100 Years of Ironmongery. A Century of Trust.
From a traditional Birkenhead ironmongers to a specialist online supplier serving customers across the UK, our story is built on family commitment, expert knowledge and a belief that good service should never go out of fashion.
Discover Our Story ↓One Hundred Years. And Still Doing Things Personally.
In 2026, we are proud to celebrate 100 years since the founding of the ironmongery business from which Door Furniture Direct grew.
It is a milestone that means an enormous amount to us. Not simply because of the number, but because of everything that sits behind it: the people who have worked here, the customers who have trusted us, the families who have supported the business and the knowledge passed on through decades of experience.
Our roots stretch back to Robert Bernard & Son, established in Birkenhead in 1926. What began as a traditional supplier of ironmongery and hardware has evolved into Door Furniture Direct, bringing specialist door furniture and architectural ironmongery to customers throughout the UK.
Today, you can order online from wherever you are. But behind the website is a real business with real people, a long history and a genuine understanding of the products we sell.
We may have changed how we sell ironmongery. We have not changed what matters to us.
From our historical archive: the beginnings of a century-long ironmongery story.
When We Say Family Business, We Mean It.
There is a difference between calling yourself a family business and living the reality of one.
For us, family business means years of hard work, personal sacrifices, early mornings, late evenings and a commitment to keeping something going not just for today, but for the future.
It means building a business while raising families. It means working to give our children opportunities, supporting them through education and into adult life, and putting time and energy into something that matters to more than one person.
That personal involvement shapes how we approach our customers. We care about the reputation we have built, the relationships we maintain and the experience people have when they choose to buy from us.
When a customer contacts us, they are not simply an order number. They are someone trusting our family business to help them get something right.
Our Story Through the Years
From traditional shop counters and handwritten orders to a modern online business, every chapter has helped shape who we are today.
Where It All Began
The story begins with the establishment of Robert Bernard & Son in Birkenhead, Merseyside. The business supplied the essential tools, builders' hardware, locks, handles and ironmongery needed by tradespeople and local customers.
At a time when customers relied on their local ironmongers for practical knowledge as much as products, personal service and an understanding of the trade were fundamental.
Becoming Part of the Local Community
As the decades passed, Robert Bernard & Son continued serving customers in Birkenhead. The shop became part of a long-established local tradition of specialist hardware merchants.
Customers came looking for everything from everyday door fittings to more unusual pieces of ironmongery, supported by the knowledge of people who understood the products.
A Continuing Business Legacy
Robert Bernard & Son Ltd was incorporated in April 1980, marking another chapter in the history of the business.
While the business structure developed, the underlying purpose remained familiar: supplying reliable ironmongery and helping customers choose the right products for their projects.
Specialist Knowledge, Changing Times
By 2015, the world of retail had changed enormously. Customers increasingly expected the convenience of browsing and ordering products online, alongside the reassurance of dealing with an experienced supplier.
Our historical photographs capture a business that continued adapting while retaining its connection to traditional ironmongery.
Traditional Expertise Meets Online Convenience
Door Furniture Direct brings our specialist product knowledge to customers across the UK through a modern online shop.
Our range covers door handles, locks, hinges, front door furniture, cabinet fittings, window hardware and many other essential architectural ironmongery products.
Customers can browse online while still having access to knowledgeable staff who can help with questions about products, specifications and suitability.
Celebrating Our Centenary
One hundred years after our roots were established, we are celebrating the people, products and relationships that have helped our business endure.
Our centenary is both a celebration of the past and a commitment to the future: to keep sharing our knowledge, sourcing quality products and offering the personal service that has always mattered to us.
1926–2026. One hundred years of ironmongery heritage, with more still to come.
Experience You Cannot Put in a Box.
Technology can make ordering easier. But when you need the right advice, there is no substitute for someone who genuinely knows what they are talking about.
Decades of Real Experience
Some of our team have been with the business for over 30 years. That means decades spent handling products, answering questions and helping customers solve practical problems.
Speak to Someone Who Knows
When you telephone us, you can speak to our team directly. We believe a knowledgeable conversation is often far more useful than being passed around a call centre.
Finding the Right Fitting
From matching a replacement handle to checking dimensions or understanding a particular fitting, our aim is to help you make a well-informed choice before ordering.
Our showroom allows customers to see and discuss a selection of products in person.
Behind Our Website Is a Real Team of Ironmongery Specialists.
Buying door furniture online should be convenient. But we also know that choosing the correct product isn't always straightforward.
