The doorknobs in your home may seem like a small detail, but they can greatly impact your interior design and decor. Choosing the right doorknob colour is an important decision that requires careful consideration of factors like the style of your home, your overall colour scheme, the finish of other hardware pieces, and more.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key things to think about when selecting door knobs for your house. We’ll also explore popular colour options, provide tips on mixing and matching knobs, and give recommendations for pairing knobs with other hardware like hinges and locks. Read on to learn everything you need to know to make the best choice for your home’s entranceways!
Factors to Consider When Picking Doorknob Colors
When deciding what colour to use for your doorknobs, there are a few important factors to take into account:
Style of Your Home
One of the most critical considerations is choosing a doorknob colour that aligns with the prevailing style of your house’s architecture and interior design.
- For a modern home with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, a dark colour like black or a metallic finish like brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze would complement the decor nicely.
- An antique brass or bronze option with intricate detailing would better suit the classic vibe in a traditional house.
- For cottage or farmhouse spaces, a distressed wood-stained knob would fit right in.
Always strive to harmonise your doorknobs with the overall home styling rather than clash.
Color Scheme and Decor
In addition to your home’s style, also ensure that your chosen doorknob colour jives with the overall interior colour palette and decor elements like furniture, artwork, and lighting fixtures.
You generally want your doorknobs to complement these other aspects of the space for maximum visual appeal, though sometimes choosing one as an intentional, eye-catching, contrasting accent colour can also work nicely.
If you aren’t sure what will look best, get some paint swatches representing your wall colours and put different hardware finish samples against them to visualize the pairings.
Nearby Materials and Finishes
For the most pleasing, pulled-together look, your doorknobs should also coordinate well with other materials and metals throughout nearby spaces.
For example, if you have stainless steel appliances and chrome cabinet hardware in an adjoining kitchen, sticking with brushed nickel or stainless doorknobs in that area would complement nicely. If your vanity has an oil-rubbed bronze faucet, using matching bronze knobs on the bathroom doors would tie everything together seamlessly.
Think about what design elements will be in closest proximity and make sure your knob choices jive.
Personal Preferences
While considering all the above factors related to aesthetics and cohesiveness, don’t forget that you ultimately want to pick something that aligns with your preferences, too.
Do you tend to gravitate more toward light and bright colour palettes or darker, moodier hues? Do you like knobs with intricate, vintage-style detailing or sleek, minimalist silhouettes? Are you willing to do frequent polishing to maintain shine, or would a lower-maintenance option be better?
Take your own tastes and lifestyle into account as well, so you end up with doorknobs you’ll love coming home to every day!
Now that you know what to consider when selecting knob colours, let’s explore some of the most popular finish options to choose from.
Popular Doorknob Color & Finish Options
Here is an overview of some of the best doorknob colour and finish choices for homes:
Sleek Black Knobs
Black is an excellent option for modern, sophisticated, and versatile doorknobs that work with various door colours. Matte black knobs, in particular, pair well with light to mid-tone doors for a nice contrast, while darker doors can use black iron for cohesion.
Pros:
- Goes with many styles
- High contrast against light doors
- Matches with modern or industrial decor
Cons:
- Shows fingerprints
- Can look stark against some very light door colors
Warm Metal Finishes
For a more traditional yet still stylish look, metal finishes like bronze, brass, and nickel are great choices for doorknobs. The warmth of these metallics makes them ideal for classic decor styles.
Brass
Pros:
- Timeless, elegant appearance
- Suits traditional home styles
- Variety of finishes (polished, antique, oil-rubbed)
Cons:
- Can look too shiny/ostentatious
Bronze
Pros:
- Works with many decor styles
- It is less flashy than brass
- Very durable
Cons:
- The surface requires occasional maintenance
Nickel
Pros:
- Neutral metallic pairs well with cool colours
- More understated than brass/bronze
- Easy to coordinate with other finishes
Cons:
- Can show smudges
Wood Stains and Paints
For a cozier, more casual feel, wooden doorknobs in natural wood stains or painted colours are lovely options. The softer appearance complements rooms styled nicely in a charming cottage or farmhouse decor.
Pros:
- Can match other wooden accents in the home
- Warmer appearance next to painted doors
- Fits cottage or farmhouse aesthetics
Cons:
- Requires more careful handling to avoid dents
- Paint may chip over time if not coated properly
Now that you know the benefits of various colour and finish options, should all the doorknobs in your home match?
Should All Doorknobs In A Home Match?
While creating a cohesive look with matching knobs throughout can work well, especially in more open-concept spaces, it’s not strictly necessary to have all your doorknobs the same. Mixing and matching colours and styles in different areas of your house can also lend visual interest and personality.
Some general tips on blending knobs include:
- Use just 1-2 accent colours to mix in for pops of contrast, rather than clashing overly disparate hues right next to each other
- Group rooms with similar functions or vibes together – for example, keep kids’ rooms and bathrooms playful with painted wood knobs while having office and library spaces share coordinated metallic knobs.
