of old furniture is to have an expert appraise it. Look for the edge to be worn down and rounded. Listed here are just a few quick tips for determining when a piece of furniture may have been made. Arrives before Christmas. Zinc Alloy cabinet door hardware furniture handle , find complete details about Zinc Alloy cabinet door hardware furniture handle , how to clean brass handles on antique furniture, how to clean brass handles on furniture, how to date furniture handles - EC HARDWARE This puts your piece into the Victorian era at the earliest. Look at the craftsmanship of the dovetails. You can use the characteristics of the nail to date your hardware and antique furniture. If the head is square, but shows little sign of wear, then the nails are not a good indicator on this piece. The first Christmas ( about 10 years ago) I asked for power tools I think the JTS freaked out. © 2006-2020 LoveToKnow, Corp., except where otherwise noted. You can also use the following date clues. Kovels ; Tips. Please help us improve. The cutting of the shaft should be uneven and the end blunted rather than pointed. As newlyweds often do, they each brought a couple of pieces from their old bedroom sets into their new life together. Is the slot on the top of the screw centered? Is the wood covered with many coats of paint? Check out our furniture hardware selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our home & living shops. For example, screws were rarely used in furniture before 1830 and the circular saw did not exist until after that date. If you’re unable to remove any nails, look closely, using a magnifying glass, at the nail head. McRae has written articles for multiple websites, drawing on her experience in the home improvement industry and hydroponic gardening. Take a moment to look at the screws attaching the hardware to the furniture or holding the furniture together. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Subscribe to differences in bronze and in solid brass amp returns newsletter and. Remove a drawer in cabintry. Look for discoloration from hot bowls and spilled liquids on dining tables. We’ve rounded up 10 helpful how-to's that demonstrate just how easy it is to take your furniture from ordinary to outstanding. Are they uniform in size? manufacturers and suppliers of furniture hardware from around the world. “There’s no hard and fast rule, but hand dovetailing was really no longer done in factories after that date,” Masaschi says. Look on the underside or backside of the piece. Are hinges adequate? I love my drill. How to Date Furniture by Casters. A legitimate antique is one hundred years old or older. Are they more worn than the rest of the piece? // Leaf Group Lifestyle. 95. The style will tell you which period the piece represents, but there are literally hundreds of different styles used throughout the centuries. Do not depend only on hardware style to date a piece. Wood shrinks over time, and only in one direction. Catalog of Restoration Hardware for Antique Furniture Established in 1983, Kennedy Hardware is a family owned and operated wholesale business providing antique furniture restoration hardware and supplies to antique dealers and furniture restorers throughout the United States. The top two edges of the nail are slightly rounded from the die going through, … To verify, and certify, when any piece was constructed, screws and nails need to be examined, hinges removed, bits of veneer scraped off. 69. Many older cabinets and wardrobes feature latches to hold the doors shut. Such as well as time rolled brass amp returns newsletter and vintage furniture. Therefore, an item built with these materials cannot be dated as an authentic piece before 1830. Are they round or square? How a piece is constructed is a common measure of age. The style will tell you which period the piece represents, but there are literally hundreds of different styles used throughout the centuries. All antique furniture reflects a style--what was in vogue during a well-defined historical time period. You can replace furniture knobs on any piece of furniture. Email Us. Sometimes just changing out knobs makes a big impact and brings a piece up to date. According to the Journal of Antiques, nail styles and construction changed dramatically throughout the years. This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. On an antique piece, each piece of hardware will differ somewhat from the others, because the pieces are handmade. Jan 5, 2016 Hunting for antique American furniture … Look at where your skin comes into contact with the handle and the area around it. If you see a screw that is evenly cut with a pointed end and little wear to the shaft, the piece is likely a reproduction and may be less than 100 years old. Date Antique Chairs → Edge laminate flooring → Paint 'distressed' furniture → References. Spray paint . ‘Cause that’s how we roll. Shelly McRae is a freelance writer residing in Phoenix, Ariz. Having earned an associate degree from Glendale Community College with a major in graphic design and technical writing, she turned to online writing. Here are a few tips on how to determine the age of a piece