You might be replacing a fitting on an older door, trying to match an existing finish, checking measurements or coordinating products for a renovation.
Sometimes you need more than a product photograph and a price. You need the reassurance of someone who understands what you are buying.
That is why we continue to value the personal side of our business. You can contact us with your questions, discuss your requirements and benefit from the experience our team has developed over many years.
Our showroom and local services also keep us connected to the traditional, face-to-face side of the ironmongery trade.
Contact Our TeamWhat 100 Years of Heritage Means for You
Our history matters because of what it has taught us about products, people and looking after customers.
01. Quality Matters
We take product quality seriously. We carefully consider the hardware we supply and draw on our experience when assessing products, materials, finishes and suitability for everyday use.
02. Knowledge Comes First
We understand that the cheapest or most popular fitting isn't necessarily the right one. Our team can help you consider dimensions, compatibility, style and practical requirements.
03. Relationships Are Important
Our long-standing relationships with suppliers have developed over years of working in the trade. These connections help us source and supply a broad range of ironmongery.
04. We Care About Service
We aim to respond to enquiries promptly, provide helpful answers and make the ordering experience as straightforward as possible. Personal customer service remains central to our business.
05. We Remember Our Roots
Although we now serve customers nationwide, our history is firmly connected to Birkenhead. We continue to value our local customers, showroom and collection services.
06. We're Here for the Long Term
Reputation matters to a family business. We want customers to return, recommend us and feel confident that they are dealing with a business that stands behind its service.
Specialist Ironmongery for Every Kind of Project
From restoring a period property to fitting out a modern home, our product range reflects the changing needs of customers while retaining our connection to traditional hardware.
Door Handles & Knobs
From classic brass and traditional designs to modern finishes and contemporary styles.
Explore Door Furniture →
Front Door Furniture
Letter plates, knockers, entrance fittings and finishing touches for your front door.
Explore Front Door Fittings →
Cabinet & Furniture Fittings
Handles, knobs, pulls and hardware for furniture, kitchens and cabinetry.
Explore Cabinet Hardware →
From One Replacement Handle to a Complete Renovation.
Over the years, our business has helped customers with a wide variety of projects, large and small.
Our customers include builders, joiners, contractors, landlords, maintenance professionals, interior designers and homeowners taking on their own improvements.
Some customers know exactly which product they need. Others have an old fitting, a measurement and a photograph, and need help working out what to order.
We believe both deserve the same attention.
Whether you are choosing a single door knob, updating your home's hardware or sourcing fittings for a larger project, our aim is to make specialist ironmongery easier to understand and buy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Business
How long has Door Furniture Direct been in business?
Our ironmongery heritage dates back to 1926, when Robert Bernard & Son was established in Birkenhead. In 2026, we celebrate 100 years since the founding of the business from which Door Furniture Direct grew.
Is Door Furniture Direct a family business?
Yes. We are proud of our family-business identity. Our story involves years of personal commitment, hard work and dedication to building a business with a long-term future. Family values and personal service remain important to the way we operate.
Where is Door Furniture Direct based?
Our business has its roots in Birkenhead, Merseyside, where Robert Bernard & Son built its reputation as a traditional ironmongery supplier. Today we serve customers across the UK through our online shop.
Can I speak to someone about choosing the right door hardware?
Yes. Our knowledgeable team can help with product enquiries, measurements and choosing suitable hardware. Call us on 0151 652 3136 or visit our contact page.
Do you only supply professional tradespeople?
No. We supply both trade professionals and members of the public. Whether you need one replacement fitting or hardware for a larger project, you are welcome to shop with us.
Can I see products before buying?
We have a showroom with a selection of ironmongery and door furniture on display. Please contact our team before visiting to confirm current opening arrangements and whether the products you want to view are available to see.
What types of ironmongery do you sell?
Our range includes door handles, door knobs, locks, hinges, front door furniture, window fittings, cabinet hardware and a broad selection of related architectural ironmongery and accessories.
What makes Door Furniture Direct different?
Our combination of a century of ironmongery heritage, a genuine family-business approach, experienced staff and personal product advice. We offer the convenience of online shopping with the reassurance of dealing with an established specialist business.
Thank You for Being Part of Our Story.
To everyone who has visited our shops, worked with us, supplied us, recommended us or placed an order over the years: thank you.
Our centenary belongs to the people who helped make it possible. We are proud of our past, grateful for the trust our customers place in us and excited about the years ahead.
One hundred years of heritage. The same commitment to doing things properly.
Shop Door Furniture Speak to Our Team