Thinking about Door Hardware 7/3

I grew up thinking that doorknobs were all made of brass and came in just one size, the traditional round knob, pictured below. It's interesting that my mother, who would spend days obsessing about finding just the right switch plate cover to match a room's decor, never took on doorknobs.

After

So here I was "forty-something" before I realized there were at least a dozen manufacturers of artistic door hardware in pewter, cast iron, and yes, brass. I stumbled upon a specialty retailer a couple of years ago when I was searching for the perfect bathroom faucet. (Yes, I confess, I obsess a bit, too.)

Before

Here in the same store was this wall of doorknobs, hinges, latches in all manner of styles from rustic colonial to sleek modern nickel. I was enthralled.

Gradually, I've been replacing the hardware on my ten inside and outside doors. It's kind of my reward for selling an extra article or getting a writing job that I hadn't expected (or budgeted for).

Like most all treats, specialty door hardware doesn't come cheaply. However, unlike that trip to the Bahamas or lobster dinner, it ought to last a lifetime -- or maybe more. In addition to specialty design stores (look in the yellow pages), you can find interesting door hardware on online auction sites, such as eBay. Be careful on the sizes, however, if you buy online. Not all doorknobs will fit every door. Antique stores that deal in salvaged doors and windows and estate sales are also good sources for period hardware.

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• Designing for Small Spaces
• Basics of Color Design
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