Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Grandeur Hardware. As always all words and opinions expressed are honest and my own.
The projects on our house slowed down a little bit over the holidays, but we’re starting to ramp up again with more wallpaper removal, a few new windows, the installation of recessed lights, dining room built-ins, and a kitchen renovation. While there are so many big things to do, we’re also working on some of the little details like sewing and hanging curtains and replacing some rickety old doorknobs with some luxurious solid brass doorknobs by Grandeur Hardware.
I was excited about replacing some of the key doorknobs in the house, those to bedrooms and bathrooms, but I underestimated how stunning they would be in person. We have very simple hollow core doors, which we’d eventually like to replace, but just adding a beautiful knob with a classic Carré short plate made a huge difference in elevating the look.
50-year-old doorknobs that are original to a vintage home sound like something right up my alley, but these weren’t charming knobs. These were cheap, builder-grade knobs that had been used for 50 years. Many were rickety, loose, and no longer locked. Most of them had escutcheons that were caked with layers of paint and scratching that paint off might remove whatever made the handle look like brass. Replacing all of the doorknobs wasn’t a priority, but replacing the ones on the bedroom and bathroom doors felt more urgent for the sake of privacy once we started using them. We tightened and fiddled with them, but they really needed to be replaced.
There are a few substantial differences between the knobs we had and the Grandeur Hardware knobs we chose as an upgrade. First of all, the Grandeur knobs are solid brass and the luster on them is so stunning. I think brass got a bad name in the 80s and 90s from all of the fake brass that flooded the home-building market. But, real solid brass is delicious and timeless.
I chose the Lifetime Brass finish, which will resist discoloration from moisture (and salt if the hardware is exposed to sea air.) You can read about Grandeur Hardware’s other finish options HERE.
In addition to looking good, the Grandeur Hardware knobs were very easy to install. My dad is the tinkerer when it comes to our home projects, so removing and installing doorknobs is right in his wheelhouse. He’ll pull up a stool and fiddle until the job is done. I thought he might do a couple of doorknobs on each visit, but he was able to install five of them lickety-split. If you don’t feel confident installing a doorknob, Grandeur Hardware has a video showing how to do an installation HERE and they provide support if you have any trouble.
When my dad finished installing the hardware he said they were the easiest doorknobs he’s ever installed. He was even inquiring about them for installation in their house.
The quality is evident the first time you handle a piece of Grandeur Hardware. I wrapped my hand around one my dad had just installed and all I could say was, “Wow.” It felt so sturdy and solid compared to the knobs we had that would jiggle and squeak. That’s the difference between brass-like knobs and solid-forged brass knobs. It’s hard to describe the heaviness and quality of the knobs only in words and pictures, but as I carried the grocery bag of old doorknobs out to the garage, I guessed that all five of those removed doorknobs probably weighed about the same as one of the forged brass Grandeur Hardware doorknobs.
Well, let’s see…
One Grandeur Hardware privacy set including pieces for installation weighs 4 lbs, 3.2 ounces.
Four of the old knobs sets weighed 4lbs, 1.1 ounces. I was actually laughing as I piled up the old doorknobs because the stack was precariously high. Pretty impressive. (You can see in that photo how much of the “brass” had flaked and worn away over the years.)
Not only does the knob feel like it will last for decades and beyond, but Grandeur Hardware offers a lifetime warranty on its hardware. I always appreciate it when a company shows confidence in its product. We designed and made it to last and we will stand behind that. Quality hardware isn’t cheap and you want to spend that money knowing it’ll be the last doorknob you have to install on that door.
We’ll eventually replace all of the hardware in the house, but we’ll take it bit by bit since we do have a lot of projects to tackle. But, updating the bedroom and bathroom doorknobs with hardware that feels solid, reliable, and actually locks is a huge part of making this home feel more comfortable. And, of course, they look amazing.
