If you want to upgrade your door set, these choices from Weiserlock are beautiful and very classic — they definitely have a retro feel to me. When you are out at estate sales and inside mid century houses, make sure to notice little details like this. I remember one sale about two years ago just down the street from me… the modern house had the most gorgeous door sets… identical throughout the house – quite similar to the Weiserlock Troy above, although smaller. I remember that the slightly smaller scale, the repetition throughout the house, and the great “hand feel” made them so special. I am sure I looked nutso, pausing among the frenzy to adore them.
In terms of finish – I need to pay more attention to what I see in vintage homes, but in general, I think there weren’t many choices. Go brass in the main house, chrome in the bathrooms. In a 40s house and for some reason – Capes, I think that crystal knobs are delightful. Little touches like this — like diamond earrings — can make our little boxes oh so delightful.
This post was originally published on June 30, 2008.
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- Richmond
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- Troy
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- Ventana
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- Phoenix
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Pam, Just thought I would add that in my 1946 Cape Cod Ranch there is also a chrome handle on the kitchen door that goes to the main hallway — chrome on the kitchen side and brass on the hallway side. Same for the bathroom door. No glass handles and I wish there were.
I think it’s so important to get the hardware right when restoring any house. Those smaller details of the house have the power to make or break a good renovation. Pam has observed that they’re the jewelry of the house, so don’t overlook them. I like these pieces a lot, especially the Troy. Their slightly smaller size is great!
Jane is correct: it’s all in the details. I just went through a major drama trying to replace a badly damaged door knob set on my bathroom door. Try finding interior door knobs in chrome finish and tulip shaped (also called bell-shaped, both similar to the Richmond seen here)! Yikes! Lots of brass, lots of faux-bronze, lots of brushed stainless, but no chrome. I ended up special ordering through a local locksmith and waiting several weeks for the delivery … and I paid premium for it. But it was worth it!