Whatever Happened To The Trend Of Beautiful Glass Doorknobs?

Glass and crystal doorknobs are stunning hardware and are sure to be conversation starters these days. These beautiful fixtures were the norm during the first half of the 20th century, though, and didn't fall out of fashion until the 1950s. While trends come and go, glass doorknobs are timeless and can still add elegance and sparkle to homes of all ages despite not being the norm for almost 100 years.

Prior to the 1800s, doorknobs were usually made of metal or wood. While glass doorknobs first became available in the 1820s, the early designs were rounded balls instead of the faceted style most people think of today. Widespread adoption of glass doorknobs was slow and they did not become ubiquitous in home decor until the early 1900s. When the United States entered World War I in 1917, metals — including iron, bronze, and brass previously used for doorknobs — were needed for the war effort. Their scarcity made glass a practical and patriotic alternative for home fixtures.

While glass doorknobs rocketed to popularity largely for pragmatic reasons during the First World War, the glass hardware was also beautiful and continued to be popular after the war ended. Glass doorknobs became more decorative and ornate through the 1920s, often boasting bright colors and the multiple facets we often think of today. While you might assume that the economic hardships of the Great Depression would spell the end of these charming doorknobs, colored glass was surprisingly affordable and continued to be a popular and practical option for doorknobs through the 1930s and early 1940s.

It wasn't until after World War II and the metal scarcity that accompanied it ended that glass doorknobs began to fall out of fashion. Improvements in metal manufacturing resulted in metal doorknobs finally being more affordable than their glass and crystal counterparts. Additionally, trends changed to favor the simpler hardware popular in mid-century modern decor.

While glass and crystal doorknobs are no longer the norm, they are still an excellent choice, and both antique glass doorknobs and modern reproductions are widely available. While there are glass doorknobs that can complement almost any home's style, don't rush to replace your current doorknobs before doing some research, especially if your current doorknobs are older. Metal and porcelain doorknobs were also common in the 1800s and early 1900s and can be just as beautiful as glass if they are properly cleaned and restored. 

While maintaining older doorknobs may seem challenging, cleaning and restoring antique hardware is not as difficult as you might think. The best way to clean crystal hardware is by simply using a mix of water and vinegar. (Crystal traditionally refers to glass with lead oxide added to it.) Older doorknobs that are wobbly or loose usually just need their screws tightened to bring them back into full working order.