If you’re restoring a historic home or simply love the charm of vintage details, finding the right door knobs for antique doors is an essential step. Authentic antique door hardware adds character and period accuracy, but sourcing high-quality pieces can be a challenge.
There are many places to look for antique door knobs, each with its pros and cons. In this guide, we’ll explore your best options and share tips on choosing the perfect pieces for your project.
Where to Buy Antique Door Knobs
1. Flea Markets & Antique Shops
Flea markets and antique stores can be great places to stumble upon unique hardware. These locations often carry authentic, one-of-a-kind pieces, and the thrill of the hunt can be exciting.
🔹 Pros: You might find rare or unusual door knobs at great prices.
🔹 Cons: Selection is hit or miss—some days you’ll find a treasure, and other times, nothing at all. Antique stores often have just one or two pieces, making it hard to find matching sets.
2. Online Marketplaces (eBay, Etsy, Auctions)
Shopping online opens up a world of possibilities, offering access to a vast selection of antique door knobs from all over the country (or even the world). If you’re looking for something specific, marketplaces like eBay or Etsy may have exactly what you need.
🔹 Pros: Huge variety and easy browsing from home.
🔹 Cons: Hard to verify condition and authenticity without seeing items in person. Returns can be tricky, and some sellers may not disclose wear, missing parts, or size incompatibilities.
3. Architectural Salvage Shops
Architectural salvage shops specialize in reclaimed materials from historic buildings, making them a natural choice for finding antique door knobs. They often carry full sets with matching backplates, and you may even find entire vintage locksets.
🔹 Pros: Authentic, salvaged hardware that fits period homes.
🔹 Cons: Inventory isn’t always cleaned, organized, or restored. Some pieces may need extra work to make them functional again.
4. Dedicated Antique Hardware Specialists
For a curated selection of authentic, high-quality antique door knobs, shopping with a specialized antique hardware dealer (like us!) can be the best option. These shops focus on antique and vintage hardware, ensuring that items are carefully restored, cleaned, and ready to install.
🔹 Pros: Guaranteed authenticity, period-correct hardware, and expert guidance to help you choose the right fit.
🔹 Cons: Prices may be higher than flea market finds, but you’re paying for quality and convenience.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know where to find antique door knobs you know it can take time, but the results are well worth the effort. Whether you enjoy the hunt at flea markets or prefer the ease of shopping from a trusted antique hardware specialist, there are plenty of ways to bring history back to life in your home.
If you’re looking for a carefully selected collection of authentic antique door hardware, browse our inventory—we’re always adding unique, period-appropriate pieces to help complete your restoration project. If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, reach out to us—we have an extensive inventory that hasn’t made it to our website yet!
Have a question about antique door knobs? Let us know —we’re happy to help!