Refresh the look of your doors and cover old marks or holes with door knob plates at Ace Hardware. Also called backplates or escutcheons, these trim pieces frame your knob or lever, create a clean finished look and can help adapt new hardware to older door preparations.
What Are Door Knob Plates?
Door knob plates are decorative or functional trim that sit between the door surface and your knob, lever or lock. Styles range from small round rosettes that pair with modern hardware to elongated backplates that update vintage doors or hide paint lines and oversize bores. Some plates are purely decorative, while others include keyholes or privacy turns to match the door’s function.
How to Choose the Right Door Knob Plate
Use the points below to match a plate to your hardware, door prep and design style.
- Plate style and purpose: Choose a small rosette for a clean modern look, a classic elongated backplate for added coverage or a keyhole escutcheon for older mortise-style locks.
- Size and coverage: Select dimensions that fully cover previous screw holes, paint rings or imperfections around the knob area for a seamless finish.
- Door function: Match the plate to the door type. Entry and passage sets use different trim than bathroom doors with privacy turns or indicators.
- Hardware compatibility: Confirm the plate works with your existing knob or lever set, including spindle or latch style and any required adapters.
- Material and finish: Coordinate finishes like nickel, polished brass, oil-rubbed bronze, black or chrome with hinges and locks for a cohesive look.
- Door condition: If you are repairing a worn area, consider a larger backplate for more coverage. For light cosmetic updates, a slim rosette keeps the look minimal.
Do Door Knob Plates Work with Your Existing Knob or Lever?
In many cases it will, but you should verify compatibility with the rosette diameter, spindle or through bolt pattern and the door thickness. For vintage mortise locks, choose plates with keyholes and spacing that match your lock.
Can a Plate Help Converting Older Hardware to Modern Sets?
Yes, a larger backplate can hide oversize bores and keyholes left by older mortise or handle sets. It does not change backset or bore requirements, so you should still select a lockset that fits your door prep.
Shop Door Knob Plates Near You at Ace Hardware
Find door knob plates near you to fit your style and project at your local Ace. Our helpful team can point you to the right size and finish, plus matching door hardware like knobs and levers, hinges, latches, deadbolts and installation tools. Whether you are restoring a vintage door or completing a modern refresh, Ace makes it easy to get the look you want and the advice to install it with confidence.
