Shoparound: If you're in the market for some expert advice on door knockers, ornate ceramic knobs or snazzy switches, Knobs and Knockers on Dublin's Nassau Street is always a good bet.

In business for over 30 years, the shop originally started life as a door merchant in the 1970s. The in depth product knowledge gained from the door business is the secret of Knobs and Knockers' success, according to owner Des Cooney.

The design and construction of any door will determine what type of knob or handle is the best option and paying attention to these finer details will save many a headache further down the road, he explains.

Knobs are very popular at the moment, but they don't suit every door, he says: his biggest problem is breaking this news to customers.

When it comes to finishes for door hardware, the warren-like Nassau Street shop has an impressive range including cast-iron, polished and antique brass, antique and rustic bronze, satin and polished chrome and polished or satin nickel.

Two-tone nickel and chrome knobs with a satin finish are going into the most fashionable homes at the moment, says Des, with the theme being followed through to light switches, window accessories and plug sockets. Prices are from around €21 for a nickel and chrome knob with matching light switches from around €16.

For a funkier look, check out the range of glass door knobs and lever handles in blue, green and clear glass. Prices are from €170 a pair.

Cheerful ornate ceramic knobs to give your kitchen units a makeover cost €4.

A big seller at Knobs and Knockers is a range of highly-durable external door furniture, which, according to Des, won't need to be polished for 25 years, although a bit of fingerprint wiping is required every now and then.

A fancy-sounding PVD (physical vapour deposition) process is used to apply a very thin and invisible layer of titanium on to the brass to ward off tarnishing and oxidising.

A full set of PVD external furniture costs between €250 and €400.

If you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary, have a peek at the black cast-iron manual bell - it's ideal for setting a Gothic tone at the doorstep. Price €178.

Knobs and Knockers, Nassau Street, D2, 01 6710288