When restoring an old door, choosing the right door knobs can make a world of difference. Not only do they enhance the character of your door, but they also provide functionality and authenticity to match the period of your home. Whether you’re restoring a Victorian masterpiece, a farmhouse, or a mid-century classic, there are countless styles, materials, and finishes to explore. Here’s a comprehensive guide to selecting door knobs for old doors.
Understanding Door Knob Styles for Old Doors
Before you start shopping, it’s important to understand the mechanics and compatibility of your old door. The following factors will dictate the type of door knob you can use:
1. Lock Type
- Mortise Locks: Common in pre-20th-century doors, mortise locks require door knobs with a spindle that connects through the door. These are usually paired with ornate backplates or rosettes.
- Rim Locks: Often found on earlier, thinner doors, rim locks are mounted on the surface of the door. They typically work with smaller, simpler knobs, often made of ceramic, wood, or cast iron.
Mortise Lock
Rim Lock
2. Door Thickness
Measure the thickness of your door to ensure the spindle of the knob set is long enough to reach through. Older doors often vary in thickness, especially if they’ve been repaired or modified over time.
3. Distance Between Spindle and Keyhole on Older Doors
The space between the spindle hole (for the doorknob shaft) and the keyhole is an essential measurement when selecting hardware for old doors. If you plan to use a keyhole cover and rosette, the distance between these two features may be flexible. However, if you’re using a full door face plate, the distance between the spindle and keyhole must precisely match the plate design.
Always measure this distance carefully, as older doors often have unique configurations that differ from modern hardware standards. Choosing a mismatched face plate may result in an awkward fit or require significant modifications to your door.
Popular Styles of Door Knobs for Old Doors
Pressed Steel Knobs
- Overview: Commonly used in the early 20th century, pressed steel knobs are lightweight and durable. They were often paired with plain steel or painted backplates.
- Best For: Early Craftsman, Bungalow, or simple farmhouse doors.
Ceramic Knobs
- Overview: Ceramic knobs gained popularity in the mid-19th century and remained a staple for decades. They come in several colors and patterns.
- Styles:
- White or Black Ceramic: Classic and timeless, often used in Victorian homes.
- Brown or Swirl (Bennington): A marbled ceramic finish that adds warmth and uniqueness.
- Best For: Victorian and early Colonial Revival styles.
Glass Knobs
- Overview: Faceted glass knobs became popular in the 1920s and 1930s, often paired with brass or nickel rosettes.
- Best For: Art Deco and mid-century homes.
Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Knobs
- Overview: These knobs are sturdy and simple, reflecting the practicality of rural homes and cottages.
- Best For: Rustic, farmhouse, or early American styles.
Brass and Bronze Knobs
- Overview: Often highly detailed and ornate, brass and bronze knobs are a hallmark of Victorian homes and can be polished or left with their natural patina.
- Best For: Victorian, Edwardian, and Neoclassical homes.
Wood Door Knobs
- Overview: Wood knobs were a staple in early homes due to their availability and ease of production. They are often paired with rim locks or simple mortise locks and feature a natural, warm finish that complements rustic or period homes.
- Styles:
- Plain or Stained Wood: Often found in utilitarian homes or rural settings.
- Ebonized Wood: Dark-stained knobs that mimic the look of more expensive materials like ebony.
- Painted or Lacquered Finishes: Some wood knobs were painted or lacquered for decorative purposes.
- Best For: Early 19th-century homes, cottages, or farmhouses.
- Care: Wood knobs may require occasional cleaning and oiling to prevent drying or cracking, especially if they’re antique.
Notable Manufacturers of Antique Door Knobs
1. P. & F. Corbin
One of the most prominent manufacturers of architectural hardware in the late 19th century, Corbin produced intricate designs in brass and bronze. Their collections include ornate patterns inspired by the Victorian and Aesthetic movements.
2. Russell & Erwin
Known for their high-quality castings and artistic detailing, Russell & Erwin specialized in intricate brass and bronze knobs. Their designs range from Gothic motifs to floral Art Nouveau patterns.
3. Yale & Towne
This company offered a wide variety of knobs, from functional pressed steel models to high-end decorative brass and bronze designs. They were a go-to manufacturer for many period homes.
4. Reading Hardware
Renowned for its elaborate designs, Reading Hardware focused on producing stunning patterns and complete locksets in brass and iron.
Tips for Choosing the Right Door Knob
- Match the Style: Consider the period and architecture of your home when selecting a knob style. A glass knob may look out of place on a rustic door, while a cast iron knob complements it perfectly.
- Check Compatibility: Verify that the spindle fits your lock type, and measure the spindle-to-keyhole distance carefully.
- Pair with Backplates or Face Plates: If your door requires a full face plate, ensure the hardware matches the spindle and keyhole distance. Alternatively, keyhole covers and rosettes offer flexibility and elegance.
- Don’t Forget Maintenance: Antique knobs may require cleaning or minor repairs to restore their original charm.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right door knobs for old doors is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about honoring the craftsmanship and history of your home. Whether you’re drawn to ceramic Bennington knobs, timeless glass, or detailed brass designs, the right door knob will enhance your restoration project.
Explore our carefully curated collection of antique and vintage door knobs to find the perfect fit for your home. If you’re unsure what you need, contact us—we’d be happy to help you select the ideal hardware for your project.