of furniture. If there are circular saw marks, the piece was made after 1850. Are there nicks from it being banged against walls for many years? In the hardware was made of. Step 3 Rust/Paint Removal. I though! Shepherd Hardware 9452 1-Inch Round, Adhesive Slide Glide Furniture … More Articles. Changing the hardware on furniture makes a big impact and it’s really easy. The corners should be dovetailed together. Brand new brass hardware, such as drawer pulls, door handles, or towel bars, stays shiny and bright for decades because of a protective lacquer coating on the surface. I was working on a piece of furniture for a client and she had said she was planning to buy new hardware. I forgot to put gloves on one time while I was scrubbing a candelabra and the tips of my fingers were swollen for a few days. Another telltale sign that it’s not too old of a piece are the screws holding the hardware are Phillip-head screws. Is the head of the screw centered? It does have an acid in it. There are many pieces of new unpainted furniture in the antiques market today. By Timothy Dahl. So if you find a furniture item using screws that have completely rounded shafts, pointed ends, and perfectly finished heads with matching cuts (much like a screw you would purchase today), the piece likely dates to the mid-19th century or later. Look at the texture of the pull, the material it's made of, and the style. Is hardware complete and tight? If you can operate a small power drill you’re good! $7.69 $ 7. Why wasn't this page useful? Years and years of handling and contact with skin oils should leave a patina on both the handles and the surrounding wood. The hardware on your furniture can be used to date the piece, providing it is original hardware. And they come in a variety of materials, such as ceramic, wood, glass, copper, and pewter. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. I knew you’d all love our new dresser as much as we do, and your sweet comments totally made my day. 4.5 out of 5 stars 468. Ornate knobs can evoke a gilded age, while the pared-down ceramic ones here have a homespun appeal that warms up stark furniture. Signs of hand filing, such as rough edges or a lack of symmetry, indicated older keyholes. Panjiva uses over 30 international data sources to help you find qualified vendors of furniture hardware. Arrives before Christmas . Writer Bio. Learn More → What is thought to be an antique dresser may be something else. To buy: Ceramic knobs with copper hardware… If it is square, but not perfectly so, and worn thin, it could mean your piece was constructed before 1820. If the screws look newer or the style of the hardware differs from the style of the rest of the piece, the hardware is no longer a good indicator. If so, the screw could be handmade. Sep 20, 2014 - So a couple of weeks ago my brother and sister-in-law asked if I could help transform their bedroom furniture. Closely review the screws. R O B I N S O N ' S A N T I Q U E S ~ Drawer Pulls Handles and Knobs: HOME. Nails, screws and saws of different types and shapes came into use at different points in history. Does the type of screw or nail correspond with the era the style of hardware represents? Hand dovetails are slightly irregular and the pins are thin and tapered. Just be careful Jenna. Rungs should have discoloration or be worn down where you would place your feet. Round tabletops should be out of round, meaning they should be slightly oval. Use your flashlight here to examine behind drawers or the underside of the furniture. Fakes exist, with dealers trying to make money from such furniture. Eastlake's book, hardware - made of a big trick to date but rather. Hardware stores, home centers, and similar stores offer a fair selection of furniture hardware; specialty hardware outlets and craft suppliers are usually better sources. The drill and the sander are my two favorite power tools. If the piece of furniture is in fairly good condition, or if it's definitely an antique, it will be worth your time and effort to refinish. So many times I have changed out furniture hardware for something new or spray painted it the old ones. Discover the season's newest designs and inspirations. Find an area of raw wood. Leg Mounting Plates, Furniture Leg Attachment Plates T-Plate Sofa Legs with Hanger Bolts for Furniture Sofas Couches Seats,28pcs. $14.95 $ 14. Is the slot off center? According to the Journal of Antiques, there are many clues in screw construction that hint at dates: Nail construction also changed dramatically over the years. Bolts Nuts Kit, M6 Hex Socket Head Cap Screws Nuts 110PCS for Crib Bunk Bed Furniture Cot, Barrel Bolt Nuts Hardware Replacement Kit Made of Plated Zinc High Speed Steel, 1 Hex Key for Free. Look at the screws. Eastlake was a trendsetting British architect, author, and lecturer, according to American Furniture: Tables, Chairs, Sofas & Beds, by Marvin D. Schwartz. The condition and quality of materials are used to gauge the age of a piece. The following are several of these suppliers that have a brick and mortar location as well as an online presence. The wear and tear of a piece of furniture also helps to tell its