door knob designing

Knobs and Knockers (Pt. 2)

In the second part of our Knobs and Knockers blog, we look at the furnishing for your front door, including your door knob design. Double entendres aside, there's a huge array of designs out there, from fun to functional knockers, letter plates, letterboxes, door bells and escutcheons. So, where do you start?

door handle design
image courtesy of Joseph Giles

Whether you have a period property, a contemporary home, conversion or a development, what you put on your front door is your calling card. Door design is a fun way to showcase luxury interior design and is the first impression for guests. Although some homeowners will want items that are purely practical, others will crave a design that expresses their personality, interest or hobby.

Given the choice on the market, selecting the right door furniture can be a challenge. The best way to start is to first consider the architectural style of your house, the appearance of the door, and your own personal taste. By doing this in the first instance, you will be able to choose a door knocker and accessories that suit your needs, while adding style and personality. So, whether you're looking for something with period grandeur, rustic simplicity or the downright quirky, considering its potential surroundings comes first.

Classic door knockers

door knob designers
image courtesy of Joseph Giles

Classic door knockers are built to be sturdy and useful rather than ornate. A simple and elegant door knob design will suffice for those who are interested in creating a clean, polished look with more emphasis on functionality than individuality. Alternatively, if you're planning to install a door knocker, but also hoping to sell the property in the near future, it’s best to pick a classic design that will not distract potential buyers.

Door furniture designs drift through history, from the Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian, Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts and Art Deco periods, with influences from artists such as William Morris and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. If you're in doubt about what to do, then use a luxury interior designer that will be able to advise on your choices and reign in any temptation you might have to choose a large pixie design in favour of something more tasteful. Ideally, you want something with lasting appeal, classic good looks, but with a hint of the contemporary – the George Clooney of knockers.

knobs and knockers
image courtesy of Joseph Giles

So, unless you really want a quirky styling, putting fairy tale creatures (elves, imps, fairies) and many more mischievous characters such as Bugs Bunny or even Charles Dickens aside, the next step is to choose other, complementary, accessories (door latch, letter box, escutcheons…).

When you've made your selection, check that the condition of your door is as good as it can be in terms of paint and finish. Then consider where you want to place your items. Your knocker, for example, should fit in the middle, at about head height, and be in proportion to the size of your door. Next is how you want to mount your door knocker. Would you prefer the knocker as a surface or through-the-door design. The latter is more secure, but will leave permanent holes. Ideally, you want door knob design and surrounding door furniture to be noticeable without being overwhelming.

Even if you primarily use the more popular door bell, it's worth buying a door knocker for aesthetic reasons and as a useful alternative should the bell no longer work. Just make sure the knocker is sturdy and loud enough by having a built-in strike plate. The strike plate will amplify the noise made when the knocker is used and protect the surface of the door from damage.

door knob design
image courtesy of Joseph Giles

Antique Knockers and Door Furniture

Some door knockers and door furniture are made from wrought iron or painted steel. Other designs are made from brass or copper. If you like an aged feel, going for an antique from new copper can take a long time to develop this look naturally. Antique shops and reclamation yards are the perfect place to find knockers and door furniture with this anitqued look.

So, take your time to make your selection. If you need advice, good luxury interior designers could steer towards something you never thought of which could be exciting. Essentially, what you're aiming for is something to emphasize the attractiveness of your building and perfectly blend with the rest of it. Perfectly chosen door furniture should have that certain je ne sais quoi, that touch of class, with just enough interest and charm to give visitors an intriguing clue about the owner's personality. Oh, and try to stay away from the pixies!