Alternate post title: Come And Knob On Our Door. Don’t you love a good forced pun on a Wednesday morning?
Ever since we shared a bunch of doorknob options last week (and ordered the ones we liked the most), we’ve been waiting for them to arrive so that our upstairs doors could finally have some closure. Literally, we couldn’t close any of the doors. So when the box landed on our porch, we got right on installing them.
Like many DIY projects, adding the new knobs was a bit more complicated than we anticipated. The latch assembly was bigger than the existing holes in our doors, so I had to use a drill to carve them out a bit wider. I tried a file at first (as the knob instructions suggested) but it took a lot more time and effort than using the spinning drill bit to chip away at it, so that became my preferred method.
I had to do that on every single door (all eleven of them), so it definitely added to the timeline (and mess) of the project. On five of the doors I also had to chisel out this notch a bit deeper because it wasn’t allowing the latch to stick far enough into the hole where it had to line up with the knobs.
So, what I thought might be an hour of work turned into a four hour drilling and chiseling marathon (oh DIY, you unpredictable beast, you). But in the end, it was time well spent.
I didn’t really realize how unfinished the upstairs hallway looked with all of the naked doors staring at us. Although I’m sure Clara will miss peeking through the open knob holes and making faces.
This is the best I could do to get all of the doors into one shot (the master bedroom – seen above – is behind me). Taking this shot was actually the first time we’ve ever been able to close them all since moving in, which has been especially nice for rooms like Clara’s (no more propping the door shut with a floor pillow for naps) and the bathroom (for, well, obvious reasons).
We’re really happy that we went with the knobs with the big back plate too. They’re a nice traditional touch without looking overly ornate. Sherry says they’re like little exclamation points on every door, which is pretty accurate I think. They sort of quietly make a statement without being crazy and compete-y if that makes sense.
And as mentioned in last week’s post, we opted to put versions without the back plate on the closets and bathrooms to save a bit of dough (they were $10 less). We ended up putting a plated version on the hall bathroom too, just so that it didn’t stick out among the other doorways in the hallway when you get to the top of the stairs. So the plate-less version ended up going on the attic door, since it’s tucked away beyond the laundry area.
There’s also a two-doored linen closet in the hallway (you can see half of it in the fourth picture), but we thought two of the plated doorknobs right next to each other would be too much for that, so it got the basic closet ones on it as well as all of the other closets, which is nice. It blends since everything is the same finish, and it’s sort of a subtle reminder that the doors with the back plates are rooms, whereas any door with a regular knob is just a closet (or the attic storage room).
Last week some folks wondered if/how these doors locked, so we snapped these detail pics. On the inside there’s a little button behind the knob that you can push to lock it, and it unlocks when you turn the knob from the inside. We like having locks around so Clara’s exposed to them and can learn about them (we worry she’d lock herself into her friend’s room or a hotel bathroom or something if she never learned what they were and not to touch them). And it’s nice to know that if Clara were ever to lock herself in, there’s a keyhole on the other side that pops it right open with a flat silver key (see that small hole in the photo on the right below?). We’ve stuck the keys in our junk-drawer for easy grabbing, but so far we have lived with the doorknobs for a few days and Clara has heeded our “please don’t touch that part” requests. Update: Thanks for the tips to put the keys on top of each door! We did that in our houses growing up, but these keys are larger and flat (sort of like a hinge) so they wouldn’t balance on the door frame.
Which is good because we don’t want any funny business going on behind closed doors around here. We already caught Burger playing with Clara’s old play mat. Sneaky chihuahua…
So we’re glad that we don’t have a bunch of holey doors giving us the stink eye, but when it comes to furniture placement, window treatments, closet organization, and paint picks for the walls… let’s just say that we’ve lived here for two weeks and it looks like we moved in two weeks ago. There are still chairs and boxes in weird places, bare walls and mostly bare windows, and a whole lot to be done. But planning is the fun part for us. We’ve been brainstorming late into the night until one of us stops talking and we realize they’re asleep and we’re talking to nobody.
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Audrey says
“We’ve been brainstorming late into the night until one of us stops talking and we realize they’re asleep and we’re talking to nobody.” That cracks me up! #beenthere
Tucker says
Love these, especially with the plate behind. Absolutely classy look! I went with plateless from Look in the Attic & Company, just for price and visual effect, but I think your choice worked just right for your space!
Larissa says
Definitely one of my favorite theme songs ever. They just don’t make ’em like they used to. Unfortunately my husband was not aware that he is supposed to be at the ready to sing the echo. We’re working on it.
Knobs look awesome. A great choice!
Carla says
I can’t believe what a change the new floors, paint and knobs have made already! It looks like a totally different house! Love it!
Lily says
Wow! It’s amazing how quickly your upstairs was transformed! Way to go!!
Autumn Beach says
L-O-V-E love these knobs! AND the Three’s Company blast from the past! Bahahaha! I didn’t think you guys were old enough to know that show even existed!
