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Choose the Right Doorknob for the Job
Your home's entire style may just turn on the right doorknob. These examples can help you select wisely
Houzz Contributor. I am a former magazine editor specializing in travel and design. I just completed my first remodel, turning my crumbling 1941 kitchen into a beauty of grays, whites and natural wood. If I could, I'd sleep on the countertop. That's how much I love it.
You can also read my parenting blog on Baby Center http://blogs.babycenter.com/author/sschoech/
Houzz Contributor. I am a former magazine editor specializing in travel... More »
Yes, I do understand that doorknobs are not the sexiest topic of conversation. But trust me, they are more important than most people can possibly imagine. Before remodeling our first floor (that sounds grand, but it's the size of a studio apartment), I can honestly say that doorknobs never crossed my mind. There were so many "big" decisions to make (paint, tile, appliances) that I never even considered them.
Fast-forward a little and there I am, in the greatest knob store in the world (that's Jackson's Hardware in San Rafael, California) having a knob nervous breakdown. Because as it turns out, they make a huge difference, tipping the style of your home in one direction or another. The materials, the shapes, the finishes, the rosettes — it's a lot to take in.
In the end, I learned a lot of doorknob speak and a few good tips:
• Make sure all the doorknobs in view of one other have the same color and finish.
• The shape of the rosette changes the look of the entire door.
• Do not accidentally install privacy knobs (ones that lock) on your closet doors.
• You do not have to remodel the whole house to change out your doorknobs and make a big improvement.
That's it. You are now on your own. Go forth and choose well. Here are some nice examples to help you on your journey.
Fast-forward a little and there I am, in the greatest knob store in the world (that's Jackson's Hardware in San Rafael, California) having a knob nervous breakdown. Because as it turns out, they make a huge difference, tipping the style of your home in one direction or another. The materials, the shapes, the finishes, the rosettes — it's a lot to take in.
In the end, I learned a lot of doorknob speak and a few good tips:
• Make sure all the doorknobs in view of one other have the same color and finish.
• The shape of the rosette changes the look of the entire door.
• Do not accidentally install privacy knobs (ones that lock) on your closet doors.
• You do not have to remodel the whole house to change out your doorknobs and make a big improvement.
That's it. You are now on your own. Go forth and choose well. Here are some nice examples to help you on your journey.
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What we finally settled on: egg-shape sand-casted bronze in a silver patina finish with a modern, rectangular rosette. This style goes with our original 1941 doors and our more modern remodel. Plus, they feel really nice in your hand.
by ClubBaltica
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Here's a much more modern version of the egg-shape knob. A small, round rosette keeps it looking sleek.
by SB Architects
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Lever handles are very popular in Europe, and in a way they make more sense physiologically (no wrist twisting). This black one with a rectangular rosette bridges the gap between traditional and modern, like this bathroom. (Also, check out those cool rope pulls on the drawers.)
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This oval rosette, black finish and dual plate (lock and knob are separated) create a more traditional look for a more traditional door.
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A stainless finish and a single plate (lock and knob on the same rosette) give this room and door a clean, modern feel.
by MuseInteriors
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A cut-glass knob is so lovely. It can be simple and unobtrusively pretty, as it is here.
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A cut-glass knob can be much more ornate when paired with a traditional rosette. In this room, it helps establish the era and mood.
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A classic beauty. Isn't she lovely?
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Ceramic knobs are old-fashioned and tend to look country cottage. But if your style is eclectic, you can make them work in any setting.
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A playful ceramic knob is the perfect lead-in to this colorful, modern nursery.
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A classic barn handle pull.
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Not so traditional handle pulls. The symmetry in this entryway is amazing. It's always a good idea to look at the shapes surrounding a door when choosing knobs or handles.
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Sliding doors don't need knobs that turn. This number-two pull is pretty clever.
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Your exterior knob should match your door and the facade of your home. Your house would pretty much have to be covered in ivy and contain a library to get away with these center-mounted beauties.
Browse doorknobs in the Products section
Browse doorknobs in the Products section
Ideabook published on April 25, 2012.
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