Whether you are remodeling or building a new custom home, selecting the right interior door hardware is an important but often overlooked step in making a home feel special and unique. The style, type, and finish of your interior door hardware should coordinate throughout your home, complement your decor, and reflect your personal taste. So, how do you know what to pick? Here are our tips for selecting the right hardware for your interior doors.
There are four types of handles for interior doors. Select the type that is most functional for each door in your home.
A privacy handle locks with a button or thumb-turn on the inside of the door. To unlock a privacy handle from the inside, twist the knob or pull down on the lever. To release the lock from the outside of the door, insert a pin key into the small hole. This type of knob or lever is usually installed on bedroom and bathroom doors.
A passage handle has a latch but does not have a lock. This type of knob or lever is typically used for hallway or closet doors that do not need to be secured.
Dummy knobs or levers are simply decorative. They are stationary and have no mechanical parts and are used on closets or other interior doors where no latch or lock is necessary.
A keyed entry handle can be locked from both sides. Install this type of knob or lever on an interior door that you do not want to be accessed freely. Keep a key handy so that the door can be unlocked quickly in case of emergency.
There are two styles of handles for interior doors: knobs and levers. There are pros and cons to both, so before making a purchase get samples of the handles that you are considering. Make sure the knob or lever fits well in your hand and feels comfortable.
Doorknobs are either round or oval. Round knobs work well with traditional decor. Oval or egg-shaped knobs are suited for homes with transitional or traditional decor. Knobs can be used on either right-opening or left-opening doors.
Knobs can be difficult to open for elderly adults or those with disabilities because you must twist them.
To prevent young children from opening certain doors in your home, install safety covers over the knobs that you don't want them to be able to turn.
Levers have a look that is well-suited for contemporary or transitional decor. If you have a door that opens to the right, then you will need a right-hand lever. If the door opens to the left, get a left-hand lever. Make sure you consider both sides of each door when counting how many of each type of lever you will need.
Levers are difficult to childproof if you want to prevent young kids from opening doors in your home, but they are easier than knobs to open for elderly adults and for those with disabilities.
All interior doors in your home should have hardware of the same style and finish. There are many finishes to choose from and here are some of the most popular for you to consider.
Bright chrome has a highly polished, mirror-like finish and works well with modern or retro decor.
Satin chrome is suitable for contemporary or transitional decor and has a brushed finish.
Brushed nickel complements a variety of styles and can vary in appearance depending upon the lighting in a room. For an antique, rustic look choose distressed, brushed nickel.
Bronze interior door hardware is available in a variety of finishes and therefore can work with almost any home decor. You can choose from oil-rubbed, distressed, or satin bronze finishes, but be aware that the patina and look of the finish can change with use over time.
Interior door hardware with a black finish can work with traditional, transitional, or contemporary decor. The dark color pops against a white door for a clean look.
Copper is a unique finish that can work with any decor, from rustic to contemporary, depending upon the style of the knob or lever.
Bright brass is found in traditional homes but tends to look dated. However, there are satin and antique brass finishes that are also suited to traditional decor and have a more up-to-date appeal.
Crystal knobs add pizzazz to a room. They are available in clear or a variety of colors and can suit many styles of decor.
Hand-painted knobs have a vintage look. They are tailor-made for a home with an eclectic style.
Embellishments or accessories can complete the look of your interior doors. Just be sure to choose the same style and finish as the handles you have selected.
A rosette or backplate is the decorative trim that goes between the knob/lever and the door. A rosette can be embellished or plain but should match the finish of the doorknob or lever. Rosettes come in a wide variety of shapes such as rectangular, square, round, and oval.
Coordinate the finish and style of the exposed hardware for any sliding, pocket, or barn doors with the hardware on the other interior doors in your home.
The hinge holds the door to the doorjamb. Make sure the hinges match the finish of the other door hardware.
A strike plate is installed on the doorjamb and receives the latch bolt when the door is closed. The finish of the strike plate should match the finish of the rosette, hinges, door stop, and door handle.
A door stop is attached to the wall behind a door. It prevents the door from damaging the wall when it swings open. The finish should match the other door hardware.
At Meridian Homes, we specialize in luxury renovations and custom home building in the Washington, DC area. Our mission is to create exceptional residences that exceed expectations. Our highly personalized design process and careful management of every project have earned us a reputation over many years for outstanding client service and solid, beautiful craftsmanship. Contact us today to begin your custom home or remodeling project.