Katie S. says
That last sentence is my favorite! You two are so presh! :)
andrea says
oh my! I laughed so loud when I read the part about falling asleep while talking late at night about plans for the house…hubby & I are in the planning stages of a new house build, and are constantly tossing around ideas. I’m usually the one left talking when he starts snoring!
Anita says
The new knobs look fantastic. It always amazes me how the little things change the feel of a house so much. I changed all of my 25yr old ivory outlets and light switches to the nice new white Decora switches & outlets. Just that made such an impact on mu walls.
Kathy says
Love the traditional look and I think the doors will show less wear and dirt! I am forever wiping the white doors around the knobs.
Enjoy the planning…it is indeed the fun part. General upkeep…not so much. Great foresight on Clara and locks. I think our daughter was three when the knob came off the powder room door for months…since every time she went in she locked it and wasn’t strong enough to turn the knob. Had forgotten that era. Makes me smile…now.
Kim says
I love the look of the upstairs with the new knobs, hardwood floors and white walls – it reminds me of an old country mountain house, like a B&B, very classic!
Denise says
Wow! What a transformation upstairs. The knobs and doors look great. I noticed your yellow rug curling up at the edge. Does that drive you guys crazy and any ideas for a permanent fix? Overall, have you been happy with that rug?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, that’s our green rug and we have been really happy with it. It was just curled in that one corner where it was walked on a lot. I’ve heard that taping a square of vinyl tile under the corner will solve that. Will have to see if it works!
xo
s
Sara says
I love this post!! We recently just bought our first home and literally, the first thing we did was change door knobs! It makes such a difference. We actually chose almost the same one as you and it is soooo re-assuring to know that you also had to do some work to the doors to make them work. I have followed you guys for a long time now and it’s so great to be doing a lot of the same projects at the same time! Thanks for all the useful tips and can’t wait to see it all come together!
Eri says
> let’s just say that we’ve lived here for two weeks and it looks like we moved in two weeks ago…
Let me tell you, we moved in the current place nearly a year ago, and your place after two weeks looks FAR better, LOL! You guys are doing super and having lotta fun :)
Oh, and I LOVE the knob! Great choice.
Amanda says
We stuck a nail on the back side of the closet door in the hall, that’s where we keep our keys to unlock the bedroom doors. Ours are too big to go over the door, but they have a loop on the end so they hang easily inside the door.
YoungHouseLove says
Really smart!
xo
s
Megan T says
Annnnnnnd now I want to update every doorknob in my house. My husband is going to love this request :) I’ve never seen the back plates before but will definitely be ordering some of those as well. Thanks!!
Suzanne says
They’re beautiful…so much better than brass against the white doors.
We are remodeling a house (new sheetrock everywhere, we ripped out all plumbing fixtures, cabinets, appliances, and lighting fixtures) and will replace all doors. We’ve decided to not have any privacy locks on interior doors.
Three years ago, a former co-worker went to dinner at his girlfriend’s house. He excused himself to use the bathroom. When he didn’t come out in the expected amount of time, his girlfriend knocked on the door. No answer. By the time EMTs responded to her 9-1-1 call and were able to get into the bathroom, he was in a coma and died a week later.
If you have children or entertain a lot of people at once, I understand the need for privacy locks. But please make sure you have a key nearby.
P.S. If you come to our house, we NEVER open a closed door so your privacy is safe!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh, that’s so sad! Always having a key nearby is smart. There are some great comments about where people hide/hang/keep them so they’re close at hand.
xo
s
Stefanie says
Please paint your hallway soon! I can’t wait to see what color you choose and to see it with your new floors, painted trim and door knobs (which I LOVE)!
Ps. I love the close up photo of the door knob with your green rug and vintage dresser in the background. It’s like a “preview” of the potential your home has. :)
Tyra says
You two are machines!! We moved into our first house in December (it’s reminds me of your 2nd-lots if cosmetic changes need to be made) and already your house is looking better than ours! I need to get on trim painting and knob ORBing!
Y’all amaze me!
Marisa says
We’re also looking at some Weslock knobs and wanted to know if they came with both square latch plate and rounded latch plate so that you can use what works for you or if just the square latch plate comes with the knob. I think I confuse the “live chatter” every time and always get a different answer. Any help would be great!
YoungHouseLove says
Just the square comes with the square ones and the round ones comes with the round knobs. They’re as pictured if that makes sense.
xo
s
Sassafras says
Dude, you got ON that!!! I have visions of you guys dressed up like Mr. & Mrs. Roper now! Le’Doorknobs look fantastic! Can’t wait to see what’s behind those doors after you get settled in!! …more More MORE!!!
uh, I mean, please hurry??? …dying to see more.
Ann says
I love the little visual clues you put in about a future Petersik. Your fans eagerly await news…you must feel like Princess Kate sometimes!
Libby says
I’m always surprized to hear that people put locking knobs on the non-master bedrooms. Our last house they had one of the kids bedrooms knob reversed so they could lock the kids into their room…so I thought but maybe they were preventing them from locking themselves IN.
