Everything has its own Good and opposing sides. So do the vintage brass knobs and the modern knobs. It took centuries to evolve from vintage brass knobs to modern cabinet knobs.
The vintage brass finish had a lustrous and ancient vibe to it. Its intricate designs, and modern cabinet knobs are simple and classic with good functionality. The difference also comes in their designs.
The Vintage brass cabinet knobs are resistant to corrosion and rust. This is one of their best qualities. They can be used according to the interior design of the room. If the theme of the rooms is a Victorian, colonial, or vintage era, then the vintage brass knobs are perfect to match it. They have a dark, low-lustre finish. They absorb more light and have more brown tones. One was to check if the finishing is brass by bringing a magnet to the brass item, and if it pulls toward it, then its brass plated, and if not, it's solid brass.
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They appear to be aged, which is the whole point of installing them. The rubbed vintage brass is best styled for the bathroom. It gives a rich historical and royal vibe. The sophisticated designs are beautiful. They evolved with time, age, and colour. They are the heartthrob of every vintage aesthetic lover. The current trend is to bring back the old trend, and the vintage brass knobs perfectly fit this category.
The first four knobs were made by Egyptians about five thousand years ago from animal hides and textiles. The locks were widely used during King Louis the fourteenth time. But the knobs were not familiar then. In the early 1700s, blacksmiths used iron to create functional knobs and pull for furniture. The industrial revolution brought a significant change for knobs and cabinet hardware. There was mass production, and they were available at an affordable rate and accessible to all. Then comes the modern age. The second world war influenced this. It has a distinct shape and function. They were simple and functional, unlike the complicated designs of the vintage brass knobs.
Then is the contemporary period. The feel and looks were up to the customers. The texture is different from the previous era knobs. Aesthetics and purpose are given equal importance. People purchase them depending on their match the room's interior design.
There are a lot of positives and negatives for brass cabinet knobs and modern cabinet knobs. Let's look more into the pros and cons of these below and decide which one to choose for your home.
Finding the proper cabinet hardware is essential. Whether for the kitchen or bathroom, one simple tweak can transform a space's complete feel and look changes. The external appearance and the function of the cabinet knobs determines their value in the market. There is also a high demand for vintage brass cabinet knobs and modern knobs. If you are building a new home or remodelling it, you may have many doubts regarding the cabinet hardware. How much does it cost? Where can I find it, how to choose the right tone, etc? You will get a clear idea of all these questions after this.
Comfortable to use, easy, and convenient - Some cabinet hardware can cause pain and irritation when holding it. So, make sure to buy a knob which is smooth and has a nice texture. Also, an excellent grip to hold is needed.
Choose the right size - If knobs are installed for small doors, they look terrible and can't be easily used.
Keeping up with the trend is another side - Modern cabinets keep updating their styles and functions, but the vintage ones only have the traditional intricate designs.
Enrich the traditional value and promote the love for history through cabinet knob designs. It gives a unique grand look to your home.
The quality of material - the brass is made of material that prevents it from corrosion and rust. But modern cabinets can quickly wear off. The quality of the material determines the price of the cabinet hardware too. The retro brass cabinet hardware focuses more on its look, and the modern knobs concentrate on the purpose and look. So the price goes up and down depending on this factor. If available for a low cost, then don't buy it hastily. It might be of lousy material that can get damaged easily.
Contacting reliable and trustworthy retailers and suppliers is very important. If they are not responsible, you might get scammed. Take time and check the online reviews to buy the product.
The polished brass finish gives a shiny gold tone, but the vintage has no shine. So, it's more durable than other materials. That's why it doesn't age even after years.
Modern cabinet knobs can be cleaned more easily than retro ones. It is very convenient due to its simple structure, unlike the brass knobs. No distraction to the eye in a small area in the case of vintage brass knobs.
Classy brass knobs are aged with chemicals and sealed with a low-lustre finish, and it does not change and doesn't need polishing. So, it's long-lasting. Modern cabinet knobs are expensive and have no ancient aesthetics. There is a high chance of fingerprints on it, which needs regular polishing.
Contemporary- they are sleek and ornamental. They are also streamlined and straightforward.
Transitional: Laced with Both retro and modern features.
Traditional: Embraces the old sophisticated designs of the vintage era.
For further reading : HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ANTIQUE BRASS CABINET KNOBS FOR YOUR FURNITURE
You can choose the modern knobs or the vintage brass knobs as you wish. Both had their pros and cons. So, don't rush; take time and choose the best for your home without compromising the quality.