Charming Details: How Vintage Style Doorknobs Enhanced Our Home Design

SEE HOW VINTAGE STYLE DOORKNOBS TRANSFORMED OUR HOME AND A FEW PRACTICAL TIPS FOR SELECTING THE PERFECT ANTIQUE-INSPIRED HARDWARE FOR YOURS!

When we set out to renovate our home, I knew I wanted to create a space that felt timeless — a mix of old and new that would tell our story.

the-honeycomb-home-bathroom — *interior doorknobs*

While big changes like flooring and wall colors made a difference, I quickly learned that it’s the smaller details that truly bring a home to life. One of my favorite additions?

Vintage style doorknobs.

sunroom-doorknobs — *swan lever exterior door hardware*

These little pieces of hardware did so much more than I expected. They didn’t just open doors — they transformed them! Adding vintage-style doorknobs to our home brought character, warmth, and an undeniable touch of charm to every room.

Why I chose vintage style doorknobs

vintage style doorknobs with backplate — *interior knobs*

A few years ago, in our old house, we swapped every doorknob for antique brass knobs with backplates, and the change was incredible. After living with them, I knew I could never go back to plain, basic knobs in our new home.

It’s the kind of upgrade -like dishwashers or cell phones -that becomes impossible to give up once you’ve tried it.

beautiful vintage style antique brass doorknob with backplate — *interior door sets*

In today’s world of sleek, minimalist hardware, vintage designs stand out because they feel personal. I didn’t want our home to feel like a cookie-cutter renovation. I wanted pieces with texture and soul — the kind that make you stop and take a second look.

Vintage-style doorknobs have that effect. Like antiques, they tell a story, whether they’re inspired by early 1900s brass designs, glass knobs from the 1920s, or ornate Victorian styles. For me, they added a sense of history to our new construction.

Where to find the best vintage-style doorknobs

antique brass doorknobs with backplate — *doorknobs on french doors*

All the doorknobs in our new house (as well as our last house) came from Nostalgic Warehouse. I love their brand and the antique gold finish on their knobs. (Not all antique gold finishes are created equal)!

The doorknobs held up really well in our old house; they are of good quality, and their customer service is excellent.

If you’ve been struggling to find doorknobs that don’t look super generic, this is where you want to look. Their vintage‑style knobs are so pretty and actually feel like they belong in an older home (in the best way). When I was picking out hardware, I fell in love with how much character and detail their pieces have, especially the ones with backplates.

What I like most is that they don’t just look good in photos; they feel solid and well‑made in person. You know how some knobs look nice but feel flimsy? Not these. They have that old‑house quality you can’t really find at the big box stores. And the finishes, especially the antique brass, are gorgeous and look even better as they age.

If you’re updating your doors, I can’t recommend them enough. It’s one of those little upgrades that makes the whole house feel more finished.

French-doors-on-bedroom-closet-with-white-curtains — *french doorknobs*

Don’t forget to check sizing and compatibility before you buy. Different doors may require different-sized hardware. The customer service reps at Nostalgic Warehouse can easily help you with that.

How these Doorknobs Changed the Look of Our Home

french-doors-leading-to-sunroom — *swan lever exterior knobs*

Swapping out our builder-grade knobs for vintage-style doorknobs made an instant impact. Simple doors become a design feature.

What I love most is how they blend seamlessly with both old and new elements in our home. They work with our vintage country accents just as well as with our more modern furniture pieces, proving that good design is timeless.

Tips for Choosing Your Vintage Style Doorknobs

Here are a few tips to help you chose vintage style doorknobs.

vintage style door knob with long plate — *swan lever entry*

Match the vibe of your home, whether farmhouse, Victorian, or mid-century, choose styles that complement your architecture.
Mix or match materials? Either works; I loved a cohesive look, but I also appreciate mixed metals.
Don’t skip the backplates, they are the extra layer of vintage charm that really makes the knobs stand out!

small details = big impact

vintage style exterior door hardware doorknobs — *front door knobs*

Sometimes, it’s the smallest changes that make the biggest difference. Adding vintage-style doorknobs gave our home the character I’d been craving and makes a subtle design statement.

If you’re renovating or just refreshing a space, consider this charming little upgrade. It’s amazing how a simple doorknob can make your whole home feel more thoughtful, historic, and beautifully lived-in. Everyone who comes to the house comments on them!