What’s the difference between…

…oil-rubbed bronze and old antique?

Cliffside’s finish named “oil-rubbed bronze” is only available on steel hardware. The knob currently offered in that finish is the S1204 series. The old antique, however, is a very popular finish which is part of our signature line; it is available on all of our solid brass hardware suites, which encompasses a large quantity of items.

The “oil-rubbed bronze” knob available on steel is a very dark finish, nearly a wrought-iron color. Our old antique, by contrast, is a rich brown color, popular throughout the industry. Below, you can make the comparison for yourself:

B600-OA on the left; S1204-ORB on the right

…old antique and Venetian bronze?

As shown above, the old antique is a solid brown representation of oil-rubbed bronze. Our Venetian bronze, the most recent finish added to the Cliffside line, is also oil-rubbed bronze, but it contains a light wash of copper. On pieces with more detailing or raised edges, the copper is more prominent. It also shows dramatically on our cup pulls, which bear a distinctive “thumbprint” of copper which sets the finish apart from the old antique.

Both the old antique (OA) and the Venetian bronze (VB) are available as part of the Cliffside hardware suites; any of our five solid brass hardware collections are available in those finishes.

For your reference, we’ve provided several different comparisons between OA and VB. First, on a simple 100 series knob:

At left, 100-OA; on the right, 100-VB

Next, on the more complex Ice Box Cupboard Latches:

IBCL in OA (left) and VB (right)

Finally, the thumbprinted cup pulls:

K4235-OA (above) and K4235-VB (below)

…Venetian bronze and old copper?

Because both finishes contain a copper color, many customers have asked about the difference between these two finishes since we added Venetian bronze to our line. In the Venetian bronze finish, the dark bronze is the primary color tone, while in the old copper, the copper itself is primary and the dark color comes from the antiquing process.

Both the VB and the OC are signature finishes, so you can get suite hardware in either color. It depends on which look you are trying to match: oil-rubbed bronze or antique copper.

Below, compare an item where the OC and VB finishes look similar…

K344-3-OC (top) and the same item in VB (bottom)

…and another item where they are very distinct and separate.

Solid brass cupboard latch (SBCL) in OC and VB

Cabinetmakers’ bonus!

What’s the difference between OA hinges and AB hinges?

A bonus for our manufacturing friends at the end of this series!

Our antique brass (AB) and old antique (OA) hinge finishes are very similar in color tone. The OA hinges are the same matte brown color as our hardware, but, as noted in our last edition, the AB hinges are also a very dark brown shade. The two major differences are this: the AB finish has a burnished golden undertone, where the OA is a simple brown; and the antique brass hinges have a high-polish lacquer, whereas the old antique hinges sport a flat finish.

See the difference for yourself:

3-8-OFFSET hinge in AB, on the left; and OA, to the right

That’s all for this series; check back next week for the start of a new set of weekly blogs!

Knobs

161-VB

Many of Cliffside’s customers prefer traditionally-styled hardware, which is why it comprises the majority of our hardware line. The 161 knob is a prime example of a piece whose design is simple yet timelessly elegant. With its attached backplate and beveled face, it is one of Cliffside’s most popular pieces. As with all of the solid brass hardware suites, this piece is available in 10 finishes. It is just under 1¼” in diameter and is 1⅛” in height.

158-FB

The other two knobs in the classic suite — the 158 and the 110 —are also very simple pieces that maintain the ridged element that ties the Classic Suite together. The 158, which is now available in several new finishes as a result of the line expansion, is popular for its rounded face and attached backplate, while the 110 offers a stylistic alternative to the plainness of other Cliffside knobs like the 158 or the 100 series.

Pulls

The classic suite pulls in polished nickel (3"cc, 8"cc, and 12"cc models)

The simple B1 series pulls of the Classic Suite combine smooth lines with ageless style to create this very traditional look suitable for any cabinet application. The 8″cc pulls are now part of this line as well: 10 completely new items! Besides adding the Venetian Bronze finish to the 3″cc line, the 12″cc appliance pulls are now also available in our 10 signature finishes — new finishes include Polished Chrome, Antique Brass, Old Copper, and Black.

