Art Deco knobs for a 1930s house
Stepped backplates, rounded-square knobs and geometric shelf brackets in satin chrome, restoring the Deco character of a 1930s lounge.
A 1930s house that had lost most of its period details to a 1980s makeover. The new owners put them back: a cream and black tiled fireplace, basket-weave parquet, a geometric rug and a curved green velvet sofa. On the doors, they chose knobs that 1930s builders would have recognised, with long stepped backplates and rounded-square knobs in satin chrome. The same Deco look carries on to the alcove shelf brackets and the pulls on a walnut sideboard.
Art Deco satin chrome for a 1930s house
More Art Deco door furniture
Bringing back Art Deco details
The stepped plate
Stepped, tiered shapes are the signature of Art Deco, echoing the skyscrapers and cinemas of the time. A long backplate with stepped edges instantly reads as 1930s, even on a plain flush door.
Knob or lever
Many 1930s houses had knobs on plates. The Charlston comes as a latch, bathroom or keyhole set, so every door can match. If you prefer a lever, the Waldorf has the same stepped plate with an angular lever.
Chrome, softly
Chrome was the modern metal of the 1930s. Satin chrome gives that look without the glare of mirror polish, and it sits well with cream walls and walnut.
Planning notes
One plate, three versions
Use the latch set on most rooms, the bathroom set with its turn on the bathroom, and the keyhole set where an original mortice lock survives.
Cover old holes
Long Deco plates are good at hiding old screw holes from previous handles when restoring a door.
Shelf bracket spacing
Fit Deco brackets roughly 600 to 800mm apart for books, and screw into studs or solid masonry.
Cabinet pulls
The 96mm Deco pull suits sideboards and wardrobes; fix vertically on doors and horizontally on drawers.