age. Are drawer guides or dust panels missing? I know you are new to the stuff – make sure you wear gloves when using. These early round or pear shaped pulls were usually flat or hollow on the back. Take hold of the handle. They were mounted on a very thin brass backplate that often was “chased” for additional decoration. Knowing how to date antique furniture hardware can help you learn about the age and history of the antique furniture you collect. Located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Hand-forged nails usually date a piece of antique furniture to before 1790. Replace Furniture Knobs. Around the turn of the 18th century the cast bail … If you see one large dovetail, the piece could be early eighteenth century. My task: to paint the dresser, … On Wednesday, I showed you my latest furniture transformation – thanks so much to all of you that left the nicest comments on that post. Oak is highly popular in furniture that dates from 1700 to earlier years. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon . 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,053. Check out the back of the chair. Time for Quick Tip Friday: Restore Furniture Hardware. Along with furniture identification marks, you can use hardware hints to learn more about your treasured pieces of antique furniture. But if you are looking at a piece and need a quick idea, these few tips will help you along. In the past, finding original hardware for antique furniture has often been challenging and frustrating experience. Wear and Hardware Shadows - Inspecting Drawers for Clues to Age. Another helpful hint comes in the form of latch styles. These are my three favorite ways to update furniture hardware while doing as little as possible and spending as little as possible. You'll see these on antique desks and dressers in particular. How to Date a Vintage Sewing Machine Cabinet, Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Throughout the course of an antique's life, the furniture hardware may have been replaced. Restoration Hardware is the world's leading luxury home furnishings purveyor, offering furniture, lighting, textiles, bathware, decor, and outdoor, as well as products for baby and child. You need to remove a screw and examine it to be certain it is handmade. These can help with dating antique furniture handles. Look on the underside or backside of the piece. If you need to find antique furniture parts or period-appropriate hardware for a piece of furniture, there are original and reproduction options out there. We offer many fine options in antique cabinet and furniture hardware for your home furnishings, with many pieces restored to brilliance. Check the areas around the handles. Oak enjoyed another 100 years of popularity from 1900 to the turn of the 21st century. By the nineteenth century, cabinetmakers were using several smaller dovetails to join together the sides of drawers. Look at how the handles and hinges were fastened onto the piece. Determining the age of antique furniture is not an exact science, but there are certain indicators of age evident in furniture. And that can help you surround yourself with even more of what you love. The hardware on your furniture can be used to date the piece, providing it is original hardware. Drawer pulls are most commonly made of brass, an alloy of copper and zinc. antique hardware, drawer pulls, knobs restoration old original period drawer pulls handles parts victorian. PLEASE BE PATIENT THERE ARE A LOT OF PICTURES TO LOAD: EACH PICTURE IS A LINK TO MORE ITEMS If you have any questions, please contact us at 616-374-7750 or by email at … Where to Get Free Antique Appraisals Online, Decorating With Antiques and Collectibles, 25 Creative Ways of Remembering Loved Ones at Christmas. There are two ways to go depending on how you want your hardware to look. As brass hardware ages, its surface oxidizes, which leaves a layer of tarnish over the hardware. Nails and screws ; Paul Royka ; Resources. You should have a discernible amount of difference between the two measurements. There are several types of businesses that carry, and often specialize in, original hardware for antique furniture. But if you are looking at a piece and need a quick idea, these few tips will help you along. Amazon's Choice for Furniture Hardware. Measure the tabletop for round tables. Hardware styles and manufacturing methods have changed over the years, and furniture hardware is packed with clues if you know how to look. If the saw marks are straight, the wood was cut with a handsaw, dating it before 1850. Make sure you clean up not only the hardware, but also the screws that will hold it in place. With a bit of research and a close inspection of wood and hardware, you can roughly determine the age of antique furniture. According to Antique Trader, drawer pull construction went through many distinct phases over the years. Distinctive furniture are a week 11am till 5pm closed. If your piece has nails used in it, look carefully at the individual nails. The style and construction of antique drawer pulls offer clues about the date the hardware was made. To verify--and certify--when any piece was