Cottagecore Hardware Is Trending: Design Experts Share How to Use It

Bring an ornate, antique feel to any design style with these knobs, pulls, and latches.

Hardware is one of the elements we interact with the most in our homes—from door knobs to cabinet pulls, we're constantly using it. But hardware isn't just functional; it also happens to be one of the most influential details in your home's decorating scheme. “Hardware is like the unsung hero of interior design—it often goes unnoticed, but these little details can seriously jazz up your living space,” says Will Zhang, director of design and product innovation at the hardware company Emtek.

These knobs, pulls, and latches may be small, but their impact on a space's overall style and look is huge. Luckily, they’re also one of the few elements in a home that are truly easy to change and can be completely transformative. “It's one of the first things you lay your hands on in the morning, the last thing you touch before heading out, and the first thing you greet when you get back home—so why not make it extra special,” Zhang says. “Your hardware can be your style statement, your personal touch that sets the tone for your space. Don't underestimate its power.”

Because you can find it in every single home, hardware experiences trends just like any other home decor element. Cottagecore hardware has seen a huge revival this year, dressing our homes with nostalgia and old-world charm. To help you embrace the latest hardware trends, we talked to experts about why cottagecore hardware is popular, and how to use it in your own space.

Related: 6 Ways to Try the Cottagecore Trend for a Taste of the Simple Life

What Is Cottagecore Hardware?

Cottagecore hardware celebrates ornate design and ornamentation prevalent in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. “Cottagecore hardware, in a nutshell, brings those cozy, antique vibes to your living space,” Zhang says. “Think of it as hardware that takes you on a trip down memory lane to the traditional styles you'd find in charming English cottages. But here's the twist—it's not just about the hardware itself; it's about embracing that dreamy, romanticized way of life.”

When hunting for Cottagecore hardware, Zhang suggests looking for designs that draw inspiration from these bygone times. “You want pieces that transport you back to the Victorian era, like the Victoria Knob or Rope Lever, and the rustic charm of English farmhouses, like the Old Town Knob or Wembley Lever,” he says. “It's all about creating that warm, nostalgic atmosphere in your space, where every knob, pull, or fixture feels like a little piece of history.”

Related: How to Find the Best Vintage Home Decor, According to a Pro

Why Is Cottagecore Hardware So Popular Right Now?

So why are homeowners opting for cottagecore hardware styles right now? It all comes down to this sense of comfort and nostalgia that traditional styles evoke. “Traditional design styles, like Cottagecore, are coming back into focus because there is an inherent memory associated with them,” says Laura Robbins, lead designer and founder of Lauren Robbins Interiors. “When you enter a room rooted in tradition, you can’t help but reminisce on fond memories and feel comforted by that.”

Zhang agrees, explaining that the Cottagecore hardware style presents a refreshing break from the sleek and minimalistic Modernism that has prevailed for the past century. “With Modernism becoming all the rage these days, it was bound to happen that folks would start craving something different, something with a touch of old-world charm and a whole different way of living,” he says. “Cottagecore hardware is all about embracing that charm, the ornate details, and a lifestyle that feels like a step back in time. People are loving the change of pace.”

How to Decorate with Cottagecore Hardware

Zhang and Robbins share their favorite ways to blend cottagecore-inspired hardware with any design style.

Add Rustic Charm

Although Cottagecore hardware recalls past centuries and its elaborate design styles, it is not limited to traditional and classical interiors. “Cottagecore hardware is like a chameleon—it can blend into different interior styles,” Zhang says. “Of course, it's a natural fit for homes that draw inspiration from cottage aesthetics, but here's the exciting part: you can sprinkle a little Cottagecore magic in various other interiors, too.”

Whether you're channeling the modern farmhouse aesthetic or injecting a touch of rustic charm into a contemporary space, this hardware style will work wonders. “Don't be shy to mix and match," Zhang says. "Cottagecore hardware is up for the challenge."

Opposites Attract

“Beautiful hardware is like jewelry," Robbins says. "It acts as the perfect finishing touch to a cabinet or piece of furniture." When selecting hardware, Robbins works with opposites. “When the detail on a cabinet or drawer is ornate or layered, you want to keep your hardware on the simpler side to enhance, not detract, from the beautiful millwork in a piece,” she says. “However, a flat-paneled or simple bevel on a cabinet door allows you to take bigger risks and go bolder and more ornate with your hardware selection.”

Related: 37 Kitchen Cabinet Ideas for Every Design Style

Dress Up Contemporary Spaces

Zhang has his own recipe for success in selecting the right finish: “Here's my secret sauce: Keep that mind wide open. Seriously, it's amazing how playing around with different finishes and handle styles can totally transform your home's vibe,” he says. “Let me break it down for you: Take those sleek modern designs, for instance—they go from 'cool and crisp' to 'warm and inviting' when you pair them up with a laid-back finish like oil-rubbed bronze.” For him, it's all about mixing and matching to create that unique look that’s perfect for your space.

Related: 24 DIY Furniture Projects to Personalize Your Home on a Budget

Keep Scale in Mind

Finally, Robbins suggests using physical samples and visual cues to help you envisage the size and finish of the hardware in the space. “Whether it is taping out the length of a pull on a drawer or getting a sample of a knob to ensure the finish coordinates with the other finishes in the room, it always helps to see the scale and finish of a product in real life first to ensure it is a good fit," she says.

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