FEATURE: SAFETY & SECURITY


BLACK HARDWARE: DEBUNKING COMMON CUSTOMER MISCONCEPTIONS


Once considered a specialist finish, black hardware has come a long way since its resurgence in the 2010s. A regular fixture in interior trend rundowns, the colour is now increasingly requested by style-conscious homeowners, providing retailers with a significant opportunity. With modern solutions offering durability, versatility, and security, perceptions are shifting to see customers keener than ever to introduce black hardware into their homes. Sabrina Bettles, Technical Product Manager at Quanex group, which includes hardware brand ERA, tackles the misconceptions holding customers back when it comes to black door furniture and explains why the interior trend is here for the long-haul.


Myth: Black hardware is too expensive.


Fact: Black hardware is accessible for a range of budgets. Many customers perceive black hardware to be more expensive than traditional finishes. This dates back to when black door furniture was supplied in smaller volumes, often specified for bespoke, architectural projects. This would translate to higher costs, especially given the style’s premium look. Demand has grown considerably


Myth: Black hardware wears fast. Fact: High-quality, modern finishes are designed for everyday use. Customers are often concerned that black hardware will show signs of wear much faster than alternatives, like white and chrome. In the past, black finishes were prone to marks, fingerprints, and scuffs, because they were often painted or lightly coated. These finishes were known to chip quickly, especially in high traffic areas. Thankfully, finishing technology has improved significantly since then. These days, high-quality hardware is designed to withstand everyday use, with modern coatings offering incredible


resistance to


chipping and corrosion. In fact, many homeowners find that low sheen collections, such as ERA’s Matte Black Door Range, can also help to reduce the visibility of fingerprints and marks in comparison to highly polished alternatives. However, it’s


since then, with black hardware a prominent feature across a range of home projects, including kitchens and bathrooms. As a result, many suppliers now include a premium black in their core ranges, allowing retailers to offer customers stylish door furniture without compromise. When sourcing options, it is essential that retailers work with suppliers, such as ERA, that can offer quality, security, and reliability at competitive price points. This will please homeowners who want to strike a balance between strong aesthetics and high-performance hardware.


Myth: Black hardware only works in modern homes. Fact: Black offers flexibility for a


variety of styles.


In the 2010s, black hardware featured heavily in industrial and minimalist-style projects. Through associations with contemporary developments, many customers believe


that black hardware is


strictly for modern homes, paired with steel doors and exposed brick. In reality, black hardware works well in these spaces because of its versatility. Its neutral look enhances a range of properties, including modern new builds, but also traditional homes and period styles too. While black provides the perfect contrast to both light and colourful backdrops, it’s also a strong choice against natural materials, such as timber and stone. Offering a clean, cohesive look, it is also increasingly used in kitchens and bathrooms projects for this reason. All in all, the tone provides a subtle charm which helps


to


features of any setting. For retailers, this means broad customer appeal. No longer limited to a specific style, customers can achieve the perfect finishing touch with black hardware collections, such as ERA’s Matte Black Door Range, regardless of interior preferences.


Myth: Black hardware is a short- term trend.


important that


retailers work with suppliers, such as ERA, that put durability and reliability first. In doing this, they can support customers with black hardware that stands the test of time.


18 DIY WEEK JUNE 2026


Fact: Black hardware is here to stay. It is fair to say that hardware trends move in waves. While brass styles were popular in the 90s, chrome dominated the early 2000s. Come the 2010s, brushed metals and industrial finishes reigned supreme. Therefore, given its powerful resurgence, almost two decades ago, homeowners may assume that black finishes are a


short-lived design phase. However, thanks to an increase in quality and visibility, black hardware is now viewed as a neutral addition, rather than a niche option. As a result, it has become an enduring trend. Evidenced by its frequent appearance in bathroom and kitchen projects across many UK homes. Homeowners now often reach for black, noting its versatility, which has seen the finish become part of core fenestration collections. Retailers


can feel confident in


stocking black hardware solutions, safe in the knowledge that its influence and popularity with customers is here to stay. However, it is vital that retailers ensure that the hardware they stock is of excellent quality, making sure that homeowners can enjoy its premium aesthetic for longer.


highlight the existing


ERA’s Matte Black Door Range ERA’s Matte Black Door Range offers retailers a stylish, durable, and reliable collection of interior hardware, designed for maximum visual appeal and robust functionality, featuring: • UKCA/CE Tubular Latches • Three Lever Mortice Locks • Bathroom Mortice Locks • Entrance, Passage, Privacy and Dummy Doorknob Sets Offering everyday security to customers, the UKCA/CE Tubular Latches provides a certified solution, suitable for use on internal fire and smoke resistant door sets.


The range’s Matte Black 3 Lever Mortice Lock, offered as both a sash and dead lock, is an on-trend, low- cost security addition for internal doors and outside applications, such as sheds. Its Bathroom Mortice Lock is specially engineered for bathroom applications, ensuring that the entire home is coordinated. Completing the comprehensive range are ERA’s matte black doorknob sets, all supplied with a tubular latch. The sets are available for entrance, passage, privacy, and dummy applications for residential and domestic properties.


• For further information on ERA’s diverse hardware portfolio, please visit www.eraeverywhere.com.


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