FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Question about historic door hardware…

rasher | Posted in General Discussion on March 10, 2009 06:31am

I’m just finishing up a bathroom in my 120 YO house. All of the hardware in the bath is chrome, while all of the hardware in the rest of the spaces (window sash locks, sash chain, etc) is brass.

I need to replace all of the door hardware in the house b/c it’s a cobbled together mess. Since I’m buying new knobs, escutcheons, and hinges, how do I approach the hardware finish for the closest accuracy?

Do I order chrome knobs for the bath and brass in the adjacent room? What about hinges? Or am I overthinking the thing?

Thanks for any advice.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. RickD | Mar 10, 2009 08:08pm | #1

    You are right that chrome was generally used in bathrooms and kitchens.  Rejuvenation has a lot of excellent period repro hardware, awesome quality, not cheap. 

    Here's a link to their "advice" section, it has some of the info you may be looking for http://www.rejuvenation.com/advice_ideas/index.html?iqg=deb4d6563c32468b6dfbb95eea9b62cd

  2. kate | Mar 10, 2009 10:29pm | #2

    Get your hands on a catalog from VanDyke's Restorers - they are, of course, on the net, too, but I like looking at the actual page - they have a terrific range of hardware, including some iron lever latches that adapt to those horrible tube latches, which I hate but have many of - and they are not quite as expensive as Restoration.  My house is 300 years old, so I'm looking for a little different look, but they have a lot of brass -

  3. brad805 | Mar 10, 2009 11:49pm | #3

    What to replace the hardware with will depend quite a bit one the architectural style of the home.

    Designerhardware (.com) sells many different lines of high end door hardware.  Baldwin, Ashley Norton, Emtex, Rocky Mountain and several others produce some nice re-production hardware.

    Its up to you how far you take it.  It is easy to overthink things, but wow can you spend a bundle in the end.  I picked out an entrance handle set I liked, and it was $2300 (yes, only one).  If money is no object, great, I would have an architect help out with these decisions.  If not, then I would focus on the areas that are important to you and stick to a consistent concept. 

    Brad

  4. rasher | Mar 11, 2009 12:12am | #4

    The question I have, restated:

    Hardware in one room (bath) is chrome. Hardware in adjacent room (bedroom) is brass. How do I treat new door knobs? (One brass / one chrome OR both brass OR both chrome)

    1. kate | Mar 11, 2009 12:24am | #5

      Brass on the brass side, chrome  on the chrome side - the better hardware manufacturers provide this option - otherwise, you just do a little swapping.

      Good luck with your old house!

    2. brad805 | Mar 11, 2009 01:49am | #7

      I know Baldwin offers different finish/knob/Est... from side to side in the images line.  Thats what I am doing in my bath since my bath fixtures are chrome.   

      I would match the hinge finish to the knob finish on the hinge side.

      Brad

    3. Howard_Burt | Mar 11, 2009 02:13am | #8

      Rasher,

      You are looking for a hardware set with what's called a split finish. It used to be very common. Everyhing on the bath side would be chrome; hinges, knob, escutcheon, door stop etc. Opposite side would match the rest of the house.

      Remember that some hardware needs to be handed when it's ordered in a split finish.

    4. User avater
      Jeff_Clarke | Mar 11, 2009 05:08am | #9

      Do I order chrome knobs for the bath and brass in the adjacent room? What about hinges? Or am I overthinking the thing?

      You aren't overthinking it at all - proper hardware requires a great deal of thought.

      Now, you said your house is 120 years old ... is that really close (ie 1889)??  If so, and if you are really restoring c. 1889 bathrooms, they didn't have chrome in use then.   Typical door hardware might have been mineral knobs, porcelain knobs (both of which you can still get in antiques or reproductions, or possibly metal - but NOT chrome, which didn't come into widespread use until the early 30s.

      However, if the bathrooms were added at a later time (quite possible) then you need to get an approximate date for their addition - this was common (adding bathrooms) in the 20s and 30s since newer houses were being built with them.

      Prior to 1930 or so, an alternative to brass on the interior side of a bathroom door would have been nickel (which does tarnish) - chrome came along and quickly replaced nickel in the early 30s.

      Here's what a c. 1889 bathroom might look like (faucet not original):

      View Image

      meticulously restored 1889:View Image

      circa 1889 sink with original fittings and hardware:View Image

      c. 1900 bath:View Image

      You may be able to tell from these if your bathroom is from a later period.  By the way, dates are *usually* stamped into or inked onto the bottom of porcelain sinks and the underside of toilet tank lids. 

      Jeff

      PS - if 120 years old was +/- 50 years (ie a wild guess) please say so!PPS - post a pic of your hardware/bathroom if you can't date it and I'll try.

      Edited 3/10/2009 10:12 pm ET by Jeff_Clarke

      1. User avater
        Sphere | Mar 11, 2009 08:37pm | #13

        I believe you are right, the last home I was working on that was built in 1913 was nickle in the bathrooms and not chrome. Worn away on the window latch hardware ( casements with keepers and stays) and the other fixtures were in pretty good shape, considering the age.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

        Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

         

        They kill Prophets, for Profits.

         

         

  5. BryanSayer | Mar 11, 2009 01:21am | #6

    In my house (1901) we have chrome on the bath side and something black and shiny on the public side. The first floor has fancier knobs, but the more utilitarian doors (basement) have either black or brown knobs.

  6. barmil | Mar 11, 2009 05:30am | #10

    Something to consider is that that 1930's or earlier "chrome" isn't really chrome. It's usually tin plate over brass, which has a deeper, more luxurious looking finish than does chrome. Rejuvenation has lighting fixtures with the old tin finish, and they show the difference from what's in Home Depot or others. I've also found their products to be easier to keep clean and shiny, as well. Try to preserve that shiny tin plated door hardware on the inside of your bathroom, but if you can't, Rejuvenation has good substitutes. Also, replacement chrome door hinges are readily available. Chrome (tin) metal and white china fixtures are standard for a 30's bath when disease was a problem at that time and sanitation was paramount. This was also why bathrooms then had so much tile -- so easy to keep clean and sanitary. Now I see younger people ripping out that beautiful tile in their old bathrooms, and it's saddening.

    1. User avater
      Jeff_Clarke | Mar 11, 2009 08:45am | #11

      Pre-1930 - Dull nickel or polished nickel - generally not tin.

       

      Jeff

  7. User avater
    edarchitect | Mar 11, 2009 08:01pm | #12

    Jeff, below, is correct. If it was built before 1935, the interior would most likely be polished nickel. The exterior would likely be brass and mixing the finishes on door latch sets was very common and can still be done with many manufacturers. The brass would not have been polished and lacquered. It probably was raw brass and tarnishes quickly with use. "Antique Brass" finish was developed to imitate this, but this modern finish varies a lot in quality. You may have more problem finding unlacquered brass for the outside than finding polished nickel for the inside. Try Rejuvenation in Portland.

    http://www.rejuvenation.com/index.html

    or buy it from a recycler like Hippo Hardware and have it replated.

    1. User avater
      Jeff_Clarke | Mar 11, 2009 08:59pm | #14

      "The brass would not have been polished and lacquered."Lacquered no ... polished, probably, depending on how many servants you had and how busy they were doing other things.  The Victorians were very interested in bling ;o).

       

      Jeff 

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done

From work boots to power tools, these favorite picks make perfect gifts for moms and women who build.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
  • Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done
  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data