The Locksmith Journal Jan/Feb 2020 - Issue 66 | Page 46

HARDWARE & SECURITY Taking the hard to install out of glass hardware » WITH TRENDS IN DOOR AND window hardware having a big effect on the overall look and feel of a building, what are the key looks that locksmiths might find themselves working with and just how easy are they to fit? Simon Boocock, Managing Director of CRL Europe, takes a look. Hardware is an all-important part of any window and door design. With glass being an increasingly popular material for use on external and internal projects, the hardware that holds it all together doesn’t just have a practical job to do. The finish and style of hardware chosen can make a huge difference to the look and feel of the entire project. Little wonder then that we are seeing some key trends emerging in this market. A major trend in hardware design currently is towards finishes other than chrome. Matte black, for example, makes a sophisticated and elegant statement that is bold but also timeless. While light colours have always been a popular way of reflecting light and creating a sense of spaciousness, there is now a shift towards dark, ambient shades, and black in particular. Like chrome before it, matte black offers a huge level of versatility, enabling it to be specified for virtually any situation. This is a finish that sits well in any setting and works in harmony with a wide range of materials and finishes. Giving locksmiths and installers the opportunity to offer customers a greater choice when selecting 46 CRL offers hardware in a range of finishes, including sophisticated Matte Black, from partition systems to hinges and hydraulic patch fittings. The Door Hardware and Office Partition Systems brochure from CRL is features hundreds of products and is available now. door hardware, matte black creates a minimal look, which is another key trend in terms of architectural hardware. The lean towards alternative finishes is particularly prevalent in bathroom design, with shower hardware now available in this latest striking matte black finish. Increasingly being seen on brassware, this finish is now filtering through to shower and door hardware including hinges, support bars and door knobs, creating a harmonious look throughout the bathroom. On a practical note, a matte finish offers a fingerprint and smudge-resistant alternative to polished surfaces such as chrome and stainless steel, another reason for its aesthetic appeal. The ‘barely there’ approach to design that is being seen in commercial and residential projects currently, with the frameless look refusing to be ignored, lends itself particularly well to the addition of matte black as a hardware finish. Glass partitions and balustrades too, are increasingly being specified for open-plan office environments and public buildings, creating a high-end aesthetic look while also being a highly practical way of creating a bright, spacious environment. For those charged with the installation and maintenance, it is important that such hardware is straightforward to fit, with minimal downtime and minimal mess and the good news is that, with the right systems this should be the case. A dry- glazed system, for example, will be mess and hassle-free to fit, keeping disruption to a minimum for the client. Choosing a system with thin profiles means that the architectural hardware will barely be noticed and when it is, opting for an on-trend finish such as matte black creates a stylish, cohesive look in the modern setting. For more details call 01706 863600, email crl@crlaurence.co.uk, or visit www.crlaurence.co.uk JAN/FEB 2020 locksmithjournal.co.uk Issue Takeover Magazine Sponsor