Finger Plates Are The Stylish 224-Year-Old Trend We Need To Bring Back. Here's Why

It's typical for interior design trends to cycle in and out of style every few decades. If you've been looking around, though, you may have noticed a two-century-old trend that's only now starting to make a comeback, glimmering from the front of doors with their smooth surfaces and tiny, unique details. That's right, people, I'm talking about finger plates. 

Finger plates, once cherished as a common element in custom homes, have waited a long, long time to come back. These little pieces are architectural gems, full of vintage character and one-of-a-kind charm that is unmatched in the world of contemporary, cookie-cutter construction. Also called a push plate, finger plates are best defined as flat pieces of metal (or sometimes ceramic) installed on a door stile to protect it from repeated contact with a person's hand where they push. Popularized during the Victorian Era, finger plates went from a common residential feature to a near-nonexistent one over the course of the 20th century.

That is exactly what makes their potential return exciting. As an interior designer, I love finding design inspiration from bygone eras that bring unique character to modern spaces. As any lover of old houses will tell you, there's a wonderful specificity and intention to the aesthetics of historic properties, and while many people try to replicate the look in newer construction, it often lacks personality. Bringing old history into new spaces is an underrated move, and that's precisely why I'd argue that finger plates are an excellent way to add quirky charm and interest to your home. 

As an interior designer, I absolutely adore finger plates because of their amazing charm factor. To be clear, I'm not talking about the sterile, soulless steel push plates you see in commercial properties. The finger plates that are now wooing new generations of old house lovers — such as Charlotte from Happy Enchanted Home, vintage-loving designers like myself, and the incomparable Jamie Haller – are adorned with gorgeous vintage design embellishments and patterns. Whether they are antiques from a local architectural salvage store or beautifully-crafted reproductions purchased online, these elegant plates add design value and visual interest in a small package. 

It is exactly these types of thoughtful character details that elevate your home's aesthetic. Not to mention, these quirky, one-of-a-kind little decor surprises will bring a smile to your face every day. That's no small thing; it's the point of having your own personalized home in the first place.

That said, to select a finger plate that feels authentic to your home or the aesthetic you are trying to emulate, you have to research the period and style. For example, if you are looking for something in the Victorian era, choose opulent brass plates with decorative motifs like florals, animals, or stately patterns. Alternatively, if your look is more Craftsman or Arts and Crafts, opt for a more subtle plate with a distinct texture or linear detailing. Looking to the past for unique design details like this puts you ahead of the design curve, helping to create a home that feels curated and storied.

Unless cleaning is something you enjoy, you probably will do anything to make your tidying routine a bit easier. Well, those adorable brass plates you're thinking about putting into your doors not only look incredible, but their original intention — keeping your door cleaner — is no less true today. Talk about a major win-win, right? 

This is because uncoated copper, and other copper alloys, is antimicrobial, meaning that their very surface is toxic to bacteria. In comparison, germs can last on porous wood door surfaces for about four hours, so adding finger plates can help reduce your family's exposure pretty significantly, presuming you touch the brass plates instead of the wood door. Keep your copper and copper alloy surfaces clean to ensure your finger plates are working at peak performance to keep germs off your doors. And yes, while finger plates alone won't keep your entire home germ-free, every little bit of resistance certainly helps!

In addition to fighting the good fight against household bacteria, metal finger plates protect your door from wear and tear. Day-to-day wood door usage inevitably leads to fingerprints, scratches, and nicks, which sometimes cumulate into a larger damage issue over time. However, these charming finger plates protect the wood surface from repeated touching, meaning your door finish and integrity will stay in tip-top shape.

When it comes to renovating a historic home, restoring original character and adding period-appropriate details can often be an expensive proposition, so it's certainly nice to come across a character update that won't break the bank. Once again, that's another win for finger plates: For a minimal cost of about $20 to $100 per plate, adding these charming details from the past is much more affordable than many other upgrades with the same level of personality. Ornate finger plates, especially those made of ceramic with hand-painted decorative motifs, were a signal of wealth in past eras, so adding one now allows you to manifest that same sense of luxury in your home without a massive investment.

Furthermore, even if your current house is just a "good enough for now" home and not your forever home, adding distinctive details like finger plates can also help attract potential buyers with appreciation for character-filled properties. While a few finger plates alone may not directly increase your property value, embarking on renovations and updates with this level of attention to period details and historic charm can certainly set you apart on the market. Adding these quirky and quaint push plates to just a few of the main doors in your home is a cost-effective way to enhance the sort of uniqueness that makes people fall in love with old properties.

Do you have antique finger plates in your shopping cart yet? I certainly do, but I'm also an interior design nerd who has vintage crystal doorknobs and stair dust corners high on her wish list too, so take that as you will. Seriously, though, for the amount of quirky charm, historical character, and unique personality they add, finger plates are worth the investment in your home and enjoyment you'll get from them. They are like the jewelry of your space — a charming finishing touch. 

The saying goes, "They don't make them like they used to," and this little design detail proves that generations past had a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that's even more impressive today than it was back then. Preservation or the addition of period details like this are what make old or vintage-inspired homes so special and beautiful. The fact that they actually protect the doors and are germ-killers ... well, that's just icing on the cake.

So, let history shine. Use gorgeous, centuries-old finger plates to showcase exactly why your quirky old home is one-of-a-kind. Lean into the charm, enhance the character, and add in tons of extra personality. After all, that is what sets historic home interiors (and those recreating them) apart from the cookie-cutter builder-grade homes being built today. Plus, let's be real, those little antique beauties will set your heart aflutter every time you walk through the door and touch them.