How to Choose the Right Antique Door Hardware for Your Restoration Project

Restoring a vintage home is a labor of love—every detail matters, especially the door hardware. From ornate Victorian knobs to sleek Art Deco plates, the right piece doesn’t just complete a look—it preserves a story.

In this antique door hardware guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right pieces that match your home’s period, function seamlessly, and add long-term value to your vintage home restoration.

 

1. Identify Your Home’s Architectural Style

Before you start shopping, determine your home’s original design period. Most restoration-era homes fall into one of these categories:

  • Victorian (1837–1901): Intricate brass or bronze knobs, embossed rosettes, and ornate keyhole escutcheons.
  • Craftsman (1905–1930): Simpler, solid hardware in hammered bronze or iron with natural finishes.
  • Art Deco (1920s–1940s): Geometric backplates, chrome and nickel finishes.
  • Mid-Century Modern (1945–1970): Streamlined, minimalistic hardware in brass, steel, or Bakelite.

Not sure of your home’s style? Start with the door shape and trim—those often provide the best clues.

 

2. Prioritize Period-Correct Hardware

Using period-correct hardware maintains your home’s historical integrity. Look for original pieces or high-quality salvaged hardware rather than modern reproductions. Features to check:

  • Material: Authentic antique hardware is most often made from solid brass, bronze, cast iron, or steel—not hollow or plated metals.
  • Patina: A natural aged look suggests authenticity. Avoid overly polished finishes unless restoring for a “like-new” presentation.
  • Construction: Screws, mounting plates, and internal mechanisms often differ between modern and vintage pieces—compatibility matters.


3. Match Function with Form

Form should follow function. Ask yourself:

At Antique Hardware Company, our AI image matching tool can help you find matching pieces to what you already have—or discover the closest stylistic equivalents in our 1,000+ product catalog.

 

4. Take Accurate Measurements

Antique hardware doesn’t always follow modern standards, so precision matters. Measure:

  • Backset: Distance from the door edge to the center of the knob hole
  • Plate or rosette size: To ensure fit and coverage, especially on older doors with wear
  • Spindle size and type: Especially important if mixing old and new parts

If you’re unsure, our hardware measurement guide can walk you through the process.

 

5. Restore or Replace?

Not every piece needs replacing. If your original hardware is restorable, consider:

  • Cleaning and polishing (without stripping patina)
  • Replacing internal springs or latches
  • Ordering matching parts for incomplete sets

But if the hardware is damaged beyond repair—or missing entirely—replacement with authentic vintage items from our curated collection is the best path forward.

 

Final Thoughts: The Hardware Makes the House

Choosing the right antique door hardware is more than a design decision—it’s a tribute to craftsmanship and history. Whether you’re restoring a 19th-century farmhouse or a 1930s bungalow, the right hardware will bring your doors—and your project—to life.

Let Antique Hardware Company be your partner in vintage home restoration. Browse our door hardware collection, use our AI image matcher, or reach out for expert help.

Start your search with our AI Image Matching Tool or explore our Antique Door Hardware Collection to find authentic, period-correct pieces for your next project.

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