Renovation

Bathroom Hardware

A common complaint when renovating is that the finishing touches take the longest.

When my bathroom became barely functional, its completion moved down the list of priorities. Over a year later I’m very keen to complete this room and get the details right.

I always underestimate how long it will take to make selections – I spend hours searching for the right tap hardware. Not because I don’t know what I want, but because I have to be realistic about my budget. Slowly but surely, the vision comes together, and now it’s just a matter of filling in the blanks.

I’m visiting family over east when, on a whim, I buy an exposed brass shower from eBay for $20. This unassuming listing includes enough brass hardware to completely fit out the bathroom! In addition to the shower, I decide to use the double towel rail. In sourcing the rest of the hardware I’m keen to find more brass pieces that complement the existing utilitarian heritage style – simplicity meets farmhouse charm.

So continues my hunt for hooks, a toilet roll holder and cabinet handles. I keep an eye out for more second-hand pieces, both online and at salvage yards. Many hooks are either too modern or too small to be practical in a rural ‘mud room’. Vintage toilet roll holders are either too bulky or too ornate. Modest brass cabinet handles are often expensive.

Finally, after a few very determined online shopping sessions, my final selection has been made and I can’t wait to see it all in use! I’ve ended up with a fairly thorough ‘shortlist’, so I thought I’d share my research for others hoping to source something similar.

Solid brass bathroom hooks

Brass Plated Trader Hook. AU$25 + postage via The Society Inc. I ended up buying 3 of these via Tara Dennis.

I love the simplicity and larger size of these custom made solid brass hooks by Steven Ryan. Price starts from AU$18 + postage via @designthenmake
This was my runner up, but I decided that a double hat & coat hook would be more practical.

TOP LEFT: Thomas Hook Natural Brass. TOP MIDDLE: Counter Space Raw Brass Wall Hook. TOP RIGHT: Rowsaan Curve Hook Large. BOTTOM LEFT: HairpinLegs.Com Wall Hook, Flat Bar. BOTTOM MIDDLE: Salt & Co Studios Brass Hook. BOTTOM RIGHT: Chiba Metal Works Brass Hook Round.

Solid brass toilet roll holder

Solid Brass Toilet Roll Holder by the Foundry Man via Etsy. Approx AU$60 (inc shipping). I liked the simplicity and I thought the rounded corners would tie in best with the overall concept. The final piece of hardware is excellent quality and built to last.

LEFT: Chiba Metal Works Brass Paper Holder. MIDDLE: Rikumo Bath Tissue Stocker. RIGHT: Fog Linen Brass Toilet Paper Holder.