Tired of staring at the same outdated kitchen day after day? Give your space a rustic facelift with farmhouse bronze hardware. This aged patinated finish brings vintage charm to modern and traditional kitchens alike. Keep reading as we explore the timeless beauty of oil rubbed bronze and how to integrate it into your home.
The Rustic, Timeworn Allure of Farmhouse Style
Farmhouse decor exudes cozy simplicity with vintage touches. Natural materials like wood and metal bring warmth and texture. From distressed wood counters to apron front sinks, common farmhouse kitchen characteristics include:
- White cabinetry with exposed hinges
- Butcher block or reclaimed wood countertops
- Galvanized metal accents and appliances
- Open shelving for displayed cookware
- Plenty of windows to let light pour in
At the heart of the farmhouse aesthetic is a pleasantly imperfect, aged sensibility. One way to achieve this rustic patina is with oil rubbed bronze hardware.
The Warm, Rustic Charm of Oil Rubbed Bronze
Oil rubbed bronze refers to bronze metal furnishings hand-finished by rubbing oil over the surface to create a worn, weathered appearance. The signature dark, mottled patina mimics the look of vintage hardware. As time passes, the uneven finish evolves, adding more character.
The graduated shading and lively texture of oil rubbed bronze make it a natural choice for farmhouse kitchens. The muted metallic tone and aging patina blend beautifully with reclaimed wood, antique white cabinets, and other farmshouse elements for a cohesive timeworn look.
The Living Finish That Develops Over Time
Part of oil rubbed bronze’s appeal lies in its dynamic, living finish. The bronze beneath reacts with oxygen, gradually developing richer undertones over years of use. Whereas some finishes maintain a uniform look, oil rubbed bronze’s uneven patina provides one-of-a-kind personality.
Factors like humidity and pollution impact how quickly the bronze ages. Frequent handling also wears down high traffic areas first. But don’t worry about preserving a pristine appearance. The evolving patina only enhances the vintage vibe. Celebrate each scratch and watermark as part of the hardware’s rustic story.
Choosing a Finish: Polished, Matte, or Distressed
Oil rubbed bronze strikes the ideal balance between shiny and matte. But several finish options exist:
- Polished: Smooth and lightly reflective for a more sophisticated impression.
- Matte: Subtly textured and totally non-reflective for a muted effect.
- Distressed: Intentionally weathered with dents, scratches and an extra worn look.
Consider your farmhouse kitchen’s overall vibe. Do you want an antique store feel with extra aging? Opt for a distressed finish. Prefer a soft sophistication? Try polished oil rubbed bronze. The finish impacts the visual warmth and depth.
Hardware Styles for Farmhouse Kitchens
When selecting cabinet hardware, think about the shapes and designs epitomizing farmhouse chic. Choices range from traditional to modern with vintage appeal:
Timeless Traditional Styles
Nostalgic design lovers gravitate towards classic shapes like:
- Round knobs
- Bin or bow pull handles
- Traditional keyholes
- Ornate backplates
The extra detailing on backplates and keyhole covers accentuates the aged finish. For easy coordination, mix knobs and pulls on different cabinets. Consider staggered knobs down a drawer front for extra charm.
Sleek, Contemporary Options
Prefer modern farmhouse edge? Streamlined rectangular bar pulls project understated sophistication. Other contemporary options include:
- Flat square pulls
- Angled handles
- Geometric backplates
The clean lines temper the traditional bronze patina. Go ultra-modern with distinct black bronze finishes like onyx or charcoal.
Functional Accents: Bars, Cup Pulls, and Handles
In addition to knobs and standard pulls, long bar pulls offer a helpful grip point while adding rustic style. Cup pulls with handy finger holes make an ergonomic statement. But for heavy cabinets and drawers, wrap-around handles prove most comfortable and secure.
Mixing different shapes gives your farmhouse hardware added visual interest and utility. Just be sure to keep the finish consistent.
Designing Your Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen
When planning your farmhouse bronze hardware installation, keep these design tips in mind:
Match Metal Finishes Throughout
The key to a cohesive look is coordinating all metal elements. If your cabinet hardware, light fixtures, and faucets sport different sheens, the kitchen appears disjointed. Opt for oil rubbed bronze across the board.
Check out drawer glides, cabinet hinges, and plumbing elements for farmhouse options beyond just knobs and pulls. Consistent finish unifies everything.
Complementary Colors to Showcase Bronze
Some farmhouse classics like white cabinets or wood counters effortlessly highlight oil rubbed bronze. But other paint colors work too. Try pairing it with:
- Sage green
- Navy blue
- Charcoal
- Soft cream
For countertops, medium wood tones like walnut allow the bronze to shine. Stark white can overwhelm the hardware’s detailing. Add warmth with a butcher block island.
Transforming Your Kitchen with Farmhouse Hardware
Ready to replace your current hardware with farmhouse oil rubbed bronze options? Here’s how to switch out your cabinets for a stunning transformation:
Take Measurements and Shop Options
Removing your old hardware first isn’t necessary. But taking precise measurements ensures buying the right sizes. Have a ruler handy and note:
- Distance between cabinet knob/pull holes
- Diameter of the holes
- Depth that the hardware extends from the door/drawer front
Browse online catalogs or visit home improvement stores. Purchase extra pieces in case any get damaged during installation.
Change Out Cabinet Hardware
Installing new knobs and pulls takes just basic tools like a screwdriver, drill, tape measure, and hammer. Follow easy step-by-step instructions for foolproof hardware installation. Soon, your dated cabinets will gain irresistible vintage flair.
Find Complementary Lighting and Accents
Spotlight your snazzy farmhouse hardware with coordinated hanging light fixtures. Matte black pendants work nicely. Check for compatible sconces, switches, and outlets. Then fill open shelves with aged ceramic vessels, wood cutting boards, or galvanized buckets.
Revisit flooring, window treatments, and wall decor for potential updates as well. Small touches like oil rubbed bronze switch plates make a surprising visual impact.
Maintaining Your Bronze Hardware’s Finish
Simple care keeps your farmhouse hardware looking its rustic best. Here are some maintenance tips:
Prevent Chemical Damage
Avoid excessive exposure to chemicals and cleaners which may strip the bronze finish. Use mild soap and water for regular wipe-downs.
Buff Away fingerprints
Frequent handling inevitably leaves smudges. Buff them away gently to restore the patina.
Check for Loose Screws
Periodically inspect screws to ensure hardware remains securely fastened over years of use.
Consider Clear Coat
If you want to preserve the showroom sheen, apply a protective clear top coat during installation. Reapply as needed.
With occasional upkeep, your bronze hardware will develop character – not deteriorate. The living finish evolves beautifully.
Nothing modernizes a dated kitchen faster than oil rubbed bronze hardware. The naturally evolving patina and artisanal bronze tones add cozy vintage personality to your space. Farmhouse cabinets paired with worn metal finishes create a casually elegant look.
Ready to give your kitchen a rustic facelift? Browse a wide selection of the finest farmhouse bronze knobs, pulls, and handles today. Soon, you’ll enjoy an aged patina that only gets better with time.
We hope you gained helpful insights into showcasing oil rubbed bronze hardware in farmhouse kitchen designs! From style references to installation tips, enhancing your home with bronze finishes should now feel effortless and exciting.