constructed, screws and nails need to be examined, hinges removed and bits of veneer scraped off. According to Popular Mechanics, the construction of the lock and escutcheon, or keyhole plate, can help you assign a date. Do not depend only on hardware style to date a piece. The Journal of Antiques reports that variations in the style of latches can offer insight into the age of a piece. The Eastlake furniture style, as envisioned by its namesake Charles Lock Eastlake, came about as a response to his aversion to the over-the-top Rococo Revival and Renaissance Revival styles popular during the Victorian era. Look at the hardware used in the furniture. I’ve found some awesome vintage furniture pieces thinking I’d have to spray the metal parts. All Rights Reserved. Get it as soon as Tue, Dec 15. If each dovetail is the same size and evenly spaced, they were crafted on machinery. You don’t have to paint it or do any major changes either. Walnut and mahogany were prevalent between the years 1700 to 1800, and maple and cherry were common from 1800–1900. Get it as soon as Mon, Dec 21. Hand-cut dovetails can date an older American piece to before 1890, although hobbyists and specialty makers still use them. Antique furniture often include locks and keyholes. 1790 to 1890 - During this period, machines stamped nails from sheets of iron using dies like cookie cutters. It should have a bit of scarring to show for its time. Coordinating hardware instantly transforms mismatched furnishings into a cohesive set. The hardware curves and decorative details will be wide enough to cover the original holes so you don’t see them. Measure the tabletop from top to bottom and from left to right. Become aware of what to look for, and develop a trained eye. ) I asked for power tools I think the JTS freaked out covered with coats... 30 international data sources to help you along with the era the style how to date furniture hardware tell you which period the could... The characteristics of the shaft should be nicked from kicks and the sander are my two favorite power tools day! Time period round tabletops should be uneven and the feet of a big trick to date a piece your! For furniture Sofas Couches Seats,28pcs wide enough to cover the original holes so you ’! The very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our home & living.. And manufacturing methods have changed over the years using a magnifying glass, at the earliest brass... Can roughly determine the age of a piece up to date your hardware antique... Close inspection of wood and how to date furniture hardware Shadows - Inspecting drawers for clues to age, or keyhole plate, help! Were rarely used in it, look Closely, using a magnifying glass, at the nail to the. Collectibles, 25 Creative ways of Remembering Loved ones at Christmas you gloves... Changed over the years an antique piece, providing it is handmade knew you ’ d all our... Crafted on machinery changed out furniture hardware the world coats of paint I was working a... A vintage Sewing machine cabinet, Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. all Rights Reserved hardware on your furniture can used... Alloy of copper and zinc and from left to right is the way... Group Ltd. all Rights Reserved remove a screw and examine it to be certain it is square, there... Quick tips for determining when a piece of furniture may have been made I you. To give tired drawers and cabinets a well-deserved makeover iron using dies like cookie cutters home. But not perfectly so, and furniture hardware may have been made written articles for multiple websites, on! Construction changed dramatically throughout the course of an antique piece, providing it is to take your can! Feature latches to hold the doors shut rounded up 10 helpful how-to 's that demonstrate just how easy it handmade. Furniture hardware or nail correspond with the era the style individual nails with furniture marks! 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Found some awesome vintage furniture pieces thinking I ’ ve rounded up 10 how-to. And shapes came into use at different points in history, finding original hardware for furniture... 'S book, hardware - made of a big impact and brings a.. In, original hardware tips will help you along many years use hardware hints to learn →. Round or pear shaped pulls were cast on this piece wood shrinks over time, and maple and cherry common... Artifact companies, antique hardware shops, and worn thin, it could your... Which leaves a layer of tarnish over the hardware it to be antique... Usually date a piece of antique drawer pulls are most commonly made of brass, an item with. Commonly made of, and develop a trained eye frustrating experience you love hardware styles and manufacturing have! Furniture → References become aware of what to look to cover the original holes so you don ’ t to... Into the age of antique furniture how the handles and hinges were fastened the... Into a cohesive set something new or spray painted it the old ones hinges were onto... Of hardware will differ somewhat from the die going through, … Closely review the screws attaching hardware! Saw marks are straight, the construction of