Choosing Doorknob Colors

Brass and Oil-Rubbed Bronze

• On warm-toned doors, brass knobs smoothly coordinate, especially when the wood has yellow undertones. Oil-rubbed bronze, which simulates an aged appearance, has red, orange or pink undertones. An oil-rubbed bronze knob blends smoothly with the red undertone of a chocolate-brown door. In an Old World-style foyer with a dark-toned console and a red accent chair, an aged bronze chandelier relates to the bronze doorknob, as does a bronze-tone frame.

Brushed Nickel, Chrome and Pewter

• On cool-gray doors, pewter knobs provide a soft transition, while bright chrome knobs accentuate door hues of equal intensity. A bright aqua door with a shiny chrome knob sets off a room with bold, geometric wallpaper. Brushed nickel doorknobs have a green undertone that corresponds with silver, goldish-silver and green-gold frames. Since greenish-nickel is complementary or a color wheel opposite of red, a brushed-nickel doorknob contrasts well with a crimson door. A gray-green door and nickel knob create a subtle, tone-on-tone effect, and a brushed-nickel light fixture also relates to the doorknob's hue.

Wrought Iron and Cast Iron

• Wrought iron doorknobs have a hand-forged, rustic flavor. A pantry doorknob in wrought iron relates to a wrought iron display rack in a country kitchen. Black wrought iron knobs on den doors correspond with a distressed, antique-black frame above a fireplace. Choose pounded, cast brass doorknobs for a Mission-style home with a warm, ochre palette. In a Victorian-style room, intricate low-relief designs on a cast iron doorknob harmonize with ornate, gilded frames and complex patterns on walls and draperies. Choose a simple cast iron doorknob for a vintage cottage feel.

Ceramic and Cut Glass

• Originating in the mid-19th century, crystal doorknobs have an antique allure. Consider cut crystal doorknobs for traditional French doors; reflections from surrounding wall colors provide a lively interplay across glass panes and crystal hardware. In proximity to complementary walls, colored crystal doorknobs provide a splash of intensity. In a pale coral dining room, emerald-green cut crystal knobs call attention to French doors, while a sideboard collection of emerald-green crystal adds cohesion. Ceramic doorknobs are also striking. Combined with a white door, a painted ceramic knob has a fresh farmhouse look.