Hardware 101

Hardware hardware everywhere but what is it and why is it there?

Hardware can be any tool, machinery, or other equipment. Components of a high-tech computer? Hardware. The locking mechanism on a tiffin lid? Hardware. Accent pieces on the wall to hang your coat? You get the drift. :)

Not all hardware is the same, though – there are many categories under this umbrella term. We specialise in the type used in interior spaces - Architectural Hardware.

If you have ever pulled, pushed, opened, closed, hung or latched something - you have used architectural hardware. It includes everything from fixtures to fittings and handles to hinges. It is anything that meets a building’s three basic requirements: protection, decoration and convenience. It helps you beautify, utilise and interact with space.


Quality hardware is to your space what cherries are to a cake – but it’s a cherry cake. Not only is it the perfect finishing touch on top, but it’s also indispensable.”

Hardware Types

If you’re an interior designer or building your dream house, you’ll need to know the rules before choosing to follow, break or rewrite them. To get started with the ABCs of hardware types, check out the ones we offer:

01

KNOBS

  • Petite pulls: With a smaller profile than pulls, knobs are also relatively affordable.

  • May steal your heart but are easy to replace: Their straightforward, single-point installation allows you to swap/replace them with ease.

  • May steal your heart but are easy to replace: Their straightforward, single-point installation allows you to swap/replace them with ease. There are plenty of Knobs in the sea: This category offers a large assortment of choices: from traditional round knobs and contemporary minimal flat disks to dynamic & organic shapes.

  • Ideal usability & restrictions: If your goal is to elevate existing furniture or add character to basic joinery (kitchen cabinets, drawers), then knobs add the perfect amount of visual impact over a longer pull. However, these aren’t ideal for heavy-duty use.

Petition to convert “knob” from an insult to a compliment?

02

HOOK

  • Let us hook you up: This versatile purpose-packed product looks like a knob’s buff cousin. It has a curved or indented section to help it hold onto your things while you have fun.

  • Hang on: Be it your kitchen, bathroom, an empty wall, the back of a door or the entrance to your house – having a place to readily hang your things is key to an organised life.

03

PULLS

  • Pulls are strong and don’t come easy – but they’re worth it. Usually installed using 2 screws for maximum strength and durability. If unsure of how to install, it’s best to get a professional to help to avoid costly mistakes. Pulls are secure and durable, ideal for heavier drawers, appliances and cabinets.

  • The sweet-spot between beauty & functionality Smaller than a door handle & larger than a knob, pulls come in many sizes, finishes & style variations.⁠ Their strong build gets the job and look good while doing it.

  • Ideal For: They can be used on most types of cabinets and other medium-sized or small furniture such as drawers, closets, under-bench cupboards and tall doors. Be mindful of the orientation for smooth usability.

  • It always comes down to Knobs vs Pulls: Although knobs and pulls can be used interchangeably, knobs are usually used on doors and pull on drawers. Whether you choose all knobs or all pulls or a combination of both, there are no rules but it helps to envision what will feel better, according to space and movement.


Types of Pulls

EDGE/FINGER PULL: Great for easy handling of small furniture/cabinets while maintaining a sleek, stealthy and elegant appearance that run-of-mill hardware is known to kill. If your space craves something modern and minimalist, edge pulls are the way to go.

Cabinet/Appliance Pull: These are usually the long and heavy duty handles that help you seamlessly open your appliance/closet door. Making the search for snacks in your kitchen more fun.

Block/Wedge Pull: As the name suggests, these can be easily identified by its block-like form. They come in a broad range of shapes from simple timber wedges to more sculptural bronze pieces! Be mindful of the projection and profile as it determines its ease of use.

04

TOWER RAIL

  • Don’t be shy, air it out- What is the first place you go to as you wake up and the last before you head to bed? Chances are, it’s your bathroom. Our morning and night routines sometimes set the mood that we’ll be in. You really shouldn’t have to stare blankly at a dull wall as you do your business. Towel Rails not only accent your bathroom walls elegantly but also allow your towels to stay dry and fresh after each use.

  • Size (and position) matters- Be it small hand towels or large bath towels – every towel should have a home to hang on to. When installing, keep away from electrical appliances, make it easily accessible and ensure your towels don’t touch the floor once hung.

05

ENTRANCE HANDLE/BAR

  • Let us handle it- ‘Handle’ is the part of an object designed to hold, control or carry it. In our case, handles (usually bigger than pulls) are the attached hardware on cabinets and doors to open, close and admire. A well-crafted handle will, quite literally, handle its sensory and functional duties – it will be beautiful, easy to use and durable.

  • First Impressions are the last- Entrance handles carry the additional responsibility of being the first point of contact with your home, giving a preview of what you should expect.

  • Ideal For- Available in many sizes and finishes they are generally quite large making them suitable for large main doors, entrance doors, double doors, flat panel/slab door profiles of large furniture, and lasting first impressions.


Hardware is to objects what design is to art – the difference between something ‘beautiful’, as opposed to a functional tool that meets its predetermined purpose.

Factors to help you choose/a guide to an undecided destination

A road map to picking your happily-ever-after hardware.

01. DURABILITY

This is a popular type with a straight linear intrusion You may often find a sense of permanence in decisions involved in building your home or workspace. The durability of the material and finish you pick for your hardware piece should take the spotlight. We perform rigorous research and testing on all the materials and finishes we offer. Each product also undergoes multiple quality checks that ensure material purity and strength.

02. AESTHETICS

If the subjectivity of aesthetics stumps you, here’s what you should look at first - What material does your space demand? Hardware are finishing touches of spaces, like accessorising for a night out, only you have to live with this decision.
An easy way to attain a cohesive look is to consider the theme of your home or workspace, the materials already used and how interactions with the material make you feel. Once you pick the material, consider all finishes available for it. A suitable material finish can take the aesthetic feels of your space many notches up. We like to use both machine-assisted and hand-relieved finishes for our products. This combination makes the fine details pop.

03. COST OF OWNERSHIP

The cost of products you use to build your home isn’t just the price you pay upfront. You should also factor in the time, money and effort spent to maintain/repair/replace a product in the long run. We work with materials and finishes that eliminate the pain of ownership and minimise the cost on the environment.



Order a sample to get the real-life feel or check our materials guide to help make an informed decision. The key is to understand your options and find what works for you both aesthetically (it’s all in the details) and functionally (it serves as a point of contact with your space regularly).

Still not sure? Contact us, we’d be happy to help.