Vintage Wood Finial Doorstops: A Charming Old-House Find
Vintage wood finial doorstops have something uniquely interesting about them. Their beautiful shapes, intricate details, and aged wood give them so much character. I love finding little pieces of history that bring charm and personality to an old home!
In our 1885 home, one bedroom still has its original solid-wood finial doorstops. I thought they were such an interesting detail, and the more I looked, the more I wanted to find my own antique ones.
What Are Vintage Wood Finial Doorstops?
Vintage wood finial doorstops are decorative wooden pieces designed to help keep a door from swinging too far and damaging a wall or nearby trim. Depending on the design, they may attach to the door trim or baseboard, and their decorative turned-wood shapes add a touch of architectural charm.
A finial is a decorative element often found at the top or end of furniture, a post, or architectural trim. These wooden pieces can feature rounded tops, tapered shapes, carved details, and other lovely designs that make each one unique.
I think these little details are part of what makes older homes so special. Even something as practical as a doorstop can have beautiful craftsmanship and character!
Finding Antique Wood Finial Doorstops on a Budget
After admiring the original doorstops in our home, I decided to look for antique ones I could use throughout the house. I was honestly shocked at the prices I found! Some antique dealers were asking $20 or more for just one doorstop.
That’s right—twenty dollars for a single piece! I kept searching and eventually found a bundle of vintage wood finial doorstops on Etsy. I was elated! The bundle included nine doorstops for only $40, and I couldn’t pass up that deal. Instead of paying $20 or more for one, I got nine for less than $5 each.
They arrived pretty quickly, and I couldn’t wait to look through them and see all the different shapes and details.
Cleaning and Restoring My Vintage Wood Finial Doorstops
Once I received my new-to-me treasures, they needed a little cleaning. They had collected dirt over the years, so I carefully cleaned them and then applied a little wood oil to bring out the wood’s beauty.
One was painted white, while a few others had stained finishes. Each one had its own character, and I loved seeing the details emerge once they were clean.
But the details—ahhh, the details! They are SO pretty!
I love the natural color variations, the different shapes, and the signs of age that make vintage pieces so interesting. They don’t all look alike, and that is part of their charm.
When cleaning vintage wood, start gently with a soft cloth. If a piece has an old finish, test any cleaning product or wood treatment in an inconspicuous spot first. I would also avoid sanding or stripping the wood unless necessary, especially if you want to preserve its original character.
Preserving the Original Patina
I have decided not to paint my vintage wood finial doorstops. I know a fresh coat of paint can be lovely on certain pieces, but I feel it would take away from the natural beauty and patina of these old wooden treasures.
They are already in great condition, and I want to keep them looking as close to their original appearance as possible. The little imperfections, color variations, and aged finishes are what give vintage pieces their charm.
To me, preserving those details is part of the joy of collecting antiques. Sometimes, the best thing you can do with an old find is clean it up and let its original beauty shine!
Installing Vintage Wood Finial Doorstops
As I examined my collection, I noticed that two of the doorstops had a tongue-and-groove-style fitting. I’m still figuring out the best way to attach those to the trim.
One of the others will need a screw added, but that shouldn’t be too difficult. The remaining pieces already have screws attached, so those should be easier to install once I know where they belong.
Before installing any vintage doorstop, I recommend checking the existing hardware and examining how the piece was originally attached. Since older pieces can have different mounting styles, the installation method may vary.
If you’re installing one in an older home, take care not to damage the original trim. First, make sure the doorstop is securely attached, then position it so the door or doorknob won’t hit the wall. If you’re unsure how a particular fitting works, take a closer look at the hardware before drilling any new holes.
I still have a couple to figure out, but I’m looking forward to finding the perfect spots for them throughout our home.
How to Install Vintage Wood Finial Doorstops
Installing vintage wood finial doorstops depends on the hardware style and how the original piece was designed to attach to the trim or baseboard. Start by checking whether the piece already has screws attached or needs additional hardware, then choose the matching mounting method.
Before installing yours, closely inspect the back of each piece to determine how it was originally mounted. If a screw is needed, make sure it is appropriate for the doorstop and the trim. You may also want to predrill a small pilot hole to help prevent the wood from splitting.
If your home has original woodwork, take extra care when drilling or attaching hardware so you don’t damage the existing trim. Make sure the doorstop is securely fastened and positioned to protect the wall from the doorknob or door itself.
Every vintage piece can be a little different, so take your time figuring out the best way to install it. I’m still working on a couple of mine, and I look forward to finding the perfect places for them in our 1885 home!
Displaying My Vintage Finds Until Installation
For now, I’ve displayed all nine of my vintage wood finial doorstops in a metal basket while I decide where they will go.
I actually enjoy having them out where I can see all the different designs together. They are such simple little pieces, yet they have so much character!
I love incorporating vintage and antique finds into our 1885 home. You don’t always need to purchase expensive antiques to bring old-house charm into your space. Sometimes, a little patience and a good search can lead you to a wonderful collection within your budget.
If you enjoy decorating with antiques, thrifted treasures, and collected pieces, you might also enjoy browsing my antiques and vintage finds for more inspiration.
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A Creative Way to Repurpose Wood Finials
Looking for another way to use vintage wood finials? I used some of mine in a creative DIY project by making a Mason jar lamp! I love finding unique ways to repurpose old pieces, and this project turned out to be such a fun way to display these little wooden treasures.
If you enjoy DIY projects, vintage decor, and giving old items a new purpose, be sure to check out my tutorial on how to make a Mason jar lamp.
Final Thoughts on Vintage Wood Finial Doorstops
Needless to say, I am very happy with this purchase! Finding nine vintage wood finial doorstops for $40 was a fun surprise, especially after seeing how much some sellers asked for just one.
I love that these little pieces have their own history, and I can’t wait to give them a new purpose in our old home. They may be small details, but they’re often the very things that make a house feel special.
I believe a home should be filled with things you love, whether they are inherited antiques, thrift-store treasures, or finds you stumbled upon while searching online.
Do you have vintage wood finial doorstops in your home? I’d love to hear about them! Leave me a comment and tell me what you think of my latest antique find.
Thanks so much for stopping by Linen & Wildflowers. I hope you’ll come back soon for more old-house charm, vintage finds, and simple ways to make a house feel like home.