I love the new knobs! Especially with the plates, gives the hall a timeless elegance.
Just may have to cash in some pop bottles for new ones!
Meghan says
I love the look of the new knobs! Fantabulous guys!
Mamaw03t says
Love how the doorknob completes the walls and floors. Great choice.
Giniarmstrong says
Love them! Are you guys going to continue with the same color throughout the house (kitchen drawer pulls, etc.)?
YoungHouseLove says
I think we don’t mind mixing and matching (ex: oil rubbed bronze curtain rods and door knobs with silver lamps and a big silver tray on the ottoman) so I think there could be at least one more finish of metal in the mix.
xo
s
mossum says
Love, love, love these knobs! Missed this the first time and searched to find this post on them.
Unless the key part is really different we just use a nail, works great, is low profile, and sits on top of the molding unseen, at least by me.
Did you buy new hinges too, or did you spray them all to match?
Door upgrades make such a big impact, a realtor friend says that’s the first thing he does when reselling. Yours are solid wood? So jealous! :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the nail tip! As for the hinges, we got a bulk pack of contractor hinges at Home Depot (they’re nice and cheap that way).
xo,
s
Corrie says
Our home has just builder grade brass knobs that we want to change! My question is did you have to change all the hardware on the doors (hinges, plate…) or did you just change the knobs! It seems like an overwhelming task to change all of it!:). Thanks for your help!
Corrie
YoungHouseLove says
We got a contractor’s pack of hinges at Home Depot (they’re cheaper in bulk) and the door plate came with the knobs, so that was nice.
xo
s
angie says
Where did you get the knobs?? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s a post with that info for you: https://www.younghouselove.com/2013/06/knobneeds/
xo
s
Anne Surak says
I am about to purchase these knobs for the doors in my kitchen. I’ve been repainting all the doors, trim and cabinets white and would like to upgrade the hardware. Can you tell me which hinges you went with from myknobs.com to match the oil rubbed bronze handles? I am having a hard time figuring that out since Westlock doesn’t do hinges.
Best,
Anne Surak
YoungHouseLove says
We went to Home Depot and got a contractor pack of ORB hinges, which matched well and were cheap in bulk! Hope it helps.
xo
s
Nicole says
Did you paint your hinges or buy them in the dark color? If you painted them, which brand of metal spray paint do you recommend? We just got new doors and I am painting them white and want black door knobs, but the hinges are silver right now.
Nicole says
Just saw that you bought the hinges, if I would have just looked up! lol –anyway, still recommendations for brand of paint :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, I love the Rustoleum spray paint with the built in primer. It seems more durable and the trigger finger is nicer to handle.
xo
s
Katy says
These knobs and odors are just beautiful. We are replacing our hollow-core doors this month with 3-panel craftsman style. I have a question about the oil-rubbed bronze hardware- does the finish rub off over time? When we were looking at options the sales guy told us the Schlage brand oil-rubbed bronze finish rubs off… Curious about your thoughts now that you’ve had the knobs or a bit.
YoungHouseLove says
We have had them a few months and nothing has rubbed off yet. Even on doors and hinges we use every day. Hope it helps!
xo
s
Amy S says
Loved the look of these so much, we purchased them for our home. We just completed some bathroom remodels and installed these knobs in both bathrooms. They look beautiful, but are *very* stiff (so much so that when they are damp after a shower, our 10 year old could not turn it and got stuck.) Did yours loosen up over time? I am wondering if we should hold off on installing them on the bedroom doors or hope that over time they will work well. Any update would be greatly appreciated!
Also, thanks for the ongoing inspiration! Your upstairs remodel really helped me see what our home could be.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Amy, you’re so sweet! I’m sorry the knobs are being so strange. Ours aren’t loose and shaky or anything, but they’re easy enough for adults and older kids to open (Clara can even open them, she just has to use two hands since they’re nice and solid). Maybe try calling the company to see if they recommend anything (like oiling them or something?). Good luck!
xo
s
Brian (Door Handle King) says
The door knobs you selected look fantastic, really suiting the interior well! Great post :-)
Jackie says
What is the paint color of your upstairs hallway? I really like it!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks! It’s Edgecomb Gray by Ben Moore.
xo
s
Kris says
Just wondering if you still love these knobs. I was online searching for reviews on Weslock knobs and (as always) the reviews are mixed–either cheap and flimsy or sturdy and good quality. I found your site while googling and wondered how they’ve held up for you. I’ve seen reviews claiming they dent and the paint flakes off? I would love to hear what you guys think of them.
Thanks,
Kris
YoungHouseLove says
We love ours! They’re very solid and sturdy. We are really happy with them!
xo
s
Amanda says
How are the knobs themselves holding up? I’m considering these, but the one I bought as sample seemed to be really thin metal in the knob and I’m afraid it would dent too easily. Weird, because the rosette/plate was really sturdy. How have they held up?
Amanda says
Never mind! I just saw Kris’s comment and your answer.