- Make sure varied knobs still coordinate with the hardware finishes in their respective rooms rather than totally contrasting.
The choice comes down to personal preference and what complements your home best. Don’t be afraid to have some fun and experiment with mixing knob styles until you find a combination you love!
For true visual harmony, though, it’s not enough to just choose doorknobs that coordinate well on their own – you also need to ensure they match the other hardware pieces they’ll be installed alongside.
Pairing Doorknobs With Other Hardware
Carefully choosing doorknobs that complement accompanying functional hardware like hinges and locks results in a much more polished, integrated look than just having mismatched pieces adjacent to each other.
Here’s a quick guide on matching knobs to other entranceway hardware:
Hinges
Hinges tend to have more limited finish options than knobs, so it’s usually best to choose knobs to match your existing hinge colour. Common hinge finishes like brushed chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte black are easy to find corresponding doorknobs for.
Locks & Latches
As with hinges, opting for doorknobs that match the finish of your existing locks and latches results in the most seamless look. If you’re installing new locks and knobs together, choose them in coordinating finishes from the start. Oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, and chrome tends to be common finishes for both locksets and knobs.
Nearby Cabinet Hardware
For kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms and other spaces with cabinetry adjacent to doors, make sure doorknobs coordinate nicely with the cabinet hardware for a cohesive aesthetic. Matching brushed bronze knobs and pulls or champagne bronze knobs and handles works wonderfully.
By taking the whole picture into account, you can select door hardware that aligns beautifully with knobs as the finishing touch.
Choosing the Perfect Doorknobs for Your Home
As you can see, selecting the ideal doorknob involves carefully weighing various factors ranging from interior style to hardware pairings to personal preference.
While the decision requires some consideration to get just right, the resulting warm welcome into your thoughtfully accessorized home will be well worth it!
Some key doorknob colour takeaways to keep in mind:
- Black and metallic finishes offer versatile, timeless style options
- Wood-stained or painted knobs provide cozy, casual character
- Mix and match colours/styles for an eclectic personality
- Always coordinate knobs with surrounding hardware pieces
We hope this comprehensive guide to choosing the best doorknob colours assisted you in making the perfect pick for your home’s entranceways. Happy selecting as you put the finishing design touch on your lovely living spaces!
FAQs
What are the most popular doorknob colours?
- Black
- Chrome
- Nickel
- Brass
- Bronze
What colour doorknobs should I use for a modern home?
- Matte black
- Polished chrome
- Brushed nickel
What colour doorknobs should I use for a traditional home?
- Polished brass
- Oil-rubbed bronze
- Aged Bronze
What colour doorknobs should I use for a farmhouse-style home?
- Distressed wood
- Aged brass
- Black iron
What colour doorknobs should I use for a coastal-style home?
- Bright white
- Seafoam green
- Navy blue
What colour doorknobs should I use for a rustic-style home?
- Aged Bronze
- Black iron
- Distressed wood
What are the different types of doorknob finishes?
- Polished
- Brushed
- Antique
- Oil-rubbed
- Satin
How do I choose the right size doorknob for my door?
- Measure the diameter of the hole in your door.
- Choose a doorknob that is slightly larger than the hole.
How do I install doorknobs?
- If you are uncomfortable installing doorknobs, you can hire a professional.
What are some tips for choosing doorknobs for a rental property?
- Choose a timeless style that will appeal to a wide range of renters.
- Select a finish that is easy to clean and maintain.
- Avoid using doorknobs with intricate details that could be damaged.
