THE GRIT AND POLISH GUIDES
Hardware for Old Homes
Hardware may be a small part of a renovation, but it can completely change how a room feels. After renovating old homes for over a decade, we’ve learned how to choose knobs, pulls, latches, hinges, and other hardworking details that feel warm, timeless, and right for the house.
More good things for your next project
Explore our guides here for practical advice, favorite sources, and ideas for your renovation.
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Our Favorite Hardware
Knobs, pulls, latches, and hinges we’ve used in our homes
We look for classic shapes, hardworking materials, and hardware that will look even better after years of use.
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Unfinished Wood Knob
charming, inexpensive and durable
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Drop Tassel Knobs
A sweet, elevated pull used on Daphne’s closet doors.
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Bail Style Pull
Furniture-inspired hardware with a vintage feel.
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Cabinet Knob
A classic option for narrow closet doors.
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Oval Cupbord Latch
An old-house detail used on the Hill House linen cabinet.
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Unlaquered Brass Bin Pull
A hardworking classic for cabinets and drawers.
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Exposed Brass Hinges
A historic-looking detail that helps new cabinetry feel more furniture-like.
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Hardware Template
Their must-have for straight, consistent hardware placement.
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Unlaquered Triple Hook
A perfect hook to give function to a small space.
Hardware in Our Homes
From kitchen latches to substantial door knobs, these are the details that brought warmth, character, and function to our renovations.
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The Farmhouse Kitchen Hardware
Brass was the metal of choice in most turn-of-the-century homes, so there was no question that we’d use it in our Farmhouse kitchen too.
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Poplar Cottage Brass Door Knobs
We wanted something small, with a rectangular backplate and a cottage-y feel. These unlacquered brass knobs fit the bill perfectly.
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Old-House Door Hardware
We needed something warm, substantial, and a little old-souled, hardware that would feel at home against salvaged doors, fir floors, and painted paneling.
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DIY Brass Rail
We made an easy-to-install solid brass gallery rail using lamp parts, and the finished project cost less than $25 per shelf.
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Glass Door Details
The brass knob, matching hinges, door stop, and simple drapery hardware turned this glass bedroom door into one of our favorite details at Poplar.
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Shower Rod Fix
It turns out a tension shower rod really can stay in place. Garrett’s easy solution uses one small screw and has worked like a charm for months.
Hardware That Ages Beautifully
Unlacquered brass doesn’t stay bright and factory-perfect. It fingerprints, darkens, softens, and develops a patina all its own. That aging is exactly what we love about it. After three years of daily use in our Farmhouse kitchen, the finish had become warmer, richer, and even more beautiful.
Before You Choose Hardware
The best hardware isn’t only pretty. It should suit the age of the house, feel good in your hand, function well in daily life, and continue looking better over time.