Top 5 Mistakes When Specifying Hardware (And How to Avoid Them)
Decorative hardware might be one of the last items specified, but it’s among the first things people touch. Every cupboard opened, every drawer pulled and every door handled becomes part of the user’s experience. After all, these everyday interactions help shape how a space is perceived.
After more than 150 years of designing hardware, we’ve seen how a few seemingly small specification decisions can have a big impact on the finished result. So, here are five of the most common mistakes, and how to avoid them.
It’s easy to fall in love with a beautiful handle, but specification needs to go beyond aesthetics.
Before specifying hardware, consider:
- Frequency of use
- Environment (kitchen, bathroom, hospitality, commercial)
- Required durability
- Maintenance expectations
- User experience
For example, a finish that looks perfect in a residential dressing room may not be the right choice for a high-traffic hotel foyer or student accommodation project.
Best practice: Start with performance requirements first, then narrow your options by style and finish.
Today’s interiors often combine multiple materials and finishes, but without careful coordination, the result can feel inconsistent.
For instance, you may encounter:
- Slightly different brass tones between suppliers
- Matt black hardware paired with satin black accessories
- Nickel finishes that don’t quite match
- Cabinet hardware that clashes with door furniture
Best practice:
Best practice: Develop your finish palette early in the design process and consider how cabinet hardware complements the wider material and finish scheme. This way, you can create a cohesive look across every space.
Hardware is often specified late, once cabinetry and joinery have already been finalised.
Unfortunately, this can lead to:
- Limited product availability
- Compromised design choices
- Delays during manufacture
- Additional costs
Best practice:
Consider specifying decorative hardware during the early design stages so proportions, fixing centres and finishes can be coordinated throughout the project. This aligns with the RIBA Plan of Work and NBS guidance, which encourage key specification decisions to be made early to improve coordination and reduce costly changes later.
Not all decorative hardware is manufactured to the same standard. For this reason, material choice influences:
- Durability
- Weight and feel
- Corrosion resistance
- Long-term appearance
- Overall perception of quality
For luxury residential and hospitality interiors, solid brass remains one of the most popular choices thanks to its durability, tactile quality and ability to develop character over time.
Best practice: Specify materials that reflect both the project budget and the expected lifespan of the interior—not simply the initial purchase cost. Ultimately, this helps ensure the hardware continues to perform and look its best for years to come.
A few key questions to ask before specifying hardware:
- Is the handle comfortable to grip?
- Will users of all ages find it easy to operate?
- Does the projection provide enough clearance?
- Will the finish remain attractive after years of daily use?
- Is the chosen design appropriate for the setting?
Although these may seem like small considerations, they can have a significant impact on the overall experience of a space.
Best practice: Always think beyond the visual. After all, hardware is one of the few elements occupants physically interact with every day.
For over 150 years, Crofts & Assinder has partnered with architects, interior designers, manufacturers and developers to deliver beautifully refined decorative hardware.
In addition, our collections are designed to simplify specification through:
- Coordinated product families
- A wide choice of carefully developed finishes
- British in-house design expertise
- Style Guide: contemporary, design-led hardware offering exceptional value across a wide choice of styles and finishes
- Premium solid brass options within our Special Works collection
- Reliable support for residential, hospitality and commercial projects
Above all, every project deserves hardware that’s as thoughtfully designed as the space itself. Our team is here to support you in specifying with confidence from concept through to completion.
Designed for Every Interior