Ingress and Egress

“Be an opener of doors”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ingress and egress, entrance and exit, come and go. Our homes are designed with doors so that we may perform this perfunctory function. But at Look in the Attic & Company, we know that function and beauty should go hand and hand, or more specifically when we think of our doors, knob in hand.  Our door knobs for interior doors are works of art, many utilizing designs culled from the past and given new life through our preservation efforts.  Here are several examples indicating the fine workmanship and detail we consistently provide to our customers.

 

Solid Brass Eastlake Floral Style Dummy Door Knob Set in Antique Brass Finish

 

 

Solid Brass Laurel Style Dummy Door Knob Set in Antique Brass Finish

 

 

Solid Brass Romanesque Style Dummy Door Knob Set in Antique Brass Finish

 

As you take steps to make your home truly unique and reflective of your tastes, consider our  doorknobs to add interest and detail and to set your home apart from all others. Next we will examine the various options available in our doorknob selections, including a purchasing guide to determine which type of knob and backplate you will need. Check back soon for more information, and until then,

 

“Look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else.” 
― Tom Stoppard, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead

 

Victorian Cup and Bin Pulls

     Cup and Bin pulls are a great alternative to traditional drawer pulls and dresser hardware.  If you are tired of the annoying ‘knocking’ sound that often accompanies the opening or closing of a dresser drawer with a more traditional style of hardware, think about trying out this style instead.

decorative cup pull - finished in antique brass

     Cup and Bin pulls offer a more elegant and old-fashioned style of hardware decoration, and are ideal for any type of drawer, particularly those found on dressers and desks.  They are very simple and easy to install and can be a wonderful decorative element in any home.  All you need to replace any of these items is a simple screwdriver; we provide the screws and the pulls themselves.

A fine example of Victorian design work with an oil-rubbed bronze finish.

     You have your choice of several different designs.  Each design was carefully created by master craftsman.  While the items themselves are created in a mold, the molds themselves were delicately hand carved to ensure consistency, with every attention to detail carefully examined.  These pulls allow you to exhibit more detail than traditional swinging handles, and are much more durable.

It is easy to see how a well designed pull can breath new life into an otherwise drab piece of furniture.

     The decoration on the cup is very durable and easy to care for.  A simple swipe of a cloth gets rid of any dust, and depending on what finish you choose there is little more care necessary.  Swinging handles, while very common, are also very cheap.  They are rarely made of a solid metal, and the finish has a tendency to wear down over time.  While the decorative backplate of these designs holds up very well, the worn finish on the handles is very noticeable and cannot be easily replaced.  With cup pulls the design is made so well that it rarely wears down, and if it does it is very hard to notice.

Antique and Victorian Style Door Hinges

When you hear the word ‘Victorian’ in relation to anything architectural or decorative chances are you mine immediately creates the image of something very elaborate or elaborately decorated.  The Victorian era was filled with people trying to constantly outdo each other when it came to buildings and decorating your home, resulting in flourishes and carving and embellishments on everything possible.  Items that were previously only made very simply, like door hinges and door knobs, were soon exhibiting much more intricate designs.  While some items received more attention to detail than others, particularly larger furniture pieces, it was obvious that attention was being paid to every item now instead of just a select few.

Ball Tip Hinge

Door hinges were always something that was seen as nothing more than a functional necessity in homes, and no one ever really thought to add any sort of design element to them.  Fortunately someone soon realized how much of an improvement a little detail could make in a home and started decorating every piece of hardware, particularly door hinges.

Steeple Tip Hinge

The trick of the hinges is that the designs that were so carefully carved and embossed on them could only be seen when the doors are open, which leads people to have a more open and inviting home.  The more decorative hinges someone has in their home, the friendly and more generous they were thought to be.

Antique Brass East Lake Hinge

Show your friends and loved ones how friendly and generous you are by switching out your plain door hinges with these more elaborate Victorian ones.  They add a touch of elegance to even the most modestly decorated home, and blend in with any decorating style.  They are available in several different finishes, making them easy to match with any current hardware you have in your home.  As always, we include any mounting hardware you will need to ensure that these match your home perfectly.

Broken Leaf Pattern Pocket Door Hardware

     The Broken Leaf pattern has long been a popular choice in door hardware, and is exceptionally popular when it comes to pocket doors.  Pocket doors are a great way to make a room feel open while still allowing for privacy when necessary.  While many times these doors remain in their hidden position, many people still find it necessary to provide ample decoration just like with any other door in their home.

broken leaf door pull, polished brass finish

     The broken leaf pattern is intricately detailed, and is available in several different finishes.  It is easy to see that this pattern is best displayed in the antique brass finish, but it still looks fantastic in the polished brass as well as the oiled bronze.  While there are several different options available for pocket door pulls, there are also coordinating push plates available, in addition to pocket door cup style handles.

