This week we’re revisiting some of the most popular summer stories from the archives. Here’s one:
Consider this our ode to the humble hardware store, the affordable emporium of just about anything you need (and several things you didn’t know you needed). The wares in a hardware store epitomize beauty in function: These are practical workhorses, often designs that haven’t changed in decades (or even centuries). They’re built to last, sometimes multi-purpose—and many of them are surprisingly good-looking.
Over the years several hardware store essentials—from drop cloths to trusty porcelain light sockets—have made their way into each of our arsenals and become Remodelista icons. Here are the hardware store favorites we’ve returned to, and used in our own homes, again and again.
N.B.: We’re advocates of supporting your local hardware store—the dustier, the better—but if shopping online is easier, national stores do the trick, too.
1. Silver-Tipped Lightbulbs
![silver tipped lightbulbs look more expensive than they are and add a touch of g 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/archipelago-soft-white-silver-tipped-light-bulbs-home-depot-733x489.jpg)
2. S-Hooks
![think of the simple s hook as the tiny unsung hero of organization: it can hang 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/stainless-steel-s-hook-grainger-733x489.jpg)
3. Classic Clothespins
![old fashioned wood clothespins aren\2\17;t just for the laundry line: th 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/50-pack-natural-wood-clothespins-lowes-733x489.jpg)
4. Twine
![similarly, the hardware store roll of twine can be used for wrapping leftovers, 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/harold-import-regency-natural-cooking-twine-ace-hardware-733x489.jpg)
5. Porcelain Light Sockets
![the simple porcelain light socket is a favorite on the remodelista editorial te 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/leviton-porcelain-keyless-lampholder-home-depot-edited-733x489.jpg)
6. Candles
![hardware stores are a surprisingly good source for basic candles of all sorts. 22](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/emergency-candle-white-walmart-733x489.jpg)
7. Clamp Lights
![justine, alexa, and meredith have all, with the help of spray paint, transforme 23](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/hdx-150-watt-incandescent-clamp-light-home-depot-733x489.jpg)
8. Ball Jars
![in our quest to eliminate as much plastic from our lives as possible, we use gl 24](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ball-wide-mouth-mason-jar-ace-hardware-733x489.jpg)
9. Flour Sack Towels
![scour the hardware store for simple cotton kitchen towels like these cotto 25](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/nouvelle-legende-cotton-flour-sack-towels-amazon-733x489.jpg)
10. Copper Scrubbers
![cruise the hardware store aisle for hardworking pot brushes and copper scrubber 26](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/copper-pot-scrubbers-lehmans-733x489.jpg)
11. Terra Cotta Pots
![the ubiquitous hardware store terra cotta pot is a classic in the garden— 27](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/terra-cotta-clay-pot-true-value-edited-733x489.jpg)
12. Clothespin Bags
![rather than their intended use, we use clothespin bags over the arm of the sofa 28](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/honey-can-do-clothes-pin-bag-home-depot-edited-733x489.jpg)
13. Retractable Clotheslines
![a small space essential: a retractable clothesline, for hanging laundry, o 29](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/retractable-clothesline-bed-bath-beyond-733x489.jpg)
14. Galvanized Pails
![sturdy, good looking metal pails in all shapes and sizes can be used to tote cl 30](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/behrens-10-quart-galvanized-pail-home-depot-733x489.jpg)
15. Cast-Iron Pans
![a welcome hardware store regular: the indestructible cast iron pan. the lodge \ 31](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/lodge-cast-iron-skillet-amazon-733x489.jpg)
16. Tension Rods
![use a simple tension rod as a no screw curtain rod, or mount one inside a kitch 32](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/interdesign-shower-curtain-rod-brushed-satin-silver-733x489.jpg)
17. Wooden Clothes Hangers
![we like wooden clothes hangers for their durability, uniformity, and ability to 33](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/muscle-rack-natural-wooden-hanger-30-pack-home-depot-733x489.jpg)
18. Drop Cloths
![cotton drop cloths are our secret design weapon: among us, we\2\17;ve be 34](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/9-by-12-canvas-drop-cloth-harbor-freight-733x489.jpg)
19. Plumbing Pipes and Fittings
20. Dustpans and Brushes
![shop the hardware store for practical wood handled brushes of all sorts, like t 37](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/esschert-design-12-inch-metal-dust-pan-wood-handle-broom-home-depot-edited-733x489.jpg)
21. Multi-Use Brown Paper
![rolls of brown paper can be used for lining shelves, wrapping gifts, covering t 38](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/trimaco-medium-weight-grade-brown-masking-paper-ace-hardware-733x489.jpg)
22. Workhorse Fan
![another dependable hardware store find: the hardworking metal fan. a powerzone 39](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/high-velocity-personal-fan-westpointe-true-value-hardware-733x489.jpg)
23. Brooms
![well made brooms need not be expensive; look at your local hardware store for a 40](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/do-it-best-warehouse-corn-broom-733x489.jpg)
24. Folding Clothes Racks
![hardware stores tend to carry our favorite laundry workhorse: the collapsible w 41](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/honey-can-do-large-wood-knockdown-drying-rack-edited-733x489.jpg)
25. Peg Boards
![pegboard can be used as good looking wall storage all over the house, from the 42](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/one-piece-hardboard-pegboard-lowes-733x489.jpg)
More tried-and-tested Remodelista essentials, see:
- The Ikea Essentials: Editors’ 10 Favorite Kitchen Tools
- Editors’ Picks: 10 Storage Finds From Ikea That We Own and Love
N.B.: This story originally ran on February 21, 2019 and has been updated.
Frequently asked questions
What are some essential budget hardware store finds for design DIY?
Some essential budget hardware store finds for design DIY include items such as screwdrivers, paint brushes, sandpaper, utility knives, measuring tapes, clamps, and safety goggles.
Where can I find screwdrivers and what types are recommended?
Screwdrivers can be found in hardware stores, and recommended types for design DIY include Phillips head and flathead screwdrivers in various sizes.
What types of paint brushes should I look for in a hardware store?
For design DIY, it is recommended to look for paint brushes with synthetic bristles that are suitable for both latex and oil-based paints. Different sizes of brushes may also be needed for different projects.
Is sandpaper available in hardware stores and what grits are commonly used?
Yes, sandpaper is commonly available in hardware stores. Grits such as 100, 150, and 220 are commonly used for various sanding purposes.
Do hardware stores sell utility knives and why are they important for design DIY?
Yes, hardware stores sell utility knives which are essential for design DIY tasks such as cutting and scoring materials like wallpaper, cardboard, and packaging.
Are measuring tapes necessary for design DIY projects?
Yes, measuring tapes are essential for accurate measurements in design DIY projects. They can be found in hardware stores in different lengths and materials.
What are clamps used for in design DIY and where can I find them?
Clamps are used to hold materials together during gluing, painting, or drilling. Hardware stores have a variety of clamps available, including spring clamps, bar clamps, and C-clamps.
Why are safety goggles recommended for design DIY and can they be purchased from hardware stores?
Safety goggles protect your eyes from potential hazards during design DIY, such as flying debris or harmful chemicals. Hardware stores typically have safety goggles available for purchase.
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