Doctors Door Knocker

Whether burnished or lacquered, antique, new and vintage brass furniture can elevate a room.

From traditional spaces that use brass as an accent — by way of brass dining chairs or brass pendant lights — to contemporary rooms that embrace bold brass decor, there are many ways to incorporate the golden-hued metal.

“I find mixed metals to be a very updated approach, as opposed to the old days, when it was all shiny brass of dulled-out silver tones,” says interior designer Drew McGukin. “I especially love working with brass and blackened steel for added warmth and tonality. To me, aged brass is complementary across many design styles and can trend contemporary or traditional when pushed either way.”

He proves his point in a San Francisco entryway, where a Lindsey Adelman light fixture hangs above a limited-edition table and stools by Kelly Wearstler — also an enthusiast of juxtapositions — all providing bronze accents. The walls were hand-painted by artist Caroline Lizarraga and the ombré stair runner is by DMc.

West Coast designer Catherine Kwong chose a sleek brass and lacquered-parchment credenza by Scala Luxury to fit this San Francisco apartment. “The design of this sideboard is reminiscent of work by French modernist Jean Prouvé. The brass font imbues the space with warmth and the round ‘portholes’ provide an arresting geometric element.”

Find antique, new and vintage brass tables, case pieces and other furnishings now on 1stDibs.

Whether it’s a streamlined or ornate option that best fits your frame of mind, installing an antique or vintage door or gate at your home is the first opportunity you have to make a statement.

The front door of a home symbolizes security. It marks the place where visitors make their presence known and where you welcome them, and it is very literally the passageway to the space you’ve worked hard to make your very own. Choosing the right door for your home is important.

If you’re shopping for a pre-hung door, the door you want is already mounted in a frame, includes hinges and is ready to install in your prepared doorway. The measuring part is easy in this case, as you’ll want a door that has the same dimensions as your previous one. A slab door, on the other hand, is a basic door with no hinges or handles and will need to be painted and finished before you install it.

When you’re ready to buy, why not spring for a grand entrance that lovingly beckons your visitors to come inside?

Summon timeless artisanship and functionality with hand-carved Chinese doors that feature lattice-panel windows or cast-iron doorstops and knockers of British origin. Whether you prefer the clean lines of mid-century modernism, antique wrought-iron Art Deco gates for your garden or a contemporary solution, find the doors and gates you’re looking for on 1stDibs.