Give Simple Bird Feeders A Unique Vintage Upgrade With Thrifted Door Knobs

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Having a bird feeder near your home is one of the easiest ways to keep birds flocking to your yard year-round, whether you've built it from scratch or purchased it from a store. Feeders offer wild and backyard birds a reliable place to eat, and depending on their design, provide an ideal destination for rest, relaxation, and nesting. But if you want your bird feeder to look like something more than just a run-of-the-mill wooden feeder, then there is one decorative addition you can use to make it stand out from the rest. 

Try adding a door knob to the front of your feeder, and perhaps even more than one if you have a double-decker version. But don't just use any door knob; consider adding a vintage one thrifted from your local antique store or flea market. Older door knobs tend to come with the kind of quaint, weathered charm that a brand-new one just can't replicate. Online resale sites like Etsy and eBay are also great places to find vintage door knobs, and you can expect to pay as low as $10 or as much as $40 for one. A charming birdhouse design paired with the right vintage door knob can add even more curb appeal to your home, and it's something that can elevate your entire yard. 

Keep the material in mind while you're browsing for a vintage door knob. Since it'll be outdoors, an exterior door knob will fare better against precipitation, sunlight, and everything else that outdoor elements will throw at it. For example, door knobs made from materials like stainless steel, ceramic, or brass, tend to stand up better outdoors than alternatives like plated zinc. But if you find a vintage door knob that looks especially worn (such as brass patina) and you're worried about it deteriorating further, you can always add a clear coat of a matte polyurethane for a little added protection. Now, let's talk about colors. 

If you're working with a DIY bird feeder to attract more birds, try to find vintage door knobs with wood, bronze, or muted black tones. These toned-down colors can help the feeder blend in with its surroundings, offering camouflage that protects visiting birds from squirrels and other predators. However, if your feeder is just for yard decoration, any door knob color or style will do, and you can even paint the door knob to coordinate it with the feeder. 

The material of your feeder and door knob will determine the best approach for securing the door knob. In most cases, a solid adhesive will do. If you have a feeder made of wood or plastic, and a metal door knob, an outdoor adhesive like Vicpricme Heavy Duty Welding Glue will hold the door knob securely in place, as it'll work for all materials. For door knobs and feeders that are both made of wood, Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue is a good adhesive to use, as it'll also perform well outdoors. With the right door knob and a little glue, your feeder can look like an cool antique store find.