You only have one chance to make a good first impression, which has a fueled an entire industry focused on curb appeal. And, what does a visitor do when they arrive at the front door? They ring the doorbell, of course. Recognizing this, Rejuvenation has three new midcentury modern doorbells — and they looks to be pretty faithful reproductions of the styles we often see, New Old Stock on ebay, from manufacturers like Nutone, Kwikset and Hall-Mack.
These doorbells — including the super fun atomic starburst — all great for a midcentury ranch house or coolonial — come in three designs, each in three finishes. They aren’t very expensive — $22 to $32. If you are a purist, you can still keep an eye out for authentic stock, I see it fairly regularly on ebay. Some readers have reported installing vintage doorbells with no problem, and they worked immediately. I do not have personal experience with this. But I do want to note: I have been told it’s smart to rewire old stuff, even if it’s never been used; consult with a pro. Link: Midcentury style doorbells from Rejuvenation.
I love this doorbell. I just installed it on our ’58 ranch, and was completely surprised to find that it was lighted! I must have overlooked that little detail when I purchased it, but it was a very welcome find.
I also purchased the narrow star doorknob escutcheon, but it doesnt quite fit on my door. The previous owners installed a gaudy new multi-paneled, designed glass door, which I have been looking to replace with a flush-wood door. I have had a hard time finding one with offset or widely spaced knob and lock holes. Any suggestions? Big box hardware stores look at me like I’m crazy and point me towards those tacky mcmansion doors.