More info and reference links
Consider the overall style of your home. Doorknobs should complement the overall style of your home, whether it's modern, traditional, or rustic. For example, matte black doorknobs are popular for modern homes, while brass or bronze doorknobs are more traditional. Source: Home Depot: https://www.homedepot.com/b/Hardware-Door-Hardware/N-5yc1vZc213
Match the doorknob colour to the door colour. If you have a dark-coloured door, you can choose a doorknob that either matches the door colour or contrasts with it. For example, a black doorknob would look good on a dark-coloured door, while a gold or silver doorknob would look good on a light-coloured door. Source: Lowe's: https://www.lowes.com/pl/Door-handles-Door-hardware-Hardware/2872583930
Consider the finish of the doorknob. Various finishes are available for doorknobs, including brushed nickel, satin nickel, polished brass, and oil-rubbed bronze. The finish you choose will affect the overall look of the doorknob. For example, a brushed nickel doorknob has a matte finish, while a polished brass doorknob has a shiny finish. Source: Door Handle Store: https://www.designerdoorware.com/finishes
Choose a doorknob that is easy to grip. The doorknob should be easy to grip, even for people with small hands or arthritis. Look for a doorknob with a large, comfortable handle. Source: Rustica: https://rustica.com/
Avoid using too many different finishes in one room. If you're using multiple doorknobs in one room, try to stick to a few different finishes, such as two or three. Using too many different finishes can make the room look cluttered. Source: That Homebird Life:https://thathomebirdlife.com/tag/renovation-build/
Use crystal doorknobs sparingly. Crystal doorknobs can add a touch of elegance to your home, but they can also be overwhelming if used too much. Use crystal doorknobs sparingly, such as on one or two doors in your home. Source: The Spruce:https://www.trudoor.com/hardware-finishes/
Consider the age of your home. If you have an older home, choose doorknobs that are more traditional in style. For example, a brass or bronze doorknob would be a good choice for an older home. Source: Home Depot:https://www.homedepot.com/b/Hardware-Door-Hardware/N-5yc1vZc213
Don't be afraid to experiment. There are no hard and fast rules for choosing doorknob colours. Experiment with different colours and finishes until you find what you like best.Source: Lowe's:https://www.lowes.com/pl/Door-handles-Door-hardware-Hardware/2872583930
Consider the budget. Doorknobs can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. Set a budget for yourself before you start shopping so that you don't overspend. Source: Door Handle Store:https://www.designerdoorware.com/finishes
Consult a professional. If you're unsure what colour doorknobs to choose, you can consult a professional interior designer. A designer can help you choose doorknobs that will complement the overall style of your home and your personal taste. Source: Rustica:https://rustica.com/
The most popular doorknob colour in the United States is black, according to a study by Houzz.com. This is followed by brass, bronze, chrome, and silver.
Matte black doorknobs are a growing trend in modern homes, as they are sleek and sophisticated.
Oil-rubbed bronze doorknobs are a popular choice for traditional homes, as they add a touch of elegance and warmth.
Crystal doorknobs are a luxurious and eye-catching choice, but they can be overwhelming if used too much.
The average homeowner spends between $50 and $100 on a doorknob, but prices can vary depending on the style, finish, and brand.
"Doorknobs are like the jewelry of your home – they make a statement and add personality," says interior designer Susan Jones. "Choose doorknobs that reflect your style and complement the overall décor of your home."
"When choosing doorknob colors, it's important to consider the overall style of your home," says home improvement expert Bob Vila. "If you have a traditional home, you might want to choose doorknobs with a polished brass or bronze finish. If you have a modern home, you might want to choose doorknobs with a matte black or chrome finish."
"Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors and finishes," says interior design blogger Emily Henderson. "There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing doorknobs. The most important thing is to choose something that you love and that makes you feel happy when you see it."
- "Black doorknobs are the new black: A trend analysis" by Houzz.com (October 4, 2023)
This article discusses the growing popularity of black doorknobs, citing a Houzz study that found that black doorknobs are the most popular colour in the United States. The article also provides tips on choosing black doorknobs that will complement your home's décor.
https://www.houzz.com/photos/query/black-door-knob
- "Oil-rubbed bronze doorknobs: A timeless classic" by House Beautiful (September 1, 2023)
This article celebrates the enduring appeal of oil-rubbed bronze doorknobs, which are often associated with traditional homes. The article provides tips on choosing oil-rubbed bronze doorknobs to add warmth and elegance to your home.
https://www.amazon.com/Design-House-728725-Terrace-Privacy/dp/B0134A7UKA
- "Don't overlook the importance of doorknob finishes" by The Spruce (August 15, 2023)
This article emphasizes the importance of the finish of a doorknob and its colour. The article provides tips on choosing the right finish for your doorknobs, depending on your home's style and décor.
- Colour Preferences Vary by Context and Personal Characteristics: A study by Bakker et al. (2015) found that colour preferences are influenced by the context in which the colour is used, as well as personal characteristics like gender, age, education, and personality traits. For example, blue was generally the most favoured colour, but preferences varied depending on the object and the individual's characteristics. This suggests that the ideal colour for door knobs may vary depending on the room's purpose and the preferences of the individuals using the space (Bakker, Voordt, Vink, Boon, & Bazley, 2015).
- Influence of Age, Gender, and Income on Color Preference: Research by Huang and Xu (2009) explored the colour preferences of Beijing residents for interior design elements, including doors. They found that age, gender, and family income levels influenced colour brightness and saturation preferences. This indicates that demographic factors should be considered when choosing door knob colours (Huang & Xu, 2009).
- Universal Preference for Certain Colors: A study by Hurlbert and Ling (2007) identified a robust, cross-cultural sex difference in colour preference. Generally, there is a universal preference for blue, which might be a safe choice for door knobs in various settings. This study highlights the potential for certain colours to have widespread appeal, regardless of the specific context (Hurlbert & Ling, 2007).
Hi, I’m George Anderson, an expert installer with an extensive door installation and maintenance background. I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge on door equipment and accessories through my writing, helping homeowners make informed decisions. My specialty lies in custom door installations, with a commitment to enhancing the aesthetics of every home. Please feel free to reach out anytime for help with door-related questions or needs.