A Guide to Window and Door Furniture
Having spent time and effort, not to mention expense,
into building the perfect conversion or extension, ruining it all with the
wrong door and window furniture would be heart breaking. The first thing
someone notices on entering the room is the door handle; they grasp it to open
the door and if it feels or looks wrong it will set the whole tone of the room.
A conversion or extension is generally built in keeping
with the style and age of the original building or the rest of the house and
this is true for the windows and doors. Manufacturers these days can
incorporate new modern materials into traditional designs, giving access to a
range of styles and a flexibility of choice and the fittings and furniture are
available to match.
Always pay attention to detail and choose the best
quality available within budget. Be conscious of safety as well and take into
account how easy it is for a thief to get in and how straightforward it is for
the family to get out in an emergency. Window locks should be discreet but
strong and simple to open when necessary. Consider the prime user of the room;
if it is children ensure the key is not likely to be broken or lost and
investigate whether the locks can be accidentally opened. It may be necessary
to fit a guard on the windows or a stopper to allow the windows to only be
opened a certain distance for safety, particularly for upper floor windows.
Furniture for windows and particularly doors can be quite
extensive and includes handles, hinges and screws, door closers and fire
control, draught proofers, threshold strips and seals, locks, latches and
security products, signs and lighting, ventilators and fittings for the less
able such as grab rails. Furniture will differ depending on the use and whether
the door is internal or external.
The first decision is the style and period, so spend time
ensuring that the furniture matches the overall presentation. Wrought iron
fittings with a vintage design may be more in keeping with an old cottage with
solid oak doors, whereas stainless steel or brass in a retro or artistic
creation may be more suitable for a modern feel. This is true for all fittings
and matching hinges to the door knobs gives a finishing touch.
Use draught proofing and threshold strips in older
houses, to help prevent heat escaping. This is also true of letter box
excluders and again, they are available in various styles to suit the
conversion. For external doors choose from a variety of knockers or bells to
suit individual preferences.
For added security and safety, particularly for draughty
areas, include a Door Closer, which aids a safe, gentle closing instead of a
slam. These can ensure that the door will automatically close itself without
the risk of trapped fingers or other items. There are various designs available
to suit internal and external doors, in a range of materials and budgets.
Again, as with all the window and door furniture available, choose with care
and a long term vision. After all, this conversion has been planned to last so
ensure the door and window furniture does too.
Our 11,500+ ironmongery products include Clip On Blum
Hinges. Our range offers all the
ironmongery needed for windows, doors and cabinets held in stock ready for free
next day delivery to site, workshop, office or home. Visit
http://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/
for further information.