Broken Leaf Design & Victorian Hardware

Look at the new outlet covers I got on eBay! One of my favorite designs for door hardware is called "Broken Leaf." You can see the pattern on the antique doorknobs in the background of my blog.

Since there were no outlet covers or switch plates back when this pattern was originally produced in the 1880's, I've been looking for years for some kind of appropriate substitute that would have the same Eastlake/Aesthetic/Victorian feel. When I saw these on eBay, I just had to buy them! Although they are made of cast resin and not brass or bronze, they were very affordable, so I can replace all my existing plates on the main floor of my house!

I think they look just fine the way they are, but I can always give them a quick brush of metallic finish in certain rooms if necessary. For now, I just got the outlet covers. Switch plates are next! The site that sells these and other period-appropriate hardware is American Antique Hardware.

For original Victorian hardware, nothing beats eBay for the best deals. Original complete door hardware sets that have been cleaned and restored are very costly, but can be found on many reputable sites. Here are some of my favorites, selling both antique and reproduction hardware:

Van Dyke's Restorers

Rejuvenation

Antique Architectural Hardware

Renovator's Supply, Inc.

Crown City Hardware

Vintage Hardware

Historic Houseparts

House of Antique Hardware

Historic Home Hardware

images of original Broken Leaf hardware from the Historic Home Hardware site