Keypad deadbolts are a game changer—plus, you can still keep the vintage vibe inside, like you did with the glass knob. Best of both worlds, really.
Yeah, I totally get wanting to hold onto the old stuff for the “look,” but after getting locked out twice in one month (one time in my pajamas... not fun), I was over it. I swapped to a keypad last year and honestly, it’s been way less stressful. Still kept the old hardware on the inside doors for that vintage feel, like you said.
I know some folks say it ruins the aesthetic from the outside, but honestly? Not having to call a locksmith at 11pm is worth it. Plus, those new locks are way easier when your hands are full of groceries or whatever. Sometimes you just have to pick your battles—character is great, but convenience wins for me these days.
Had a client once who was dead set on keeping their original 1920s mortise lock, but after their third lockout (one in the rain, one during a dinner party, and one with a screaming toddler in tow), they finally caved and let me install a keypad. We kept the old brass plate and knob on the inside, so you’d never know from the living room. Outside, yeah, it’s not as “storybook” as the original, but honestly, it just blends in after a while.
I get the whole “character” thing—some of that old hardware is just beautiful, and I love restoring it when I can. But man, convenience really does start to matter when you’re juggling groceries or running late. I’ve even seen a few keypad models that look pretty sleek, not super modern or flashy. Sometimes you gotta compromise a little for sanity’s sake... especially if you’ve ever had to shimmy through a window in front of your neighbors.
I totally get wanting to keep the old look—those vintage knobs have a certain charm you just can’t fake. But after locking myself out once in the middle of winter (in socks, no less), I was done messing around. Keypad went on, and honestly, I don’t even notice it anymore. Sometimes practicality just wins, especially when you’re carrying a week’s worth of groceries or wrangling kids. I still keep the original hardware inside for the vibes, though... gotta have some character left, right?
Can’t blame you for making the switch—frozen toes are a pretty convincing argument. I love the idea of keeping the old hardware inside, though. There’s something about mixing practical upgrades with a nod to the past that just works. Honestly, sometimes you just need both.
Mixing old and new is underrated, honestly. I swapped out my drafty front door for something sturdier last winter, but kept the original brass handle—couldn’t bring myself to toss it. It’s funny how a little nostalgia can make a practical upgrade feel right. Frozen toes are no joke, though... sometimes comfort wins.
