Designing with Vintage Door knobs

The transition from the Victorian era to the Edwardian era was pivotal from a social, cultural and technological perspective. Interior design was also heavily influenced by this important period in history.

The Edwardian era is defined as the period of the reign of King Edward VII from 1901 to 1910. This period was heavily influenced by Victorian design. The Victorian period spanned 1837 to 1901 and was largely defined by an extended period of mourning for the final 40 years of Queen Victoria’s reign.

The end of Queen Victoria’s reign ushered in a “gilded age” for design, social reform and cultural revolution. We can see the unique design influences of the Victorian and Edwardian eras in many period properties. Modern homes can also benefit from the unique design elements characteristic of this time.

In this blog, we’re going to explore the interior design elements that defined this era and see how you can include these elements in your own home. From renovation projects to modern properties in need of some unique character, our selection of vintage door knobs could be just what you need.

An introduction to Victorian and Edwardian door knobs

Interior door knobs are one part of the finishing touches that bring together various design elements. They can also help ensure a renovation is more sympathetic to the period. For modern properties, period door knobs can lend an air of sophistication.

If you’ve moved into a property with original door knobs, you might be in love with the design but not in love with the unreliability. Original vintage door knobs are renowned for getting stuck and trapping people in rooms. To remedy this, we recommend replacing them with faithful reproductions that offer all of the charm of Victorian and Edwardian styles, without the risk of deterioration. These are some of the most popular design choices:

The beehive door knob design

The beehive door knob is an iconic design that suits a wide range of interior styles, including period renovations and modern homes. The rounded design is sleek and sophisticated and is available in a wide range of finishes. This design looks beautiful alongside reclaimed wood internal doors.

The beehive design is synonymous with the Art Nouveau movement, which saw organic lines and natural forms making their way into interior design. This movement can be seen in Edwardian design, across everything including furniture, wallpaper, flooring, fireplaces and hardware fixtures. The beehive’s ringed design is beautifully tactile and provides the perfect finishing touch for a room or hallway.

This rounded design is also perfect for those with young children and pets who might be able to open lever-handle doors with ease.

Brass and nickel door knobs

Brass and nickel were the finish of choice in Victorian and Edwardian homes. Choosing an unfinished design that is not coated with lacquer will allow the beautiful patina to develop over time.

The ringed design looks particularly stunning as the patina develops, as the ridges will become more pronounced. By choosing authentic reproductions, you can enjoy the original design with added reliability.

Wooden door knobs

Fluted wooden door knobs exploded in popularity in Edwardian times. They are typically finished in darker stains (which help to avoid unsightly stains) and may have a reeded, smooth or beehive design. Wooden door knobs are commonly paired with brass or nickel settings, which will develop a stunning patina over time.

How to choose the right door knobs for your home

When choosing the finishing touches for your home, we recommend the following interior design tips:

• Stick to one metal finish in a room. For example, if your radiators have brushed nickel valves and wall stays, stick to this type of finish.
• Your door knobs don’t have to match throughout your whole home, but they should match within a room.
• Raw wood finished doors look stunning alongside dark wooden door knobs, while painted doors offer beautiful contrast against brass or nickel.
• Think about the rest of the hardware to create a sympathetic restoration. For example, heavy oak doors and cottage doors look beautiful with authentic T hinges. This look can also lend a rustic feel to a modern home.
• We also stock all of the finishing touches you need to achieve an authentic restoration. This includes locks, latches and bolts.