BEST FOR
DOOR
KNOCKERS
JIM LAWRENCE
Suffolk-based, family-run
business Jim Lawrence
started life on a farm
forge 26 years ago, and
now makes everything
from doorbells to locks
(jim-lawrence.co.uk).DESIGN DETAIL
EXTER IOR DOOR
FURNITURE
It’s the first part of your home that guests see, so it’s a
good idea to invest in your front door’s finishing touches
What do I need to consider when choosing exterior door
furniture? ‘A front door is something you look at and open
every day, so it’s worth taking the time to choose coordinating
hardware,’ reasons Stewart Kent, director and owner of Courtyard
Architectural Hardware in Worcestershire. For example, if you
have a period property but prefer modern finishes, think about
opting for a traditional design in a contemporary material, such
as satin nickel, to marry the two styles.
Which materials should I choose? ‘For exposed areas, the best
finish is polished brass or unlacquered bronze,’ continues Kent.
‘Alternatively, for a natural look, go for a living finish – metals that
don’t have a protective coating, so will develop a unique patina
over time.’ Sarah Willshaw, founding director of Willow & Stone
ironmongers in Cornwall, agrees. ‘Solid brass fittings might seem
costly, but are actually very good value, as they should last forever
with the appropriate care,’ she explains. ‘Be aware that lacquered
products will eventually deteriorate, resulting in a flaky, inconsistent
appearance.’ Good quality plated finishes such as chrome are
another great option, as they’re robust and easy to maintain.
What about maintenance? ‘Polished or unlacquered brass can
be brought back to life with a bit of elbow grease and a good brass
cleaner such as Bar Keepers Friend,’ says Kent. However, all finishes
require a wipe down every month to avoid the build-up of atmospheric
residues, and some types of hardware need more upkeep than
others. ‘Black beeswax-coated fittings look classic on older properties,
but will rust if beeswax is not reapplied regularly,’ adds Willshaw.
Any rules about letterboxes? ‘The first letterplates – around
1849 – were meant for considerably smaller letters than we have
today, so you’ll need a much bigger design to take modern mail,’
says Willshaw. ‘There is no standard size as such – consider the
depth of the central horizontal panel on your front door and choose
a plate that sits neatly within the space. A 12-inch letterplate is
ideal if your door allows it, as it will accommodate A4 packages.’
SIX OF THE BEST EXTERIOR DOOR FURNITURE COMPANIESBEST FOR
LETTER PLATES
CAST IN STYLE
As well as making its
own, this manufacturer
also stocks hardware by
brands such as From
The Anvil, whose
products are made
using traditional forging
skills (castinstyle.co.uk).BEST FOR
LATCH KNOBS
COLLIER WEBB
All the door furniture
produced by this
family-run company
is made by hand in
a foundry on the south
coast, and is available
in a variety of finishes
(collierwebb.com).BEST FOR
LATCH PULLS
WILLOW
& STONE
A vast range of
ironmongery is on
offer at this Falmouth
shop, including
traditional door knobs
and escutcheons
(willowandstone.co.uk).BEST FOR
PUSH BELLS
COURTYARD
ARCHITECTURAL
HARDWARE
This company sells
collections by brands
such as Olivari, and can
also create bespoke
pieces on request
(courtyardah.co.uk).BEST FOR
DOOR
HANDLES
SAMUEL HEATH
Although mostly
known for bathroom
fixtures the company
also stocks an
extensive range
of door hardware
(samuel-heath.com).‘YOU LOOK AT YOUR FRONT
DOOR EVERY DAY, SO IT’S WORTHTAKING THE TIME TO CHOOSE
COORDINATING HARDWARE’Solid brass letter
plate, from £135,
Joseph Giles
(josephgiles.com)56 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK S EP T E M B ER 2019
DECORATING
WORDS: EMMA LOVE