K341-OC

The K341 cup pull is a chic alternative to other Cliffside cup pulls. Where the others are crafted in the traditional half-circle shape, the K341 is elongated, echoing the elegant lines of the B1 series. This pull’s new finishes, which include Polished Chrome and Polished Nickel, are already among its most popular sellers.

Accessories

All of the Cliffside hardware suites, including the Classic, can be used in conjunction with any of our matching hinge styles, including the BH2A, BH2A-BALL, BH2A-NF, BH3A, BH2A-NM, and BH2A-NM-BALL.  We also have armoire hinges and offset hinges available in most of our suite finishes. Our stylish solid brass latches (IBCL and SBCL) are the perfect compliment to this suite. Introduced in 2008, the IBCL has quickly become a very popular part of our line, and its lines match well with the bold style of the Classic suite.

The moral?

If you’re in the mood for an upgrade this holiday season, consider adding a touch of class — with Cliffside Industries’ Classic Suite!

Knobs

B674 knob

B674-31-OC

The B674-31 is one of the three original pieces in this suite. It features the braided rope design around the rim of the knob. With a 1¼” diameter, it is similar in size to many of our other standard round knobs while offering a decorative alternative to more traditional styles. As with all of the hardware suites, this item is solid brass and available in 10 finishes.

B721 knob

B721-VB

In response to customer requests, the original B711 knob has been replaced by the new B721, which was introduced in spring of 2009. This oblong knob has the same look and braided design of the B711; however, it has been enlarged slightly. Where the B711 knob was 1¼” in diameter and 1” in height, the B721 knob is 1½” in diameter with a height of 1¼”.

Other knobs

161-IR

Since all of the pieces in the Cliffside signature line are available in all ten finishes and are all made from the same material, any knob can be used with the Rope Suite, if you prefer not to utilize the above designs. In the new product supplement, the B674 and B721 are accompanied by the 161 knob, but any other knob can also be used.

Pulls

K344 series pulls in 3"cc, 8"cc and 12"cc models

Before our recent line expansion, the K344 series was notably inconsistent, with the 3″cc pull available in the BNI finish while the 12″cc appliance pull was available in SS (Silver Satin). We are pleased to announce that all of the pieces are now available in the SS finish only, allowing you a greater freedom to choose pieces that match your hardware! The newest piece is the K344-8, a stylish size that is appropriate for oversized pantry doors or for appliances like dishwashers and trash compactors with wood panel kits.

K544-AB

This suite is the only one to receive a completely new cup pull as well; it was designed in conjunction with our suppliers especially for Cliffside Industries. Borrowing the braided design of the K344 and following the style of the ever-popular K4235, the new K544 cup makes a bold statement on any drawer.

Accessories

SBCL-PN

Each Cliffside suite can be accompanied by the use of one or more latches. Cliffside offers two styles: the IBCL finger latch, and the SBCL turn latch. Each is cast from solid brass and will prove more durable in the long run than any similar products made of inferior materials. Cliffside also offers the widest variety of finishes in the industry for both of these products.

BH2A-FB-NF

Cliffside’s solid brass hinges are the perfect solution for matching an exposed hinge to your hardware. Made with solid one-piece construction, our hinges have been developed with the finest European craftsmen to bring you a product that remains unchanged over the years and continues to provide the high quality you deserve and expect. Cliffside currently offers six hinge styles, with a new seventh style arriving in early 2010. The BH2A hinge is available with our signature steeple finial (17 finishes), a ball finial (11 finishes), or no finial (11 finishes). Its larger counterpart, the BH3A, is available with its signature minaret finial in 13 finishes. The BH2A-NM non-mortise butt hinge has 16 finishes to choose from with the signature finial, and 11 finishes with a ball tip as well. The newest hinge style, BH3A-NM — a larger non-mortise hinge — will be available with the signature finial in 11 finishes coming in early 2010. Additionally, Cliffside offers two styles of offset hinges and two styles of armoire hinges to supply your cabinet construction needs.

The moral?

