The Cabinet Hardware Choice That Looks Great But Can Lead To Bigger Issues

Antique pieces and vintage designs are having a moment. Add to that the cottagecore trend and the stage is set for vintage-inspired elements to make their way into your home decor. While this aesthetic can be cozy and comfortable, it's worth considering when and where to best incorporate these elements into your home. Heirloom quality hardware is a vintage kitchen trend that's making a comeback, but mixing modern conveniences and retro design can be a delicate balance and sometimes lead to unintended consequences. Take, for instance, vintage cabinet latches. This hardware combined with soft-close cabinets may lead to extra work around the house. Why? Well, the hardware tends not to close completely when you simply push the door shut, leaving you with partially open cabinets.

For this hardware, you have to turn the knob and secure the latch every time you need something inside the cabinet. So, unless you enjoy following your family around and closing cabinet doors behind them, you may want to rethink your choice of vintage hardware. Of course, if you really love the latches, you could skip the soft-close cabinets that may not be worth the money anyway. These modern hinges are expensive and come in a limited range of shapes and sizes, so they may be a luxury you can pass on.

If you like the look of vintage cabinet latches enough to live with the fact that they are just decorative and not really the most functional option to keep your soft-close cabinet doors secured, we get it. Sometimes you have to suffer for beauty, right? However, there are a few other things to keep in mind when shopping for your new latches.

"They don't make them like they used to," is a common saying for a reason. If you want to add vintage latches to your cabinet, do your research on the quality of each piece. Read the reviews to make sure you know what you are buying. A quick search online reveals that some customers often criticize these handles for being too flimsy or not lining up properly. These pieces also have internal mechanisms, like springs, that can wear over time. You would not want to find yourself with a broken latch and a cabinet you cannot open. So, keep quality in mind when shopping, and if you want authentic antique pieces, check out the best places to shop for vintage items. Further, latch hardware isn't the most accessibility-friendly cabinet handle since you have to turn the small knobs to lock the doors in place. It can be difficult to open and close for young children or those with dexterity issues.

It's understandable if you do not want to spend the rest of your days closing cabinets someone else failed to fully turn and lock. We would apologize for dashing your dreams of vintage latches, but it's better you know the truth now than after it's too late. The good news is that there are plenty of other hardware options that will give you a vintage vibe without the hassle. And, frankly, there are a lot of styles to choose from.

For the right vintage-inspired hardware for your cabinets, first, consider the style you are going for. Are you aiming for a look straight from the Arts and Crafts movement, or do you like something with a fussier, more Victorian vibe? Do you like the glitz of Art Deco or the simple lines of Traditional design? Deciding what era you want to evoke will help you narrow down the choices. Also, think about the materials you want in your space. From the warmth of copper to the gleam of glass, vintage pieces come in many finishes. If you are leaning toward a metal finish like brass or iron, try mixing metals in your home decor, to make sure you strike the right balance with the other elements in your room.