Overall, a successful build or renovation project is a harmonised accumulation of many small details. Choose the correct materials, colours, fixtures and fittings along the way and you’ll achieve your desired vision.
With so many decisions to make, ironmongery often gets overlooked. But it’s an important decision and should be considered every step of the way, and at every stage during the process. It can transform the overall look, feel and function of a property. The quality of windows, doors and kitchens is obviously important, but the ironmongery, and colour choice is arguably more important and perhaps has more of a visual impact.
A large percentage of people who undertake a renovation or build project don’t realise that ironmongery is something that you can order separately. You don’t have to go with the standard options offered by the door, window or kitchen manufacturers. Although ironmongery can be retro fitted it's always better to plan ahead, and work with your suppliers to ensure to achieve your desired look.
Here, we outline the decision journey in terms of ironmongery which is flexible and can be carried out in a different order if required. The sequence is based on a usual project timeline, starting from the outside and working in; designed to help guide you through each stage of the process whilst offering options for coordination and consistency throughout your home. As well as ironmongery we also have utilised our expertise in metal work to
manufacture an attractive range of lighting and homeware.
1. Windows & External Doors
When carrying out a new build or extension project, external windows and doors must be ordered several weeks in advance to fill the planned reveals or gaps left between the bricks or timber frame. At the point of ordering these windows and doors, something that many people are
unaware of, yet is important to consider is that any accompanying ironmongery can be chosen, so don’t be restricted by the sometimes limited choice offered by the manufacturer.
External window and door ironmongery can also be retro fitted to replace original ironmongery at any stage of a home build or renovation project. Alongside paint, this can give your doors and windows a completely new look and sometimes saves the expensive process of full replacement.
- You don't have to settle for the choices offered by the manufacturers.
- Retrofit ironmongery at any time to cost effectively transform your joinery.
- Choose a design and finish that will match throughout.
Determine your window type
Traditional Casement Windows
If your property has casement windows, a classic fastener is the best choice. Window fasteners are suitable for use on traditional timber windows that don't have an internal locking mechanism. Most fasteners are kept in place using a mortice plate which is recessed into the window frame. Typically, these are partnered with matching window stays which can be used to lock the window.
Multipoint Locking Windows
Multipoint locking systems are usually fitted in UPVC or modern timber & aluminium windows. They consist of a long metal strip on the window edge with 3 separate locking points operated by a spindle to provide additional security. An espagnolette handle operates this locking mechanism; all From The Anvil espag handles are designed to fit modern locking systems from leading window manufacturers.
Sash Windows
Sash windows are often found in Georgian or Victorian homes & are made of 1 or more movable panels (sashes). These panels slide vertically to open & are held in place with counter balance weights in the frame. The panels are operated with sash pulleys & cord, and can be slid open using sash lifts & pulls. Sash windows can be kept in an open position using sash stops and locked using locking fasteners. We offer a wide range of sash window furniture in a range of finishes to complement your existing interior ironmongery.
Steel Windows
As the name implies, steel windows feature glass panes supported by robust steel frames. Steel window frames operate slightly differently to traditional casement windows; while they still require locking fasteners and stays, the frames are more narrow meaning that this hardware needs to be slimmer to fit well. Our steel window night-vent fasteners and steel window stays are available in a range of designs and finishes to add style and functionality to these windows, with scope to coordinate with your cabinet and window hardware.
The front door has such an impact on a property, so it's important to accessorise it with the correct door furniture! Most exterior doors, particularly front and back, need to be lockable to protect your home. Determing what type of locking system you'll use gives you an idea of the ironmongery you'll require. Sash locks provide excellent security and offer great versatility when choosing lever lock handles or door knob sets. Because sash locks are morticed into the door frame, they are typically used with solid timber doors. For more modern applications, a multipoint locking system can be fitted alongside espagnolette lever handles, such as in uPVC doors. There are various other door accessories available including centre door knobs, cylinder pull handles, door knockers, letterplates, and more, all of which can be used to customise your door.
2. Internal Doors
Internal doors can be made to order or purchased as standard off the shelf items. As with external windows and doors, the ironmongery, paint or stain used can completely transform the look of your interior spaces.
The door lever handle, latch or knob is usually the centre piece, but it’s also important to think about matching accessories such as butt hinges, door stops,
and bathroom turns. Usually ordered at the same time, cupboard and sliding doors should also match the overall look of any internal doors and our vast collection of ironmongery enables this.
