We’ve been waiting for a good reason to update the hardware on our front door, and knowing it was about to be on camera was the kick-in-the-keister we needed to finally tackle the project. Thankfully some dead hydrangeas that we recently returned to Lowe’s put $80 back in our pockets to cover the $50 project cost and then some. So we’ll take you through the process and show you how to switch out your front door hardware with ease.
The existing brass doorknob set clashed like crazy with our almost-black oil-rubbed bronze porch lights and black shutters, plus the old deadbolt required a key to lock it from the inside… so annoying. So I was more than happy to move them off of our door and into our trash can:
Next was the relatively easy task of slipping in the new oil-rubbed bronze doorknob and deadbolt. The only hitch there was that the existing hole for the knob was slightly too small for the new hardware. But a makeshift chisel (i.e. flathead screwdriver + hammer) allowed me to carve out a larger hole in no time. Oh yeah, and the other little problem was that some red paint peeled off with the old brass hardware… oops.
First we took a simple “paint over” approach to the peeling problem after some light sanding, but we quickly realized that we could still see the ridge between the new and existing coats. So, Sherry upped her game and slapped on some spackle, which would later be sanded and painted over for a seamless finish.
A few coats of Valspar’s Fabulous Red later and our door was as good as new (and now coordinates with the rest of our front porch). Here it is in its “drying” phase:
Oh, and did you notice the bull-ring knocker we added in the process? We had to track it down at a specialty hardware store here in Richmond (called Pleasant’s Hardware), but it was well worth the hunt- and the $23 price tag. And despite it being called “antique bronze” instead of oil-rubbed, it’s the exact same color as our new Quickset doorknob and deadbolt.
Looks great!
Question for you guys, we have a sliding glass door in our kitchen and have white vertical blinds on them. I don’t like the cheap look to them, but I’m wondering what would be better? Any ideas?
Now that is some good looking hardware
I love the bronze look. Do you have the same style of hardware for the rest of the doors inside the house too?
I love that you added a door knocker! One of the very first things we did when we moved in our house was change the door hardware and locks. I want a door knocker now though. :)
Hi, I just came across your blog and I just love it. The oil-rubbed bronze is really nice and I really like that door knocker. It looks great. Good job.
Hi guys! I noticed a comment about tossing your deadbolt and doorknob in the trash…I was wondering if you’re familiar with the Habitat ReStore. They take a lot of home construction items and appliances and re-sell them to benefit the Richmond Habitat affiliate.
Random question- where did you find the print hanging by your couch (looks like a green dandelion from afar)?
Love the new door handles!!!
Thanks for the positive reinforcement, everyone. Now for my long list of responses:
Wendy – do you need the blinds for privacy? Because the simplest way to solve your problem is to remove them and replace with some simple white, floor-length curtains that can stay pulled back most of the time. That would definitely update your look.
Stephanie – all of the interior door hardware is actually brushed nickel. We chose it to match things like our stainless steel appliances, bathroom faucets, light fixtures, etc. It also helps keep our spaces light and airy. But we do love oil-rubbed bronze so we thought the exterior of our house was the perfect place for it – especially since all that brick can really handle the dark bronze color.
Ashley – thanks for letting us know about Habitat ReStore. We had no idea. If our trash-man hadn’t come this morning I’d totally be digging that stuff out. Now we know better for next time.
Cori – the print next to the door is actually from IKEA. We got it about a year ago as a set of photos of random greenery (another one of the prints sits on the top shelf behind our dining room table). A green dandelion is a pretty accurate description of it, actually. I can’t promise its still available, but it definitely was a nice affordable way to fill those frames.
Hope I covered everyone’s questions. Thanks again for the feedback!
-John
Yes, we need them for privacy. I just can’t seem to find what would work in there…
love the new look!
our front door has a brass fixture that i would love to update.
Wendy, if privacy’s key then the white curtains may end up being too sheer to really keep the neighbors from seeing you – especially at night. I’m sure you could find some thicker curtains to match your kitchen decor AND block the view from outside.
As an alternative, depending on the height of the room, you could hang some rolling wood blinds above the sliding door (for clearance purposes). Only catch is that it may get expensive finding a length that goes all the way to your floor.
-John
Thanks for the useful info. It’s so interesting!
I love simple improvements that produce a huge transformation. Looks great!
Love it!
Any suggestions on where to get a similar door knocker if not in Virginia?
Hey Alexis,
Maybe try online or even on ebay? We haven’t seen anything similar at Home Depot or Lowe’s but you could also try a smaller, more specialized place like Ace or True Value as well (or any shop that specializes in hardware/knobs/etc). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
The knocker against the red door is almost like art. Great job guys, this place has really been amazing to watch evolve so far.
My wife is trying to talk me into painting our front door red :) Love the door knocker you added its a nice touch.
Did you replace hinges on all your doors too? Now THAT seems like quite a project! I have brass everywhere and would love to try switching everything but my husband refuses to get involved – or pay anyone to do that!
Nope, we haven’t gotten around to replacing ours yet on that door, but we’ve done it on other interior doors. It shouldn’t be such a big project since the holes are predrilled so assuming you get the same sized hinges in a new finish they should be an easy switch. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Hi Guys,
Love the door color and hardware! I check your blog every morning, thank you for such an inspiring way to start the day.
I was searching your blog to see if you ever replaced interior doors and hardware. My husband and I are just embarking upon this challenge and I was looking for some advice. Also, any thoughts on using oil-rubbed bronze on interior doors? We are trying to decide between this and brushed nickel. Thanks!
We actually haven’t done that yet (and we have yucky hollow core doors so it’s overdue). But as for your question about interior oil-rubbed bronze fittings, we LOVE that idea. Definitely go for it if that’s the finish that tickles your fancy the most. You really can’t go wrong with brushed nickel or ORB, so it’s your call!
xo,
s
Another option when changing out locks hardware is to stick the old hardware in a bag and put it away. If you ever move, then you reinstall the old locks and take the new locks with you. Saves money as you don’t have to buy new locks at your new place. We went with classic brushed nickle when we changed our locks and tossed the old ugly gold ones in a bag, to be kept in the event that we ever decide to sell.
I love the dark brushed metallic on the red.