How to Use a Doorstop to Protect Your Walls

By ALESSI UK: Italian Design Home Accessories, Kitchenware & Gifts | Published: 2026-10-19

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how a well-placed doorstop prevents wall dents, paint chips, and skirting damage. Practical tips for choosing and positioning the right door stopper for your home.

Quick answer

Place a doorstop under the door's leading edge, angled toward the hinge side, to absorb impact and prevent the handle from hitting the wall. Choose a weighted, non-slip design for consistent protection.

Why a doorstop matters for wall protection

Every time a door swings open fully, the handle or edge can strike the wall, leaving dents, chipped paint, or cracked plaster. Over time, even light doors cause damage that requires repainting or patching. A doorstop stops the door at a safe distance, preserving both the wall and the door hardware.

The right doorstop also protects skirting boards and door hinges from stress. It is a small investment that saves costly repairs and keeps your interior looking clean.

Choosing the right doorstop for your floor type

Not all doorstops work on every surface. On hardwood or tile, a rubber-bottomed or weighted stop provides grip without slipping. On carpet, a wider base or pin-style stop holds better. The Alessi Dédé doorstop uses a thermoplastic resin body with a PVD coating, giving it a solid weight that stays put on smooth floors while its sculptural form adds a design accent.

How to position a doorstop for maximum wall protection

Step 1: Identify the strike zone: Open the door fully and note where the handle or door edge contacts the wall. This is the point of impact you need to prevent. Mark the floor spot directly below that contact point with a piece of tape.
Step 2: Place the doorstop at the correct angle: Position the doorstop under the leading edge of the door, angled slightly toward the hinge side. The wedge should face the door's swing path so it catches the edge early. If the doorstop is parallel to the door, it may slide or fail to stop the door in time.
Step 3: Test the stopping distance: Gently close and then open the door against the stop. The door should halt with at least 2-3 cm clearance between the handle and the wall. Adjust the stop's position if the handle still touches the wall or if the door bounces back too far.
Step 4: Secure the doorstop on slippery floors: On polished tile or hardwood, choose a doorstop with a rubber base or sufficient weight. The Alessi Dédé's solid resin body provides natural grip without adhesive pads. Avoid lightweight plastic stops that skid on smooth surfaces—they defeat the purpose of wall protection.
Step 5: Check periodically for wear: Inspect the doorstop's base and the door's edge for scuffs or deformation. Replace or reposition if the stop no longer holds firmly. A worn doorstop can shift under pressure, allowing the door to hit the wall again.

Product spotlight

Dédé: Dédé is a doorstop in thermoplastic resin with PVD coating, Brown Metal finish, designed by Philippe Starck. Its weighted construction and non-slip base keep it firmly in place on hard floors, so the door consistently stops before hitting the wall.
Dédé