
A kick plate does more than guard your door—it adds instant charm and sophistication to your space. By following this guide, you'll be equipped with everything you need to choose the perfect kick plate to protect and elevate your home.
Your door is the first impression of your home, but it can take a beating from muddy boots, wheeled luggage, or even your dog’s enthusiastic paws. Enter the kick plate—a practical addition that protects your door and elevates its aesthetic with a touch of elegance. But how do you pick the right one? Balancing durability, style, and functionality can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market.
This guide breaks down everything you need to consider when purchasing a kick plate, offering tips to make sure yours fits your needs and complements your style.
Choosing Your Design Style
Your kick plate shouldn’t just be functional—it should also look great! Design plays a pivotal role in tying your door’s aesthetic to the rest of your home.
- Explore Historical and Modern Styles
At Old West Iron, you’ll find a range of authentic kick plate designs inspired by historical and modern aesthetics. Whether you’re going for a rustic farmhouse vibe or clean, contemporary lines, there’s something to match your vision.
- Custom Designs
Have something unique in mind? You’re not limited to default options. Reach out to Old West Iron at office@oldwestiron.com to create a custom kick plate design tailored to your style. Whether inspired by a past design or providing your own drawings, their experts love bringing creative ideas to life.
Choosing Your Kick Plate Size
Getting the size of your kick plate right is essential for both functionality and appearance.
- Width Recommendations
To avoid issues with door operation, choose a kick plate width that’s about 2 inches smaller than the width of your door. This leaves a 1-inch space on each side, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct door handles or hinges.
- Height Customization
The height of your kick plate comes down to personal preference. If your door has design details, like decorative panels or trims, measure carefully to ensure the kick plate doesn’t interfere. A taller kick plate offers more protection, while a shorter one keeps the focus on intricate door designs.
Choosing Your Fasteners
What good is a beautifully designed kick plate without reliable fasteners to keep it in place?
- Wood Screws as a Popular Choice
Most kick plates are mounted using wood screws, which are both decorative and functional. At Old West Iron, these screws come in various stylish finishes and designs to complement your plate.
- Other Fastener Options
For heavier kick plates or unique applications, you might want to opt for lag screws, bolts, or even clavos (decorative nails). These allow you to match functional needs with your design aesthetic seamlessly.
Choosing Your Texture
The texture of your kick plate can make all the difference in its final look, striking a balance between detail and simplicity.
- Smooth for Modern Designs
A smooth texture offers a sleek and understated appearance, perfect for minimalist or contemporary homes.
- Distressed for Rustic Charm
A distressed finish creates a worn, vintage look, making it ideal for farmhouse and industrial styles.
- Hammered Edges for Versatility
Hammered edges bring subtle character and texture to your kick plate, working well across various aesthetics, including cottages and traditional homes.
Keep in mind, Old West Iron does not offer full all-hammered textures due to the risk of warping kick plates of larger sizes. However, their alternatives provide all the detailing you need without compromising the structural integrity of the piece.
Choosing a Finish Color
Once you’ve decided on the texture, it’s time to select the color or finish that complements your door and home’s overall look.
- Match Existing Hardware
Coordinate your kick plate's finish with the color of your door’s hardware. Match it to elements like door knobs, mail slots, or hinges for a cohesive appearance.
- Hand-Painted Signature Finishes
Old West Iron offers twelve authentically hand-painted finishes, from bold black to antique pewter. These finishes add depth, personality, and timelessness, sealing your kick plate for protection and elegance.
Looking for an authentic rustic vibe? Go for a patina finish, such as Aged Pewter or Oil-Rubbed Bronze, for that old-world charm.
Why Choose Old West Iron for Your Kick Plate?
At Old West Iron, it’s not just about selling hardware—it’s about preserving craftsmanship and artistry. Every kick plate is hand-crafted, ensuring no two pieces are identical. Small irregularities and inconsistencies make each piece unique, showcasing the work of artisans who value quality and authenticity over mass production.
Whether you choose a ready-made option or opt for a custom job, Old West Iron exemplifies attention to detail, offering customers more than just a utility product—you're getting a piece of craftsmanship grounded in historical design.
Transform Your Door Today
A kick plate does more than guard your door—it adds instant charm and sophistication to your space. By following this guide, you'll be equipped with everything you need to choose the perfect kick plate to protect and elevate your home.
Need help making a decision? Reach out to Old West Iron today, and their team of friendly professionals will help you find or create your perfect kick plate! Visit OldWestIron.com or contact office@oldwestiron.com to get started. Elevate your door with the craftsmanship it deserves!