Decorative Hardware in Interior Design in the US and the Different Styles

History of Decorative Hardware in the U.S.

As man became more civilized and began to build more complex structures in which to live, he began to need certain accoutrements to aid with these structures. As man began to put doors on his structures, he found it unwieldy to pick up the door and move it every time. So, he invented the door hinge. With the advent of windows came the need for shutters and shutters too worked better with hinges. Much of this early hardware was rudimentary and primitive, none the less, it worked. The first doorknobs probably consisted of a piece of rope attacked to the door to pull it open and closed.

As civilization advanced, so did their structures. The Civil War era added stairs and thus the need for railings and banisters. The post-civil war era saw many advancements in inventions to make people's lives more convenient, such as the shower, and toilet. The invention of running water led to the need for sinks and thus the need for faucets. As civilization became more advanced, it needed more and more hardware to make it work.

Early hardware was utilitarian, it was meant to serve a purpose. The post-civil war era brought a boom in the areas of art and literature. People expressed themselves in complex ways using a variety of mediums. Popular style began to reflect societal attitudes and norms. A person's house became a reflection of the person. It is not surprising that even the most everyday item became a work of art, from the handle to flush the toilet to drawer knobs to hinges and faceplates.

Many people make it their life passion to buy and restore old houses. In this restoration they may or may not have the original hardware that goes with the house. A restoration is not complete unless it is accurate to the last detail. This has created a need for the collection, salvage, and sale of hardware for various periods of houses. It is a growing and lucrative market, which serves the needs of the historical restoration industry. The following research will give and overview of the various periods in modern architecture and the prevalent characteristics that influenced the decorative hardware of the period. In this way we can get a small glimpse into life at that time.

Early American Period

The Early American Period refers to roughly the years 1607 to 1685. It included the Civil War era and the period immediately following the revolution known as the "restoration period." The early American Period preceded the industrial revolution. Mass Manufacture had not come into the scene and many of the everyday items that people needed were made by individual craftsmen. In the very early part of this period, the village blacksmith played an important part in the community. The black smith made virtually every item that the early people on the frontier needed, including all hardware and accessories for the house. During this time period, a greater emphasis was placed on function over style.

As many of the early Americans had recently arrived from England, and it is not surprising that some of the prevalent styles there had an influence on American style. Some of the materials were imported from England and this undoubtedly had an influence on style. One of the great hardware innovations during this time was the mortise lock.1 The first American Hardware factories were started during this time. Early American Hardware is typically simple in style, without ornamentation, functional and heavy in both appearance and weight.2

Victorian Period

The Victorian Period refers to the time directly after the Civil War Restoration. It was the Footnotes

Gordon, Liz and Hartman, Terri Hardcover Decorative Hardware: Interior Designing With Knobs, Handles, Latches, Locks, Hinges, and Other Hardware Regan Books. 2000.

Gordon and Hartman, 2000 beginning of the industrial age and people were heavily involved in the areas of art, literature and music. This period typically covers the years 1880 to 1915. It was the beginning of the industrial era, and just prior to World War I. It was a time of great change and prosperity for America. Women were beginning to express unhappiness with the dogmas previously established. They wanted the right to vote and the right to express themselves freely. Men had an abundance of opportunities to make money and gain wealth. Many wanted to flaunt their newfound wealth. They did this in every thing that was around from their furniture, glasses and silverware, to the drawer pullers on their dining room drawers. During this period new manufacturing procedures were invented which allowed the mass production of pieces, as well as new finishing and plating techniques.3 Aesthetics were extremely important and doorknobs, door plates, hinges, and other necessary accoutrements were lavishly decorated. Floral designs in relief were one of the most popular motifs at the time.4

The main purpose of the lock was to secure possessions and people. The styles and designs of both keys and locks followed basic style trends of the time. Keys during the Victorian Period were quite ornate and often hung around the neck, tucked into a ladies' petticoats, it was worn as a hair ornament. 5

The Arts and Crafts Period

Arts and Crafts period style hardware was produced at the end of the Victorian

Footnotes

Gordon and Hartman, 2000

Ball and Ball Company. "A brief history of locks in America." 2002. Retrieved at http://inventors.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.ballandball%2Dus.com/lockhistory.html Accessed August 2002.

Period from 1895 to 1920. The arts and crafts movement represented a philosophy, which reflected a desire to denounce the excesses of the industrial revolution and return to a more simple way of life. It led to the manufacture of mass produced American styles being transported to England.6 These mass-produced pieces were made to look "handmade" however they came in many innovative styles and shapes. It was a return to featuring function over form and style.