- You don't have to settle for the choices aoffered by the manufacturers.
- Choose a finish that can be used for all door types and accessories.
- Colour and ironmongery can have a big visual impact.
Determine your internal door type
Panelled Door
Typically, panelled doors are hung to the frame with butt hinges and can be fitted with a mortice knob set, a rim lock & knob set, or one of our many varieties of lever handles. It's important to consider the purpose of this door and whether or not it requires a lock. Mortice latches are an appropriate choice for non-locking doors whereas sash locks are better for doors that require protection. Turn & release mechanisms are ideal for internally locking doors, such as bathrooms, which need to lock but without such high security requirements.
Ledge & Braced Door
A ledge and brace door is a traditional option with a rustic appearance, often fitted in barn conversions and timber framed properties. It's a wooden plank door and therefore much thinner than solid/panelled doors, meaning it requires T hinges to be fitted to the surface of the door rather than the plank edge. Because these doors are so slender, they can't fit the typical latches and locks that work with lever handles and instead use thumblatches or other surface-mounted ironmongery such as rim locks and knob sets.
Steel Door
Steel doors are a popular design choice for modern day living, favoured for their slim profiles and lasting durability. These doors operate in a similar way to panelled doors, meaning that the majority of our internal door hardware is compatible with steel doors. This includes our lever door handles, door knobs, door closers, escutcheons, thumbturns, locks, latches, bolts and hinges. Many of these styles and finishes are available across a selection of door, window, and cabinet hardware to enable consistency throughout your property.
3. Kitchens & Cabinetry
Like external doors and windows, kitchens are usually ordered several weeks in advance to fitting. Again, any range of ironmongery can be ordered and fitted on your kitchen so don’t be limited by the manufacturer’s choice. Kitchen hardware makes a big visual, and functional impact so the kitchen overall
should be considered carefully.
Kitchen ironmongery can also be retro fitted replacing old hardware at any stage. Alongside a new coat of paint this can give your kitchen a completely new look and sometimes saves the expensive process of full replacement.
- You don't have to settle for the choices offered by the manufacturers.
- Retrofit ironmongery at any time to cost effectively transform your joinery.
- Use a design and finish that's consistent with that on your doors and windows.
Our kitchen & cabinetry furniture range caters to all property types, whether they be traditional, contemporary, or somewhere in-between. Often, traditional kitchens are fitted with revealed hinges and cupboard knobs, whereas more contemporary kitchens are suited to cup pulls and bar handles.
4. Ancillaries & Accessories
Practical items such as curtain poles, shelf brackets, hooks and door stops should be aesthetically pleasing and of good quality too. Choose these items in a similar style and finish to elevate your interior and create continuity throughout.
Items such as hooks and shelf brackets can be fitted at any stage and are a great way of organising your home whilst adding character and a feeling of overall quality.
- Choose a finish that can be used throughout.
- Functional designs and in keeping with your overall look.
- Experiment with multifunctional uses for a touch of fun.
We offer an extensive range of accessories such as hinges, locks & latches, curtain furniture, door stops, shelf brackets, coat hooks, and more, all of which can be matched to your existing furnishing to provide continuity throughout your interiors.
5. Lighting
Lighting is a fine balance between form and function, therefore should also be given careful consideration from the very early stages in any home renovation or build project. From feature pendants to spotlights, and wall lights to lamps, lighting design and location can have a big impact on the look and feel of any space.
Choose styles that are aesthetically pleasing and suit the functional requirements of your home, in colours and finishes that complement
your interior style and decor.
- Carefully consider the style and location on your lighting for maximum impact.
- Update lighting to breathe new life into any space.
- Experiment with mixed styles, colours and finishes to add interest.
6. Home & Garden
The final stage, and arguably the most fun; adding the finishing touches to elevate your space. Invest in timeless, premium quality home & garden accessories that have been manufactured with meticulous attention to detail and made to last for years to come.
Also think about periodically updating your home accessories to transform the feel and functionality of any space inside, and outside your home. For a
high-end look, coordinate the styles and finishes with those already in and around your property.
- Choose timeless, premium quality accessories that are equally beautiful and functional.
- Update your home & garden accessories to refresh your space.
- Coordinate your ironmongery and homeware finishes for a high end look.
By following the steps in this section, it’s easy to create a space that feels elegant and put-together.
