Like many of the products featured on these pages, door and window furniture are small details that can make a big difference. After spending hours pouring over architects plans and choice of building fabric at the start of a project, enthusiasm and energy is often flagging when it comes to choosing small items in the finishing stages. Local builders merchants will have a limited selection of locks, latches, handles and hinges. Left to the average builder/chippy you will get functional furniture but not necessarily stylish or individual. The choice of furniture is endless, with designs from every period in materials ranging from solid brass to hand forged iron and acrylic. Prices too can range enormously and be warned: a set of door furniture can cost a great deal more than the door itself!

Calculate how many doors and windows require furniture. This is essential for setting a realistic budget. Most window suppliers will pre-fit casement stays and fasteners, but if you want them to match with door furniture they may need replacing.

Butt hinges, strap hinges, rim latches, Suffolk latches, Norfolk latches, finger plates, escutcheons, knockers, knobs, grab handles, casement stays and fasteners are all part of the selection on offer. Some is from a particular period and will look best with certain style of door. For example, fitting brass finger plates to rustic plank doors does not quite fit stylistically. Likewise, hand forged strap hinges do not go together with panelled doors. However, there is an opportunity to mix and match contemporary and traditional materials if well thought out.