The way your house looks inside can affect the way you feel. That’s why people seek creative ways to improve their interior design. If you’re currently looking for a new door handle, it can be tough choosing the right one. With all the different styles and materials available, how do you know which is the best option for your needs? In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most important things to consider when choosing a new door handle.
Search For Inspiration
A good place to start is by looking around your home and noting what door handles you like (or don’t like). You may find that the same handle can be used in different rooms, or that an entirely new one could work better (depending on the aesthetic of each room). Additionally, take note of what door handles you spot when browsing furniture stores or reading magazines. If you have friends with nice homes, check out what handles they use and recommend.
Pinterest and Instagram can also be great sources of inspiration. Blogs (both home design blogs and lifestyle blogs), can provide helpful information on the latest trends and choices. Besides viewing specialist websites, online stores can enable you to view a host of available products.
Choose The Finish
Door handles come in a variety of finishes, including satin nickel, chrome, stainless steel, and brass. Depending on your choice, it’ll either match or contrast with the rest of the hardware in your home. If you want to make a statement, you can opt for an unusual finish like bronze or black. Here are some practical tips:
- Satin nickel is highly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing
- Chrome is shinier but also more prone to scratching
- Stainless steel is extremely durable
- Brass ages naturally over time.
Different finishes require different levels of maintenance. If ease of cleaning is most important, consider choosing polished brass because its finish doesn’t have to be regularly polished. If you go online in search of finishes for door handles you’ll discover things like dark bronze, matte antique nickel, unlacquered brass, and pewter. There’s polished brass, chrome, and nickel and satin black, brass, nickel and steel.
Consider The Type Of Handle
Round knob door handles are the most common and traditional type, and they’ve been around for many decades. They’re easy to install and operate, but they don’t offer any security features. They can also be difficult to grip for those with limited dexterity.
Lever handles can be more secure than round knobs as they offer a latch that needs to be released before the door can be opened. This feature helps to keep intruders out as it means they’d need a key or tool to open the door. However, lever handles may require more effort from users due to the extra step required when operating them. Finally, there are knobs that blend design elements from both round and lever handles – thus offering the best of both worlds.
Think About Installation
Before you buy a new door handle it’s important to think about this part of the process. Will you be doing the installation yourself or hiring a professional? For DIYers, make sure that your chosen handle fits easily into the existing hole and comes with all the necessary screws and tools for easy assembly. If you’re not comfortable installing it yourself, hire a professional who has experience in this area.
You should also consider whether additional drilling or any other modifications will be required in order to fit the new handle into the door frame. If so, make sure that they’re within your capabilities before attempting an install on your own. Finally, pay attention to how long the installation may take, as some handles require more time and effort than others. Getting it right first time is key, so make sure you have the necessary tools and patience to complete the job.
Measure Your Door First
This is a highly important step when it comes to choosing a new handle. Taking accurate measurements will ensure that you pick the perfect size and fit. Here are some practical tips:
- Measure from edge to edge – measure from one side of the door to the other, as handles come in different sizes and need an exact measurement for installation.
- Measure between the two holes – if you’re replacing an existing handle, measure between the center points of both mounting holes.
- Check width and thickness – so that you can get a handle with compatible dimensions.
- Check backset – this is the distance from the edge of your door to where the handle will be mounted. This measurement should remain consistent when replacing an existing handle.
By taking accurate measurements before shopping for a door handle, you’ll ensure that you pick one that fits perfectly and looks great on your door. If your measurements are inaccurate, however, your new handle may not fit properly.
Consider The Aesthetics
You don’t want to detract from the overall look and feel of your living space, so take time to select something that best suits the existing décor. You may even find it helpful to take pictures of your current handle (as well as photos of other areas in the room, such as furniture and color schemes) to help you choose one that coordinates with your design style.
It can be wise to consider matching door hardware sets for a unified look throughout the house. To ensure all pieces match fully, you should purchase them together. If this isn’t within the budget, try to make sure all handles throughout your home share a common style and material. Finally, you may wish to avoid overly ornate designs or ones with sharp edges that could potentially be uncomfortable on your hand.
If you have young children or pets in the house, you’ll need to bear this in mind when making your purchase. Thanks to some more research and wise choices, you’ll soon have new door handles in your home. They’ll be practical, stylish, and functional – and will serve your household for many years to come.
