Campaign Hardware Moves to Kitchens and Bathrooms

09 Jan Campaign Hardware Moves to Kitchens and Bathrooms

You might think campaign furniture is trendy, but really, it has been around since at least the time of Julius Caesar.  It is most often associated with British military officers in the 18th century, who frequently traveled with high quality portable furniture.  It was designed to be easily transportable; therefore, a typical chest would break down into a few pieces.   When the destination was reached, the furniture would be put together.  Because officers of high position in Britain would just not be able to be without the luxuries of home on the road, campaign furniture was the perfect crossover of the luxuries of home and the practicality of travel.  Inset handles, brass corners to protect from bumps, and typically made of a durable wood such as teak or mahogany, campaign furniture was a staple for many years.

With the arrival of the motor car, traveling with loads of cargo went out of vogue, and the demand for campaign furniture changed.  However, it has never really gone out of style, and ebbs and flows in popularity.  A resurgence of interest in this type of furniture occurred in the 1960’s and 1970’s, and there is most assuredly a revamped desire for campaign furniture in recent years.  Kristen and I can hardly keep it for more than a few days when we list it, and it is harder and harder to find.

A variety of campaign hardware from dhshardware.com

Most often, you see campaign hardware gracing chests and desks and other case goods.  These pieces look gorgeous painted in any color.  Recently, I saw a piece that was left a gray, raw wood color, and it was perfection.  My own living room houses a campaign chest, see the photo below.  Maybe you wouldn’t think of putting a chest of drawers like this in a living room, but it has been soooo practical for us.  It houses light bulbs, linens, and trays.

Image by Kat Phillips, TheGrayAttic.com

In the last few years, I have been seeing campaign hardware more and more in bathrooms and kitchens.  I love brass so I think it looks terrific, and there is something so beautifully aged about the campaign hardware look.

What do you think of campaign hardware in a kitchen?

Barry Benson

The Hunted Interior

The Hunted Interior

The Hunted Interior

Source Unknown

House and Home

House and Home

House Beautiful

Or in a bathroom?

Iconic Kelly Wearstler Bathroom

Van Rozeboom Interiors

Source Unknown

La Dolce Vita

What are your thoughts?  Would you like campaign hardware in your kitchen or bathroom?  Do you have any elsewhere?