Victorian Cabinet Hardware

The Victorian era was a period in British history during the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901. This era was characterized by a great deal of change and rapid development in many different areas of life, including art, literature, technology, and society. In addition, it was during this time that a lot of the modern cabinet hardware that we use today was developed. Cabinet hardware refers to the various parts and pieces that are used to decorate and secure the doors and drawers of cabinets. During the Victorian era, this hardware was often very ornate and decorative, reflecting the elaborate and luxurious aesthetic of the time. Let us explore how the cabinet hardware developed during Victorian era.

Types of Cabinet Hardware During Victorian Era: 

During the Victorian period, there were a lot of different types of cabinet hardware that were in use. Some of the most common included:

1. Handles and Knobs: Handles and knobs were the most common type of cabinet hardware during the Victorian era. These are the pieces that are attached to the front of the doors and drawers, and they allow the user to easily open and close them. Handles and knobs during this time were often very ornate and decorative, with intricate patterns and designs.

2. Hinges: Hinges are another type of cabinet hardware that were used during the Victorian era. These are the pieces that connect the doors to the cabinet frame, allowing them to swing open and closed. Hinges during this time were often very sturdy and durable, as well as decorative.

3. Escutcheons: Escutcheons are the pieces that are used to cover the keyholes on cabinet doors and drawers. They were often made from brass or other metals, and they were highly decorative. In addition to being functional, escutcheons were also used to add an extra layer of ornamentation to cabinets.

4. Locks: Locks were another important type of cabinet hardware during this time. These were used to secure the doors and drawers of cabinets, keeping their contents safe and secure. Locks during the Victorian era were often elaborate and decorative, with intricate designs and patterns.

Materials Used for Cabinet Hardware During Victorian Era: 

During the Victorian era, a wide range of different materials were used to make cabinet hardware. Some of the most common included:

1. Brass: Brass was one of the most popular materials for cabinet hardware during the Victorian era. This metal was prized for its durability and strength, as well as its ability to be easily shaped and molded into intricate designs and patterns.

2. Bronze: Bronze was another popular material for cabinet hardware during this time. This metal was also very strong and durable, but it had a warmer, more golden color than brass, which made it a popular choice for more elaborate and ornate pieces.

3. Iron: Iron was used to make a variety of Victorian-era cabinet hardware. This metal was prized for its strength and durability, as well as its ability to be shaped into intricate designs. Iron hardware was often painted or coated to prevent rusting.

4. Glass: Glass was used to make a variety of Victorian-era cabinet hardware. This material was prized for its ability to be shaped and colored in a dizzying array of ways. Glass hardware was often used on higher-end cabinets as a way to add an extra layer of elegance and sophistication.

Styles of Cabinet Hardware During Victorian Era:

During the Victorian era, there were a variety of different styles of cabinet hardware that were popular. Some of the most common included:

1. Gothic: The Gothic style was particularly popular during the early Victorian period. This style was characterized by intricate, pointed arches and other Gothic-inspired motifs. Cabinet hardware in the Gothic style often featured elaborate gargoyles, crosses, and other religious symbols.

2. Rococo: The Rococo style was popular during the middle of the Victorian period. This style was characterized by delicate, flowing lines and intricate floral patterns. Cabinet hardware in the Rococo style often featured elaborate scrollwork and ornate floral designs.

3. Neoclassical: The Neoclassical style was popular during the late Victorian period. This style was characterized by Greek-revival and Roman-inspired motifs. Cabinet hardware in the Neoclassical style often featured elaborate columns, urns, and other classical-inspired designs.

Famous Styles of Cabinet Hardware During Victorian Era: 

There were a number of famous designers and manufacturers of cabinet hardware during the Victorian era. Some of the most famous included:

1. William Morris: William Morris was a British textile designer who is often credited with starting the Arts and Crafts movement. Morris created a wide range of furniture and decorative pieces during his career, including a number of elaborate and highly ornate cabinet hardware pieces.

2. Liberty & Co.: Liberty & Co. was a British department store that was founded in 1875. The store quickly became extremely popular, and it became a major destination for fans of Victorian-era decorative arts. Liberty & Co. created a wide range of cabinet hardware during the Victorian era, including a number of highly elaborate and ornate pieces.

3. H. J. Cave & Sons: H. J. Cave & Sons was a British company that was founded in the 1830s. The company quickly became known for its high-quality cabinet hardware, which was designed to be both functional and highly decorative. H. J. Cave & Sons created a wide range of pieces during the Victorian era, including handles, knobs, hinges, and escutcheons.

Cabinet hardware during the Victorian era was characterized by a great deal of ornamentation and decoration. Handles, knobs, hinges, escutcheons, and locks were all commonly used during this time, and they were often made from brass, bronze, iron, or glass. Cabinet hardware during this time was influenced by a variety of different styles and designers, including William Morris, Liberty & Co., and H. J. Cave & Sons. Today, the legacy of Victorian-era cabinet hardware can still be seen in the wide range of decorative and ornate pieces that are available for sale.