How to Choose the Right Door Hardware for Your Home
How to Choose the Right Door Hardware for Your Home
Door hardware might seem like a small detail, but it plays a crucial role in the overall look, security, and functionality of your home. From the front entry door to interior rooms, choosing the right hardware ensures that your doors not only operate smoothly but also match your home’s design. With a wide variety of styles, finishes, and materials available, selecting the right door hardware can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect door hardware for your home.
Consider Your Home’s Style
When selecting door hardware, the first thing to consider is your home’s overall design. The hardware should complement the style of your home, whether it’s modern, traditional, or transitional.
Modern Homes:
Clean Lines and Minimalism: Look for hardware with sleek, simple designs. Lever handles and matte finishes like black or brushed nickel are popular choices for modern homes.
Traditional Homes:
Ornate and Classic Designs: Choose hardware with more detailed designs, such as rounded knobs or handles with a polished brass or bronze finish.
Transitional Homes:
Blend of Old and New: If your home has a mix of modern and traditional elements, opt for hardware that balances both styles, such as brushed nickel or chrome levers with clean yet elegant designs.
Focus on Functionality
It’s essential to consider how each door in your home will be used and to select the hardware based on its function. Different areas of the house may require different types of hardware:
Front Door:
Security First: For your front entry door, prioritize a high-quality deadbolt and lockset for maximum security. Consider smart locks for added convenience and advanced security features.
Durability: Choose hardware that can withstand outdoor elements, especially in areas with harsh weather conditions like Calgary. Look for materials like stainless steel or brass, which are more durable and resistant to corrosion.
Interior Doors:
Privacy or Passage Sets: For bedroom and bathroom doors, privacy sets with locking mechanisms are ideal. For other rooms like closets and hallways, opt for passage sets, which don’t lock.
Dummy Knobs or Levers: These are non-functional handles that are typically used on closet doors or pantry doors.
Patio or Exterior Back Doors:
Keyless Entry or Sliding Door Handles: Consider door hardware that provides easy access but maintains security. Sliding doors may require special locks or handles that blend with their design.
Choose the Right Material
The material of your door hardware affects its durability, appearance, and maintenance. Some of the most common materials include:
Brass: Brass is one of the most traditional and durable materials. It’s corrosion-resistant and works well in all environments. Polished brass has a shiny, classic look, while satin brass provides a more muted, modern feel.
Stainless Steel: Known for its strength and durability, stainless steel is a popular choice for exterior doors. It has a sleek, modern look and is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, making it perfect for outdoor use.
Zinc Alloy: Zinc alloy is a more affordable option and is commonly used for interior door hardware. While it doesn’t have the same level of durability as brass or stainless steel, it is still resistant to rust and can hold up well over time.
Bronze: Oil-rubbed bronze is a popular choice for traditional or rustic homes. It offers a warm, antique appearance and develops a patina over time that gives it character.
Pick the Perfect Finish
The finish of your door hardware determines its aesthetic appeal and how it complements other elements in your home, such as light fixtures, cabinet handles, and faucets. Common finishes include:
Polished Brass: Shiny and reflective, polished brass is often used in traditional and classic home designs. It requires regular cleaning to maintain its appearance.
Satin Nickel: One of the most versatile finishes, satin nickel offers a smooth, matte look that fits well in both modern and traditional settings. It’s easy to clean and resists fingerprints and smudges.
Matte Black: Matte black hardware has become a popular choice for modern homes. It provides a bold contrast and adds a sleek, minimalist touch to doors.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze: This finish is popular for its dark, aged look and works well in traditional or rustic settings. Over time, it develops a natural patina, enhancing its antique charm.
Chrome: Chrome is known for its high shine and reflective finish. It’s commonly used in contemporary settings and pairs well with modern, minimalist designs.
Prioritize Security
Security is especially important when choosing hardware for exterior doors, such as your front entryway or patio door. Look for:
Deadbolts: A deadbolt is the most secure lock option for exterior doors. Choose a high-quality deadbolt with a reinforced strike plate for added protection.
Smart Locks: Smart locks offer keyless entry and allow you to control your locks remotely via smartphone. Many models integrate with home security systems and provide advanced features like temporary access codes for guests.
Multipoint Locking Systems: For added security, consider multipoint locking systems, which lock at multiple points along the door frame rather than just at the handle or deadbolt.
Don’t Forget About Comfort
Your door hardware should feel comfortable to use. This may seem like a small consideration, but it can make a significant difference in the long run, especially for frequently used doors. Try different knob and lever shapes to see which feels most comfortable in your hand. Levers are often easier to operate than knobs, especially for children or the elderly.
Match Hardware Across Your Home
While you don’t need to use the exact same hardware throughout your home, choosing a consistent style or finish can create a cohesive look. For instance, you might use the same finish for all your interior door knobs and complement that with matching cabinet hardware in the kitchen and bathroom.
Choosing the right door hardware for your home involves balancing style, function, security, and comfort. Whether you’re selecting hardware for a new build or upgrading existing doors, the perfect choice will enhance both the beauty and practicality of your doors. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to select hardware that meets your needs and complements your home’s design.