How to Match Door Hardware to Your Period Property: Wooden Vs Brass Door Knobs

Embarking on a period property restoration is likely to be a journey of discovery. You’ll learn about the history of style, and how interior decoration has changed over the years. You’ll also learn more about your own taste and your sense of style. Not to mention the practical things you’ll learn about restoring and replacing original features.

When it comes to replacing door hardware, you’ll discover that there are so many options available that fall under the umbrella of “vintage” or “period”. Learning what works for your home and your style will help to unlock dramatic transformations that help to make all of your renovations look and feel more confident.

In this short guide, we’re looking at how the period of your property should influence the choice of door hardware and how to select styles that will look cohesive and effortless. Armed with this information, you’ll be able to make confident choices as you work through your renovation.

Identify your property period

The first step is to identify the period of your property, which isn’t always easy, particularly if yours sits on the cusp between two periods, or if many of the original features have been removed or covered.

• Georgian properties were built between 1714 and 1837. These homes are known for their grand proportions, symmetry and abundance of light. They are heavily influenced by Greek and Roman architecture.
• Victorian properties were built between 1837 and 1901. These feature a more practical layout, born from the Industrial Revolution. Key features include high ceilings and cast iron fireplaces in key rooms.
• Edwardian properties were built between 1901 and 1910. This period was heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, with more spacious floorplans and airy rooms.
• Art Deco properties were built in the 1920s and 1930s. These homes are characterised by the Roaring Twenties style of luxury, bold aesthetics and machine-age materials.

Knowing the period of your property doesn’t have to restrict your choices, but it can help you to guide you when you are feeling adrift. Think of your property period as the anchor that helps to inform your choices, but you’re always free to depart from this style when it doesn’t align with your personal preferences.

Choose textures and finishes

Your two main choices when selecting door hardware will be between wooden and brass door knobs. Within these textures, you’ll also find different finishes. Let’s explore some of the most popular choices for each architectural period.

Georgian homes favour elegance and simplicity. A simple brass door knob is therefore the obvious choice for this type of home. Over time, the brass develops a beautiful patina, particularly when you opt for one of our unlacquered versions. Reeded designs were also popular during this time.

During the Victorian era, more ornate styles became accessible due to the rise of mass production. The beehive door knob was a popular status symbol. Opt for wood or brass, depending on your personal preferences.

In the Edwardian era, ebonised wood was a popular choice, in line with the Arts and Crafts design movement. The unfussy design of the bun door knob became a firm favourite.

And finally, the Art Deco movement made way for machine-age materials. Styles became more glitzy, so we saw the arrival of crystal door knobs and high shine options like nickel. To inject a touch of sleek glamour into your home, consider the reeded nickel door knob.

Essential tips for matching hardware to your home

To avoid your home looking like you renovated from a catalogue, we recommend varying the style of door knobs throughout. There are lots of ways to break up the flow of door knob styles, and there are also times when it makes sense to keep things all the same.

• When all door handles are visible in a hallway, it looks great when you stick to one style. But you might vary it for one room, such as the bathroom, to help distinguish one room from the others.
• If you decide to use two door knob designs in your home, stick to the same metal and vary the design within this. It helps to keep things cohesive, without being too matchy-matchy.
• Matching your main door hardware to cupboard pulls is a great way to introduce a theme. We love homes that use the mini reeded cupboard pulls in the kitchen, with matching door knobs on the door.
• Remember to think about the scale of the door and match the door knobs accordingly. Georgian homes and early Victorian properties are known for their grand proportions, which often means high ceilings and larger doors. We offer standard size and large size door knobs to help bridge this gap.

Finishing touches

Small features like escutcheons (keyhole covers) can help to bring the look together. You can also find cast iron door hardware and rim locks that lend an authentic period look to any home.