 

broken leaf style push plate, antique brass finish

     Whether you want to coordinate with other pieces of hardware in your home or just want to create a statement on your pocket doors, the Broken Leaf pattern is definitely a piece that can do this for you.  The amount of intricate details on each of these pieces adds a special touch to any home, and easily blends in with nearly any style of home décor.

a broken leaf entryway set

 

     These pieces are available in a multitude of styles, including locking ones, and there are several different ways you can purchase them.  One of the most popular options is to purchase a set that includes door pulls, strike plates, latches, keys (privacy style only) as well as all of the mounting hardware you need to make sure they are securely installed and that the hardware doesn’t create an unwanted statement.

Eastlake Door Bells

     Almost every home out there has a doorbell attached to the front door, but very few people take the time to coordinate these items to the rest of the hardware in their home.  By taking the extra time and making an effort to choose a doorbell that matches the door handles and other hardware you are showing people that you appreciate antiques and the statement they can make for your home.

One example of the very popular Eastlake style doorbell.

     The Eastlake style is very popular when it comes people wanting to make a statement with their hardware they display in their home. The Eastlake Movement was a nineteenth century architectural and household design reform movement started by architect and writer Charles Eastlake (1836–1906). The movement is generally considered part of the late 19th century period in terms of broad antique furniture designations. In architecture the Eastlake Style is part of the Queen Anne style of Victorian architecture. This style features intricately detailed carvings and engravings, generally out of only geometric shapes.  All of these details were created by using machinery, a modern invention at the inception of this architectural style.  While the pieces may be elaborately decorated, the focus of the Eastlake style is simplicity; this is why the geometric shapes have such a predominant focus.

A classic example of a mechanical "turn" bell.

     Door bells have changed drastically over the decades.  Where they used to be ropes attached to a bell inside the home, they have now transitioned to electric versions.  While the chime boxes inside the home may still be somewhat discreet, it is not uncommon to have a more decorative back plate to adorn the bell itself on the exterior of the home.  Not only does this make it more cohesive to the rest of the home’s style, but it helps it to stand out more for those who are looking to use the doorbell.We have several different styles and shapes available for the Eastlake door bells, as well as a variety of finishes. 

Another fine example of eastlake style detail and polished brass finish.

     Don’t forget to take into consideration the shape of your doorway and what kind of statement you want to make when making your choice on shape.

Victorian Door Numbers

     Paris is said to have been the first city to introduce house numbering, on the Pont Notre-Dame in 1512. British houses started being numbered with the Postage Act of 1765. In rural areas many houses remain named but un-numbered. The odd numbers will typically, although not always, be on the left-hand side as seen from the centre of the town or village, with the lowest numbers at the end of the street closest to the town centre. House numbering is common in many areas of the world, all with a different system or plan.

 

     There is nothing more frustrating than trying to find an address on a building or home only to discover that they don’t have house numbers displayed, or that they are faded and worn off.  These Victorian house numbers are available in a variety of sizes range from just a couple of inches to a much larger six inch size, making it possible to see your house number from a greater distance.   There are also a couple of different finish options available, with polished brass providing a very classic look.

 

    

      While some people may find the look to be just the touch your home needs, others want something a little more maintenance free.  The solution for this can be found with our hand-forged iron numbers.  The four inch size is perfect to view house numbers mounted on doors and walls of homes to be seen clearly from the street.  The hand-forged aspect adds a touch that cannot be matched in any other finish.  This style blends very well with a variety of different door hardware, including cast iron, oil rubbed bronze, and other dark finishes.   Since these numbers are hand forged, no two are exactly alike.  This adds a wonderful touch and provides a unique quality that many people are looking for.  House numbers, while some people may think are obsolete, are absolutely necessary, especially if an emergency should arise.  Mounting screws are included with each number to allow them to be securely attached to any building material.  It is possible to add a little bit of a sheen on these numbers if you like by polishing them, but most people prefer the darkened areas that are created when these numbers are struck during the forging process.

Victorian Porcelain Door Knobs

     Porcelain door knobs are a gorgeous addition to any home.  The Victorian style that is usually a staple of these pieces is very subtle, allowing them to blend in with the current style of your home, even if it isn’t Victorian in style.  These pieces are the same size as a standard door knob, making them the ideal piece to adorn any door in your home.

     You have your choice of base finish for these knobs.  While polished brass is one of the most popular choices, you can also choose antique brass, polished chrome, brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze.  We also offer two different knob choices; white or black.  Each knob is constructed out of pure porcelain.  The white knobs add a kind of elegant finish to the doors, while the black makes a much bolder statement.  Porcelain door knobs used to be extremely popular in many homes as an easy way to add an elegant touch to any décor.  It was also a very inexpensive way to do some minor redecorating, and remains the same way today.  Door knobs are easily interchangeable, and with so many finishes available you can easily adapt them to one style, or many different ones depending on how you decorated your home.

A functional knob, black porcelain with a polished brass finish

 

     Porcelain door knobs are best used inside the house, rather than on the front door.  To keep them in the best shape as long as possible, you may want to refrain from installing them on any door that may be subject to getting hit or has the potential to be damaged.  It is not uncommon for porcelain knobs to become damaged over time, as they are made from a fragile material. While it is extremely rare for them to become shattered, small cracks appearing are commonplace.  These knobs can be purchased singularly or in a double set, and as always any mounting screws necessary are included.