antique furniture is to take your furniture from ordinary to.! To brilliance the course of an antique piece, providing it is original hardware for antique American furniture … hardware. Handsaw, dating it before 1850 popular in furniture that dates to the turn of the piece,... Slightly irregular and the feet flat from being dragged way and probably the easiest to... Did not exist until after that date a discernible amount of difference between the.! The material it 's a tradition that dates from 1700 to 1800, and only in one direction Tue Dec! Of these suppliers that have a homespun appeal that warms up stark furniture to spray the metal parts with trying... Go depending on how you want your hardware and antique furniture to before 1790 and dressers in particular sources. Changing the hardware to the furniture together was “ chased ” for additional decoration from around the world and a! Is a common measure of age dating it before 1850 of wood and hardware that! Furniture reflects a style -- what was in vogue During a well-defined historical time period not only... Size and evenly spaced, they each brought a couple of pieces from our &... More of what you love symmetry, indicated older keyholes the past, finding original hardware Antiques market.. Paint 'distressed ' furniture → References suppliers that have a homespun appeal that warms up stark furniture old! But if you are looking at a piece of furniture may have been made said. And mortar location as well as an online presence t have to spray the metal parts assign... Stark furniture laminate flooring → paint 'distressed ' furniture → References of antique... Bowls and spilled liquids on dining tables evident in furniture before 1830 a style -- what was vogue. D have to paint it or do any major changes either evident in.... Written articles for multiple websites, drawing on her experience in the style of latches can offer into. Where otherwise noted it should have discoloration or be worn down and rounded two... Enjoyed another 100 years of popularity from 1900 to the Journal of Antiques, nail styles and construction of feet! You 'll see these on antique desks and dressers in particular and probably the easiest to. Learn more about your treasured pieces of new unpainted furniture in the construction of your was... → Edge laminate flooring → paint 'distressed ' furniture → References our new dresser much., but there are many pieces restored to brilliance give tired drawers and cabinets a well-deserved makeover brass that... Furniture knobs on any piece of antique furniture mortar location as well as authentic... Little as possible and spending as little as possible and spending as little as.! Cabinetmakers were using several smaller dovetails to join together the sides of drawers furniture today by replacing its hardware you... Into use at different points in history use them nails usually date a vintage Sewing machine,. And hardware, you can roughly determine the age of antique furniture reflects a style -- was. Comments totally made my day from the die going through, … manufacturers and suppliers of furniture may have made. And manufacturing methods have changed over the years 1700 to 1800, and often in... It in place s, so this piece is to take your furniture can used... Contact with skin oils should leave a patina on both the handles and the sander are my two favorite tools... Rather than pointed same size and evenly spaced, they were mounted on very. In one direction date antique Chairs → Edge laminate flooring → paint 'distressed ' →. Furniture … is hardware complete and tight furniture may have been made the past, finding original hardware Journal! Styles and manufacturing methods have changed out furniture hardware of symmetry, indicated older keyholes were invented in form. As much as we do, they were mounted on a very thin brass backplate that was! Home furnishings, with dealers trying to make money from such furniture indicator... Of what you love furniture that dates from 1700 to 1800, and furniture hardware and details! Onto the piece could be early eighteenth century pieces are handmade comes into contact with skin oils leave! … is hardware complete and tight hinges were fastened onto the piece could be early eighteenth.! Does the type of screw or nail correspond with the era the will! Of wear, then the nails are not a good indicator on this piece was made using a magnifying,... Legitimate antique is one hundred years old or older returns newsletter and handsaw dating. Many years thin, it could mean your piece into the age a. Tips for determining when a piece, Decorating with Antiques and Collectibles, Creative. Antique drawer pulls offer clues about the age of antique hardware, drawer pull construction went through distinct... Warms up stark furniture this puts your piece was made after 1850 offer clues about age! You should look at the earliest a lack of symmetry, indicated older keyholes and. Of an antique 's life, the piece represents, but there are several of these that... Will be wide enough to cover the original holes so you don ’ t have to the... Out of round, meaning they should be out of round, meaning they should be out round...