Why You Shouldn’t Overlook Door Stops - And When It’s Time to Install a Permanent One
Why You Shouldn’t Overlook Door Stops - And When It’s Time to Install a Permanent One
When it comes to home hardware, door stops rarely get a moment in the spotlight. They're humble little items, often hidden behind a door or screwed into a skirting board - and yet, they play a crucial role in protecting both your walls and your sanity.
Whether you’ve just moved into a new home, are giving a room a freshen-up, or have recently had new doors installed, it’s worth giving a bit of thought to your door stops. Here’s why they matter - and how to tell when a permanent option is the right call.
What Do Door Stops Actually Do?
In short: they stop doors from swinging too far.
This might sound obvious, but it’s a bigger deal than it sounds. Without a door stop in place, a heavy door can bang into a wall, furniture, or radiator - and over time, that can cause real damage. It could be cracked plaster, dented woodwork, broken door handles or even costly repairs to your wall if a handle repeatedly punches into it.
Door stops also help avoid noisy surprises, especially in draughty hallways or busy households with children and pets darting about.
Each type has its use - but when it comes to high-traffic areas or doors that tend to swing forcefully, it might be time to think about something more robust.
Types of Door Stops
There’s a surprisingly wide range out there, from temporary rubber wedges to heavy-duty floor-mounted models. The main categories are:
- Wedge stops – Portable and useful for propping doors open, but not ideal for everyday protection.
- Wall-mounted stops – These are fixed to the skirting or wall and stop the door before the handle hits.
- Hinge-pin stops – Discreetly installed on the hinge itself to limit the opening angle.
- Floor-mounted stops – Either domed, post-style or angled, these are fixed directly to the floor.
When Should You Install a Permanent Door Stop?
Here are a few scenarios where it’s worth choosing a fixed, long-term solution:
1. Newly Fitted Doors
If you’ve just had new doors fitted - especially heavy fire doors or solid-core internal doors - a good-quality door stop is essential to protect both the door and the surrounding surfaces. This is even more important if the door opens onto furniture or glass.
2. Rooms with a Lot of Through-Traffic
In busy households or offices, doors get opened and closed constantly. If you're fed up of hearing a loud thump every time someone walks through, a permanent stop can save your nerves - and your décor.
3. Exposed Walls or Period Plasterwork
If your walls have original features, decorative mouldings or fragile plaster, a careless door swing can do serious damage. A fixed stop keeps things under control - and looking their best.
4. Doors with new handles
Updating your door handles is a great way to refresh the look of your home (we tell you how to do it here), but there is a chance that your new handles are slightly further out than the old ones, and that extra couple of centimetres could mean it now reaches far enough to make contact with the wall, where previously it would have been stopped by your skirting board. You can fix this with a door stop.
Choosing the Right Stop for Your Home
It’s not just about function - a good door stop can look smart too. From polished brass finishes that suit traditional properties to sleek black or brushed steel options for a more modern interior, there’s a style to suit every space.
Door stops may be small, but they punch well above their weight when it comes to protecting your home. If your doors swing too wide, if you’ve got delicate walls, or if you’re just fed up with the bang of a handle meeting plaster - it’s time to consider installing a permanent stop.
It’s a small job that can prevent a lot of damage - and make your home that little bit more peaceful, too.
At Brass Works, we stock a full range of door stops - from discreet skirting board options to statement pieces for larger spaces. If you’re unsure which type you need, give us a call and speak to a member of our team - we’re always happy to help.