If you’re looking to replace the hardware in your house, Grandeur Hardware offers a wide variety of interior and exterior doorknobs, locksets, and hinges as well as a wealth of information on hardware specifications, measuring to make sure the hardware fits your doors, and installation guides and videos. It was really hard to select knobs for our home since there were so many style variations and materials from crystal and porcelain to pewter and nickel. If you have a specific knob design in mind, you’ll likely find something that fits that ideal on Grandeur Hardware’s website.
We have no idea how long we’ll live in this house. We try to hold onto a house loosely, knowing that the future is uncertain. But, we want to make the upgrades and modifications sensitively and with quality in mind so they last. These Grandeur Hardware knobs definitely fit with that goal.
Really beautiful solid hardware! I will check out these Grandeur Hardware knobs.
Beautiful!! I have a similar style of knobs on my pantry door and I love them. They immediately elevate the look of your house.
I totally agree. You don’t think much about doorknobs until you really love them!
Yeah beautiful but $1,250 for 5 knobs, little bit out of most of our price range.
I agree!
I totally get that. As I said in the post, solid brass hardware that is made in the US is going to cost more than imitation brass hardware. But, it’s going to last much, much longer and add to the overall quality of the home. I like to take a splurge-and-save approach to decorating. I’ll save money by buying second-hand furniture (like the $40 dining set), refinishing pieces, and making my own curtains. I’ll take a splurge approach on things that I feel are worth it. Everyone is going to have a different idea of what’s worth a splurge and what’s worth a save. 🙂
I agree. Most bloggers get a discount or freebies for their pitch of the product. It is a good system when we trust the blogger. We trust Marian to be honest in recommendations for sure.
They are gorgeous and if you move again I would be tempted to take them and put the old knobs back on the doors. When we moved into our 1 story home all of our doors were hollow core. We were about to replace them but the salesman at the lumberyard asked us to rethink that decision because our landfills are already on overload. He suggested we help the cause by trimming out the doors. we did exactly that. The doors look great and we saved money too.
Oh, I know! I’m always tempted to take my favorite things with me! I’ve learned, though, that I pick out specific things for a specific house and I’m happy leaving them all together. 🙂
The hardware is beautiful. Their prices are in line with the brass hardware that I have viewed at the Charleston Hardware Company, specializing in reproductions. Many of the Grandeur Hardware sets would look beautiful in an art deco setting. Really the styles are very classic. I enjoyed your post.
Yes, I agree! I think their styles are very classic, but some of them would work well in a more modern home as well. Very versatile. And yes, solid brass hardware is expensive whether it’s cabinet hardware or doorknobs. It’s just not a cheap material, but that’s why it lasts so long.
They are lovely and I’m sure high quality. I would be hesitant to replace just a few of the door knobs at a time for fear that the style would be discontinued.
I’m not too worried about that because I wouldn’t mind if there were subtle style variations as long as all of the knobs felt like they worked together.
They really are the jewelry of the home. Those Baguette and Newport glass handles look like diamonds! I might consider the entry set since the beauty of it could be enjoyed by everyone who comes through the front door, and when you consider durability, quality, and security that they add to a home, they would be a wise investment. Just beautiful and perfect for your new home.
They are lovely!!! I love the look!
Holy Schmoley!! Those are stunning. The lever style door knobs are about $40 each from Lowes.. so I guess these are right in line plus they are brass! Love them!!!
Thank you for sharing this incredible hardware. I am starting to replace the doors in my home, and it would be wonderful to invest in quality hardware that will last.
Karen B.
Very pretty. Our last house had really pretty hardware – something that the previous owners had splurged on when they built it. We really did enjoy how it dressed up every door and cabinet. I agree with the idea of hardware being like jewelry in the house. It definitely makes a big difference.
WOW! They are absolutely stunning. If only!!!!! Just wow.
Just gorgeous doorknobs, and I really like the rectangular background to them.
I’d worry they’d easily get smudged?
Also, way too expensive for my budget. But if someone gave them to me I’m sure they’d be beautiful!