Ribbon and Reed Pattern Lion Door Knocker

Door knockers are a piece of ancient hardware history, and were at the height of their popularity about one hundred years ago.  This was back in the days before cell phones and electric door knobs.  It was common to find a home that had a bell-pull type door knob; these were typically on the more elaborately decorated homes of the wealthy. It was more likely that you would find a door knocker on a home instead.

Antique Brass Ribbon and Reed Lion Door Knocker

Depending on your financial status depended on how decorative of a door knocker your home would have, or if you would have one at all.  The wealthier you were, the more decorative the style.  The wealthiest people would generally have a door knocker in the shape of an animal head, with a lion’s head being the most famous and popular ones.  Door knockers like these can be found on some of the most famous buildings throughout the United States as well as the U.K.

Manufactured in Two Sizes - 8 Finishes

The people who came up with the designs for many of the Ribbon and Reed style door knockers have a real eye for detail.  They are exceptional at getting just enough detail in the animal heads while providing just a small amount on the ring.  These items were typically cast in polished brass so they would stand out, but copper and pewter also became popular over the years.

Made from Solid Bronze and Brass

We offer this piece in two sizes – and several different finishes to match the décor of your home.  Antique bronze is the most popular, with the classic polished brass in a close second, followed by the oil rubbed bronze.  As always, we include the mounting hardware for the piece with your order in the same finish you have selected to eliminate the hassle of having to match it from the hardware store, or having to guess what size screw(s) you will need.

Art Deco Push and Pull Door Plates

     Art Deco is characterized by a linear, hard edge or angular composition, often with a vertical emphasis, and highlighted with stylized decoration (according to Blumenson). Art Deco is an eclectic artistic and design style that began in Paris in the 1920s  and flourished internationally throughout the 1930s, into the World War II era. The style influenced all areas of design, including architecture and interior design, industrial design, fashion and jewelry, as well as the visual arts such as painting, graphic arts and film.

     The Art Deco style has become quite popular in home décor due to its versatility and uniqueness.  The style typically features clean lines and geometric patterns, usually carved into the metal so as to add contrast, or embossed on the surface to help it stand out.   There are several different methods used to create such designs, though creating a mold and pouring molten metal is a popular method, and can be fairly fast to do.  It is especially popular when making pairs of door plates, ensuring that the two pieces will match exactly.

It easy to see the similarities between art deco architecture and art deco interior design. We nick named this plate "The Chrysler".

 

 

     Etching a design into the piece is generally done when a pattern is placed on the solid metal and an acid, or other chemical compound, is used to eat away at the exposed metal.  The result is a design embedded into the metal.  It is not uncommon to have color differences in the metals, allowing the pattern to stand out a little more.  This is especially the case in the push plates featured in bronze and copper.

A brilliant example of the intricate detail that goes into art deco design elements.

 

     Our pieces are available in many different finishes and metals, making it easy to find just the right one for your home or particular room you are decorating.  Art Deco is an especially nice style for decorating, since it is extremely versatile and can match any current décor.  If you prefer your décor to stand out and make a statement, consider perhaps one of the more extravagantly decorated plates.  You can also choose plates in a metal that contrast with the rest of the décor or the color of the doors they are applied to.  Polished brass pieces look brilliant on a white door, and copper pieces on a dark colored wood add just enough color difference to be noticeable.

Victorian Mail Slots

     Mail slots were once the preferred method of receiving your mail on a daily basis instead of the more modern mailbox that is mounted on a post by the side of the road.  This is especially true in rural areas where the most efficient way to get from building to building is by motorized vehicle.  There are still some areas throughout the country that have mail carriers who deliver on foot, and for locations like these mail slots may still be used.

One of the characteristics of a victorian style mail slot is the intricate design around the edges.

     Many homes, especially restorations, are installing mail slots on their doors to add a sense of whimsy or nostalgia to the home rather than for their functionality.  We have recognized the popularity of these items, and strive to carry a large selection of different kinds of mail slots, so there is at least one choice for every home style.  Mail slots tend to be overlooked on homes in which they are commonly used, but that doesn’t mean they need to be any less decorative.

     The Victorian style tends to be the most decorative in all of its components, from construction of homes and exterior decorations to the little details that can be found on any piece of hardware.  Mail slots are no exception.  While there is an overall design that can be seen, it’s the intricate details that are all along the exterior border that make the biggest difference.  Much time is taken to make sure that the border enhances the piece and draws the eye toward the overall design of the piece, rather than noticing one particular element at a time.

A victorian mail slot with a brushed nickel finish.

   Victorian mail slots are available in a myriad of different finishes, including polished chrome, oil rubbed bronze, polished and antique brass as well as nickel plated.  The antique brass seems to be the most classic and popular option, and really lets the design of the piece to stand out.  We list all the dimensions on our website to ensure that you get the right size mail slot, and include all mounting hardware necessary to complete your project.