Let yourself get roped in to buying Cliffside hardware this winter – you won’t regret it!

Knobs

100 series knobs

100-PB

When Cliffside Industries was founded over 23 years ago, it began with one item: the 100 knob in polished brass. From this one item, Cliffside has expanded to carry a variety of hardware styles, materials, sizes, and suppliers, but the 100 remains our top-selling piece. The standard mushroom-shaped knob has a 1¼” diameter and stands 1⅛” high. Constructed from solid brass, the 100 has a distinctive flat face, unique among many of the other round-faced knobs found in today’s kitchen and bath showrooms.

100-20-SS

100-20 series knobs

The first two item numbers in this suite are similar for a very important reason: the 100-20 is simply the 100 knob’s baby brother. Standing just under ¾” tall and with a ¾” diameter, the 100-20 is perfect for applications requiring a space saver, like a pull-out cutting board, miniature drawer or door, or the front of a jewelry cabinet. It has all of the advantages and style of the 100 in 60% of the space.

105 series knobs

105-VB

Following the same simple styling of the 100 series, the 105 is a oblong shape called by many names (egg, football, etc.). Whatever its moniker, it is still one of Cliffside’s top ten selling products, and has been around almost since the beginning. At 1¼” long and just under ½” wide, the knob is comparable in size to many others in the Cliffside signature line, though it is among the tallest at just under 1½”. The 105 also comes with small brads to aid in installation: when the piece is installed on the cabinet, simply insert the brad into the small hole provided in the back of the stem. The brad will affix the knob to the cabinet in the user’s preferred position (vertical or horizontal) and keep it from rotating if it should become loose.

Pulls

Scroll suite pulls in 3"cc, 8"cc, and 12"cc

All Cliffside hardware suites are defined by their pulls and this one is no exception. The SP series pulls are available in 3 sizes — 3″cc, 8″cc, and 12″cc (all sizes shown). Each one features the same attractive  scrolled design in the middle of the pull. The grip height of the 3″cc model is ¾”, while the 8″cc and 12″cc designs share a 1″ grip height. Each pull is accompanied by decorative escutcheons or backplates, which can be used or discarded at your discretion. All of the pulls in this series are, of course, solid brass, which makes them heavier and more durable than competitors’ zinc, aluminum, or steel products.

K4235-IR

Each hardware suite also features a unique cup pull. For the traditional scroll design, Cliffside chose the half-circle bin pull known as K4235. #5 on our list of top ten-selling items, the K4235 is our top-selling cup and an example of Cliffside’s classic styling. As with the standard pulls and all of Cliffside’s solid brass cups, it measures 3″cc. The K4235 is 3½” in overall length, with a height of 1¾” and a projection of ⅞”.

Accessories

Latches

Each Cliffside suite can be accompanied by the use of one or more latches. Cliffside offers two styles: the IBCL finger latch, and the SBCL turn latch. Each is cast from solid brass and will prove more durable in the long run than any similar products made of inferior materials. Cliffside also offers the widest variety of finishes in the industry for both of these products.

BH2A-AE-BALL

Hinges

Cliffside’s solid brass hinges are the perfect solution for matching an exposed hinge to your hardware. Made with solid one-piece construction, our hinges have been developed with the finest European craftsmen to bring you a product that remains unchanged over the years and continues to provide the high quality you deserve and expect. Cliffside currently offers six hinge styles, with a new seventh style arriving in early 2009. The BH2A hinge is available with our signature steeple finial (17 finishes), a ball finial (11 finishes), or no finial (11 finishes). Its larger counterpart, the BH3A, is available with its signature minaret finial in 13 finishes. The BH2A-NM non-mortise butt hinge has 16 finishes to choose from with the signature finial, and 11 finishes with a ball tip as well. The newest hinge style, BH3A-NM — a larger non-mortise hinge — will be available with the signature finial in 11 finishes coming in early 2010. Additionally, Cliffside offers two styles of offset hinges and two styles of armoire hinges to supply your cabinet construction needs.

The moral?

Remember to contact Cliffside Industries for all of your cabinet hardware needs this holiday season!