Victorian Era Furniture Hardware

The Victorian era was a period of innovation and change in the field of furniture. The increase in manufacturing and technological advancements during this time led to a substantial rise in the production of furniture. These changes were reflected in the hardware used in the construction of furniture, with designs and materials evolving to meet the needs of the times. At the same time, the hardware played an important role in the aesthetic beauty of the furniture. In this article, we will look at the furniture hardware of the Victorian era and how it evolved over time.

Overview of Victorian Furniture Hardware:  

The Victorian era was characterized by a mix of styles, some of which were borrowed from past eras, while others were invented during this time. The hardware used to construct furniture during the Victorian era was influenced by these styles and reflected the changing trends of the times. Hardware was often used to define the style of a piece of furniture and to add decorative elements to the design. At the same time, it had to be durable and functional, able to withstand the weight of the furniture and the daily wear and tear of use.

Materials Used for Furniture Hardware: 

The materials used to create furniture hardware during the Victorian era varied widely. From brass to cast iron, many different materials were used to create these essential components of furniture. One of the most common materials used for furniture hardware during this time was brass. The use of brass allowed for intricate designs to be created, and it also gave a warm and luxurious look to the hardware. Cast iron was another popular material used for furniture hardware, especially for heavier pieces of furniture like desks and bookcases. Cast iron hardware was strong and durable, able to support the weight of the furniture without breaking.

Types of Furniture Hardware:  

The hardware used to construct furniture during the Victorian era was diverse and served many different functions. Handles and knobs, locks, hinges, and drawer pulls were some of the most common types of hardware used in furniture construction during this time.

• Handles and Knobs: Handles and knobs were used to open and close drawers, cabinets, and doors. The design of the handles and knobs varied depending on the style of the furniture. During the early Victorian era, handles and knobs were often made of brass and had a simple and elegant design. Later in the era, handles and knobs became more ornate and were often decorated with intricate designs, gilding, and other embellishments. During the latter part of the Victorian era, porcelain knobs became popular, especially for kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

• Locks and Keys: Locks and keys were used to secure drawers, cabinets, and other pieces of furniture. During the early Victorian era, locks and keys were often big and clunky, made of cast iron or brass. They were designed to be a deterrent to keep people out, but they were not very decorative. During the latter part of the Victorian era, locks and keys became more decorative, with intricate designs, and were often made of brass or silver. One of the most popular types of locks used during the Victorian era was the skeleton key.

• Hinges: Hinges were used to attach doors and lids to the body of a piece of furniture. They were often made of brass or cast iron and were built to be strong and durable. During the early Victorian era, hinges were often simple in design, but later in the era, they became more ornate, with intricate patterns and designs.

• Drawer Pulls: Drawer pulls were used to open and close drawers in cabinets, desks, and other pieces of furniture. During the early Victorian era, drawer pulls were often simple in design and made of brass. As the era progressed, drawer pulls became more ornate, with intricate designs and patterns, sometimes incorporating precious metals like silver and gold.

Design Elements:

The design of Victorian-era furniture hardware was influenced by the styles of the time, which included Gothic Revival, Rococo Revival, and Eastlake styles. Gothic Revival was a popular style in the early Victorian era and was characterized by ornate designs that mimicked the architecture found in Gothic cathedrals. Rococo Revival became popular during the mid-Victorian era, with its ornate and flowing designs. The Eastlake style, which emerged during the latter part of the Victorian era, was characterized by simple and straight lines, with designs based on nature.

The furniture hardware of the Victorian era was intricate and ornate, designed to be both beautiful and functional. From brass to cast iron, many different materials were used to create these essential components of furniture. Handles and knobs, locks and keys, hinges, and drawer pulls were some of the most common types of hardware used in furniture construction during this time. The design of Victorian-era furniture hardware was influenced by the styles of the time, with designs ranging from Gothic Revival to Rococo Revival to Eastlake styles. The furniture hardware of the Victorian era reflected the changing times and was a testament to the craftsmanship of the period.