[tweetmeme source=”@SA_Baxter” only_single=false http://www.URL.com]Whether restoring a period home or just replacing your own home’s hardware, there are plus and minuses to choosing antique hardware over modern reproductions. The most obvious benefit of using antique hardware is the authenticity it brings to your old home or treasured family heirloom. Period homes can be brought back to their original splendor by incorporating antique hardware into the home’s decor.

This complete vintage door set is a rare find from Historic Houseparts.

As elegant as antique hardware is, there are downsides to acquiring it. As with most antiques, old hardware can be hard to come by! Antique hardware suppliers glean auctions, home demolitions and estate sales to find the most unique pieces. Most of the time the hardware requires some restoration. After over one hundred years of use, an old lock needs a little tender loving care to get back to its original working order! Parts may be missing or need replaced, and finding complete door sets can be a real challenge. Antique hardware suppliers work very hard finding and restoring each piece for resale. And finding enough hardware of the same look and period to outfit your entire home could not only become quite a chore, but can also be very expensive. If this is not an issue, you can certainly work with a supplier to search for the pieces you need. However, if you are looking to replace all of the hardware in your home, you might consider using modern architectural hardware with a traditional design instead.

Obviously, newer hardware doesn’t have the age or history of an antique piece but custom hardware can be designed to reflect the desired period and a variety of finishes can give the look and feel of an older piece. Whether you decide to go with vintage hardware or reproductions, outfitting your home with quality hardware will be one investment that will only add to the value of your home.