Beyond the ordinary: the knurled hardware edge
Window Ware’s commercial director, Richard Bryant, examines how the newest addition to its premium Regal Hardware range, a distinctive knurled finish, is set to transform windows and doors.
Looking around at houses today, most properties will likely feature PVC-U or aluminium windows and doors, a testament to their long-standing dominance. However, the traditional landscape of fenestration is changing, driven by a surge in consumer awareness and demand for distinctiveness.
This shift is particularly evident in the last five years, which have witnessed an unprecedented explosion of consumer choice.
This ‘explosion of choice’ presents both an opportunity and a challenge. With disposable income increasingly stretched, the fenestration industry now competes fiercely for homeowner investment against a broad spectrum of high-value home improvements, including kitchens, bathrooms, and garden projects.
One thing has become abundantly clear – consumers are increasingly seeking distinctive designs that make a statement while complementing both traditional and contemporary spaces. Fuelled by inspiration from online platforms like Tik Tok and Pinterest, the days of settling for standard white PVC-U windows with a basic white handle are rapidly fading.
Two product offerings that continue to increase in popularity are aluminium and flush PVC, both defined by their sleek, minimalist appearances. These design preferences aren’t just fleeting fads; they signify a fundamental shift in how homeowners perceive their living spaces. Furthermore, the fenestration industry is also making inroads into the internal door market, with the surging popularity of steel-look internal doors.
What makes steel-look installations so appealing is their timeless elegance and ability to maximise natural light – qualities that have long made them sought-after features in high-end architectural design. However, until recently, there has been a distinct gap in the market for hardware that could truly complement these chic glazing systems.
For years now, our Regal Hardware range has been the go-to choice for premium heritage-style window and door handles, particularly in monkey tail and pear drop designs.
Our new knurled range of window and door handles marks a significant departure from the traditional hardware that has dominated the market for decades. The distinctive knurled finish on the lever offers not only a visually appealing and tactile grip but also elevates the overall aesthetic.
While the knurled range is a natural fit for doors, its versatility extends seamlessly to windows too. The window handle, though initially designed with the aluminium market in mind, also beautifully complements PVC-U flush sash windows in appropriate applications and even traditional PVC windows in select settings.
Our new knurled collection, available in four stunning finishes – PVD black, antique bronze, smooth satin silver, and our new gun metal option – offers homeowners something genuinely different while providing fabricators with a compelling selling point to help drive business.
The customer response has been phenomenal, with many eager to launch the product even before its official release.
I firmly believe that 2025 will be a watershed year for products that dare to break the mould. Hardware designs that go beyond the familiar aesthetics of the past two decades will thrive, as consumers increasingly prioritise distinction and character in every aspect of their homes.
That’s ultimately why our Regal Hardware has become so popular; it complements the premium profile systems in high demand at the moment and offers a distinct point of difference. Our new knurled range continues this trend, providing a fresh look that resonates with today’s homeowners.
While there will always be a place for traditional window and door handles, the market is clearly signalling a desire for alternatives that offer both functionality and visual appeal. The knurled range fulfils that need perfectly, raising the bar not just for the steel-look market but for the entire fenestration industry.