Salvage old metal fittings

• How to give your home street appeal
• Salvage old metal fittings
• Stick to a consistent style
• Match the new with the old
• Consider your door's style
• Decide on the finishing touch

Even if it's dull or rusty, your front door's existing door furniture may still be usable.

Give it a boost by gently rubbing away rust with wire wool, before buffing the metal to a shine with a paste made from bicarbonate of soda mixed with a few drops of water.

If, after cleaning, the original door furniture - think door knobs, knockers and letter plates - is worth keeping, use these as your starting point when choosing replacements for pieces that are no longer looking their best.

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