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. Continue reading
A Girl's Guide to DIY 