Right before we installed the hardwood floors upstairs, we mentioned how we repainted all the blue trim and doors upstairs to freshen things up.
Those freshly painted doors still needed one small detail: new knobs.
We’ve refinished hardware before, but many of the original knobs were rusted, pitted, or simply didn’t function properly. Some were jammed, didn’t turn, or wouldn’t lock, so replacing them felt like the right call.
Replacing knobs and hinges is much more budget-friendly than swapping out every door. The doors looked great after a fresh coat of glossy white paint, so we focused our budget on new knobs and hinges (we found contractor packs of hinges at the big-box store, which helped keep costs down).
For the knobs we wanted a balance of classic style to suit the house and a touch of uniqueness to add interest. We considered many options and narrowed them down to a shortlist that felt right for the updated look. Here are a few of the styles we considered:
- A white porcelain knob with a pewter stem
- A dark-toned antique-style knob
- A chrome knob with a square backplate
- An oil-rubbed bronze knob with a rectangular backplate
- An oil-rubbed bronze knob with crystal detailing
- A plated decorative knob
- A polished chrome egg-shaped knob
- An oblong oil-rubbed bronze knob
- A simple chrome knob
- A satin-nickel egg-shaped knob
- A crystal-accented satin nickel knob
- A classic oil-rubbed bronze knob
- A uniquely shaped satin-nickel knob
- A dark-toned lever
It wasn’t an easy choice. Many felt like they would work, but our budget and the overall look we were after narrowed the options. We’ve long loved the combination of rich mocha floors, crisp white trim and doors, and dark knobs for contrast—it’s a classic look that suits our home. Seeing inspiration photos that featured a rectangular backplate behind the knob convinced us that the added architectural detail would be perfect.
Ultimately we selected the oil-rubbed bronze knob with the rectangular backplate for the four bedrooms and a similar, slightly simpler knob for the two bathrooms so everything felt cohesive. For closets we used the cheaper, non-locking versions or dummy knobs where appropriate, which was a small savings across many doors.
Before completing the purchase we searched for a coupon and found a code that saved us 10% and provided free shipping, which reduced the overall expense.
We’re excited to see how the new knobs and dark hinges finish off the upstairs. The combination should reinforce that fresh-yet-classic feeling we’ve been aiming for.
It’s wild to think that just a few weeks ago the upstairs hallway looked completely different.
The old carpet and blue trim feel like a distant memory now that we’ve moved in. It’s surprising how quickly a space feels new after a few targeted updates. That’s why before photos are so valuable—so you can always look back and appreciate the transformation.
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