Throwback Doorknob

Here’s a quick and easy way to add some character to an ordinary modern door–replace the builder’s grade doorknob with a vintage crystal knob.  Crystal knobs can be easily found in resale shops, stores like Anthropologie, even at Home Depot.

Like all good things, however, it’s a bit trickier than simply swapping one knob out for the other. Vintage knobs have a square stem rather than the half-moon shaped stem of modern knobs. This requires a mortise latch bolt, which can be easily and cheaply found on the Internet (I purchased mine from Home Depot for under $10). Additionally, older doors are typically solid wood and thicker than most modern doors; hence, the knob’s stem is often too long.

 

I solved that problem by purchasing a small casing block from the wood trim department at Lowe’s and used it as a knob plate. I drilled a hole through the center of the block and simply passed the stem of the doorknob through it, adding the necessary inches to the back of the door.

Voila! For a modest amount of money and time, this vintage crystal doorknob added a bit of charm and character to an otherwise ordinary bedroom door.