You might be tempted not to pay attention to door handles and door furniture, but they can really set the tone for a room. Doors, frames, and furniture in grand homes have always been a way to show wealth. For example, the Palace of Versailles had highly decorated and delicate knobs that were made for their doors.
For centuries, the doors of smaller homes were closed with locks and keys, or string for those less fortunate. However, door knobs became more common in the early 1800s. The material and style of the knobs would depend on where they were located. These included knobs made of wood, wrought iron latches and knobs made out porcelain and ceramic.
Doorknobs were initially simple for most homes. But as more materials became available and production increased during Industrial Revolution, they evolved into more decorative designs. In the 18th century, reeded door knobs were made from solid brass and wood, with concentric rings that are turned on a lathe. They served a purpose beyond decoration. They also proved practical, being easier to hold. The “Bloxwich” knob is a simple, round-shaped shape with concentric rings. It is still very popular in Regency-period homes.
Antiqued brass reeded doorknob
Victorian times increased the decorative element by introducing larger back plates, beehive patterns, and a variety of door knobs. Plainer bun handles became more popular in Edwardian cottage and terrace properties. They are still very common today.
Victorian Bun Door Handles (pair)
However, levers were only widely used in the early 20th century, with the exception of some very grand Tudor homes that had lever handles. Walter Gropius, the Bauhaus’s original director, created a handle in 1923 that was a high-end modernist product. This Bauhaus product became the first to be sold to raise funds for the group. Gropius was followed in his footsteps by Gio Ponti and Arne Jacobsen and Jasper Morrison, among others.
How to choose the right door handle
Although the sheer number of door handles can be overwhelming, they are something you will use many times per day. David Gray, Corston Architectural Detail’s product director, says, “We believe that tactile aspects of your home are very important. Therefore, they should be enjoyable to use.”
David says that while there are no set rules regarding the style of door handle, beehive-style knobs are the best for period properties. Door levers, however, will look more modern. Angelica Squire, interior designer, agrees that it is better to use traditional hardware in a home than modern designs. Even in modern schemes, there is something timeless and luxuriously elegant about a classically-designed handle or lock.
The colour of your room will determine the color you choose. David suggests that you consider the overall design scheme of the room before choosing a finish for the door handle. Angelica recommends that kitchen cabinet handles, sockets and switches be coordinated. However, he says it is a good idea to keep the look cohesive. Angelica said her preference is to mix and match metals rather than being restricted by one finish. Switchplates can be brass but that doesn’t necessarily mean the handles must be brass. Consider whether the door handle should blend in with the background or stand out. David states that an antique brass handle looks great against a reclaimed wood door.
