When selecting hardware for your home’s new doors, it’s important to ensure optimal function while establishing a cohesive aesthetic within your living space.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll outline how to choose door hardware based on sizing considerations, styles, finishes, and entry types. Whether you’re seeking durable hardware for exterior bifold doors or elegant glass doorknobs for your bedroom, choosing the right door hardware can transform your home.
Get a quote for door installation from Vetrina Windows and start planning your home improvement project today.
Top Considerations To Make Before Deciding on a Door Hardware
Before selecting door hardware, consider the size of your door, its desired function, and your home’s overall aesthetic. The dimensions, weight, and style of your door will determine the amount and type of hinges you’ll need to ensure safety. In addition to functionality, matching the hardware on your new door with your home’s existing fixtures will ensure cohesion within your living space.
Choose The Right Size Hinges & Hardware
The size and weight of your door determine the size of the hinges required. Heavier doors require larger and stronger door hinges to support their weight without causing strain or damage to your home’s structure.
Keep The Style & Look Consistent Throughout Your Home
Maintaining a consistent style of door hardware can enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal. For a cohesive living space, choose hardware that reflects the architectural style of your home and complements other elements like cabinet handles, faucets, and light fixtures.
Determine How Many Handles & Hinges You’ll Need
To determine the total number of handles and hinges you’ll need, start by counting the number of doors that require new hardware. Each standard interior door will typically need one handle set (which may be a knob or lever, depending on your choice). When planning for double doors, consider whether both need operational handles or if one side can use dummy hardware.
Standard interior doors usually require three hinges to support their weight and ensure smooth operation. Larger or heavier doors, such as entry doors or those made of solid wood, may need four hinges for added stability. When selecting hinges, make sure you have the correct measurements and weight specifications of your doors to establish safe and efficient operation.
Choose Hardware That Will Match Your Door Type
Your door type determines your hardware requirements, so it’s important to select door hardware that ensures aesthetic coherence and optimal functionality. Solid wooden doors are heavier and may require sturdier, more durable hardware, while glass bifold doors might require specific locks and handles that are suitable for delicate materials.
Different Styles of Door Handles
The right style of door handle can significantly impact the usability and visual effect of the doors in your home. If accessibility is your priority, level, pull, and bar style handles offer an easy grip without compromising on style. Knob handles provide a classic look for more traditional homes, while flush pull handles maximize space for contemporary layouts.
Lever Handles
Lever handles feature a horizontal handle that is pushed down to open the door. As a particularly user-friendly style, this handle style is ideal for those with limited hand strength or dexterity. Lever handles come in a variety of designs and are a versatile choice for any style of home.
Knob Handles
Typically spherical in shape, knob handles are one of the most common types of door handles. They require a gripping and turning motion to operate and can add a classic touch to any room. Knob handles are available in a wide range of materials and finishes for easy compatibility with any decor style.
Pull Handles
Commonly found on entry doors and larger doors, pull handles offer a substantial grip and are used in a vertical motion to pull the door open. This handle style makes a bold statement, especially on large doors of commercial buildings or modern homes. Pull handles are available in various lengths and finishes, catering to both functional needs and aesthetic preferences.
Bar Handles
Bar handles offer a straight bar fixed at both ends of the door, providing a simple, minimalistic appearance. Ranging from small and subtle to long and dramatic, they are often used on kitchen and cabinet doors but can also be found on various styles of interior doors.
Flush Pull Handles
Flush pull handles are designed to be recessed into the door itself, creating a flush finish that is ideal for sliding or pocket doors. This type of handle provides a clean, unobtrusive look and is perfect for space maximization within modern homes. Flush pull handles come in a variety of shapes and finishes to blend seamlessly with any door surface.
Different Materials For Door Handles, Hinges, and Other Hardware
When selecting hardware for the doors in your home, each material offers unique aesthetic and functional benefits. For a polished look with unmatched durability, stainless steel, brass, and bronze hardware are ideal for outdoor spaces. Aluminum hardware offers comparable durability to other metals with less financial commitment, while glass door handles can add a sophisticated statement piece to any room in your home.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel’s strength and resistance to corrosion make it a popular choice for door hardware. It offers a contemporary aesthetic and is particularly suited for areas with high humidity. Stainless steel hardware also needs minimal maintenance, requiring only occasional cleaning to maintain its shiny appearance.
Brass
Brass hardware adds a warm, golden tone that can elevate the elegance of any door. Its durability and resistance to corrosion make it ideal for exterior doors exposed to the elements. Brass also has natural antimicrobial properties, reducing the buildup of bacteria on surfaces.
Bronze
Compared to brass, bronze is a stronger, heavier material with a deeper, more subdued finish. Its resistance to corrosion and wear makes it ideal for both interior and exterior use, particularly in maritime environments. Bronze hardware typically features dark, rich tones that evolve over time, adding character and rustic charm to doors.
Aluminum
Aluminum door hardware is lightweight, durable, and less expensive than other metal options. Particularly popular in modern and industrial-style interiors, aluminum is available in a variety of finishes, from natural metallic to colorful anodized coatings.
Glass
Glass door handles come in a variety of shapes and colors, adding a touch of sophistication and luxury to any interior. Glass handles are more fragile than metal options but can provide a striking visual contrast in the right setting, particularly in historical or more ornate designs.
Selecting The Right Interior Door Hardware by Entry Type
When selecting interior door hardware by entry type, it’s important to consider the function and location of each door in your home. Also used for bi-fold styles or other doors leading to outdoor spaces, locking hardware provides the privacy needed for interior spaces such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and home offices.
Non-locking hardware allows easy access throughout your home’s interior, while dummy or decorative options create a pleasing visual effect for doors that don’t require functional hardware installation.
Locking Hardware
Involving a lock mechanism that is engaged from the door’s interior and may be unlocked from its exterior, locking hardware provides the privacy and security ideal for bathrooms, bedrooms, and entryways into your home. Available in several styles, including knobs, levers, and handle sets, this hardware allows for security without compromising on your home’s aesthetic.
Non-Locking Hardware
Non-locking hardware is suitable for closet doors or doors separating two public areas where privacy and security are not required. These handles or knobs allow the door to be opened and closed without any locking function and are ideal for smooth and easy access within your home.
Dummy or Decorative Hardware
Ideal for the inactive side of double doors or for purely aesthetic purposes on closet doors, dummy or decorative hardware is used where neither latch nor lock is needed. This type of hardware is mounted on the surface of the door and does not turn or operate a latch mechanism. Dummy hardware creates consistency throughout your property, ensuring design continuity without the complexities of hardware installation.
Ready To Upgrade Your Doors? Get A Project Quote From Vetrina Windows Today!
When you’re ready to upgrade your doors, Vetrina Windows offers an extensive selection of hardware, hinges, and handles to enhance your home’s aesthetic. We prioritize safety and efficiency without compromising your home’s existing style so you can enjoy functional and beautiful doors.
Get a project quote from Vetrina Windows and start planning your door installation today!
