Although you may be tempted to ignore door knobs and other furniture, they can set the tone of a space. The doors of grand houses have been an opportunity to show wealth throughout history. Highly decorative and delicate knobs for doorways were made for Versailles’ Palace of Versailles. Their elaborateness has waned with interior trends.
In fact, for centuries, doors in smaller households were often closed using a lock and key at the very least. For those who are less wealthy, a piece or string was used to close them. Door knobs began to become more popular in the early 1700s. The style and material of these knobs varied depending on where they were made. They could be made from wood, wrought-iron latches or porcelain knobs.
Doorknobs used to be simple and easy for most people. However, as new materials became more readily available and production increased during Industrial Revolution time, the knobs evolved into more elaborate designs. The 18th century saw the rise of reeded knobs, made from solid brass or wooden and etched with concentric rings on a lathe. These knobs served two purposes: decoration and practicality. The ‘Bloxwich knob’, still in use today in Georgian and Regency period homes, is a simple rectangular shape with concentric ring.
Doorknob with reeds in antique brass
Victorians introduced new designs like the beehive, larger back plates, and an octagonal knob to their doorknobs. Later, simpler bun handles were popularized in Edwardian terraced cottage homes and are still common.
Victorian Bun Door Handles
While lever handles were used extensively in Tudor homes, they are not widespread. Walter Gropius was the Bauhaus’s first director. In 1923, Gropius designed a handle that would be one of the first Bauhaus products to be sold in order to raise money. Gropius was followed closely by other 20th-century designers and architects who were drawn to the simple door handle.
How to choose door handles
It can be overwhelming to choose from so many door handles. However, this is an item you will touch multiple times daily. David Gray, Corston Architectural Detail product director, said, “We strongly believe the tactile parts are important in the home that you interact with every single day. They should be enjoyable to utilize.”
David notes that there is no right or wrong choice in the type of door handle you should use. However, beehive-style doorsknobs are the best option for period homes, while modern door levers will look better. Angelica Squire is an interior designer. She agrees with David that traditional hardware is more appealing than modern, modern styles. Even in modern designs, there is something timeless about a lock or handle that is classically designed.
David says that the colour you choose will depend on the decor in the room. Angelica suggests a consistent look with kitchen cabinet handles and sockets. David says that it’s best to have a coordinated look. Angelica, however, prefers to “mix and match metals throughout a design scheme, rather than being a slave only one finish.” But just because the switchplates are made of brass doesn’t mean that handles should be. You should consider whether you want your door handle to be subtle or bold. David says that an antique brass handle can be stunning against a reclaimed timber door.