Knobs, Levers, Locks & Hinges: Choosing Door Hardware

For some time now, I have been in the midst of an interior door replacement project. As if choosing the doors themselves wasn't enough of a challenge, there has also been all the hardware decisions to make.  Along the way, I have tried to keep in mind some sage interior decorating advice I received last fall and this week, I finally hit a major milestone: the arrival of my new door hardware. Let's be clear, it was not an easy road for all those doorknobs to make it to my front step.

Many moons later, the "door furniture" has arrived...

If you're considering upgrading your door hardware or replacing your doors altogether, I hope I can save you some work with these few things to keep in mind.

• Indoor/outdoor. Self-explanatory, no?
• Lock or no lock? Does this door need to lock? If so, by what sort of mechanism? Deadbolts and in-knob/lever locks require keys for entry. Privacy sets lock on the interior side of the door (without a key) and may be unlocked from the exterior side with an emergency release. Or perhaps you'd prefer a latch as a locking mechanism. Don't need a lock? Then a passage or dummy set just might be the answer. (Here is a great guide to the different types of knob sets.)
• Type (knobs, levers). Types or hardware primarily variations on knobs and levers. Other options include rings, flush pulls and keyless entry systems. In deciding for your home, consider not only aesthetic but also any accessibility requirements.
• Style (design, material, finish). A bronze/brass knob or faceted crystal? Traditional in style or something more clean and modern? Some manufacturers also integrate fabrics such as leather in the hardware design. You may also need to specify the rosette or escutcheon design. Coordinate any metal finishes to those that already exist in your room. 
• Hinges. If you are installing slab doors, you will also need to purchase hinges (in a coordinating finish, of course). If you have pre-hung doors, be sure to indicate your preferred finish or be prepared with replacement hinges on installation day.

Left: Octagonal knob by Samuel Heath. Center: Solid flush revolving door handle by Turn Style Designs.
Right: Emerald cut turn lock from the Metropolitan collection by Hamilton Sinkler.

Once you have a sense for the hardware you want, head out to a local showroom or retailer (or two or three!) to touch and feel the samples for yourself. You will likely be using these pieces multiple times each day and you want it to feel good in hand. Talk to the sales people and keep an open mind. And once you're ready to place that order, don't be afraid to comparison shop and/or ask for a discount or price match. If you don't ask, they can't say yes and the worst they can say is no.

 

Left: Heritage rectangular entry set by Hamilton Sinkler. Center: Round Metro Lever by Rocky Mountain Hardware. Right: Leather wrapped knob by Turn Style Designs.

It's only a matter of time before my little treasures are installed and in use. I can hardly wait to get everything installed and share the results! Fingers crossed...

Comments

[diane]

Very informative and helpful info for your readers and clients. It is one of the most difficult yet most important design detail decisions to make. You might enjoy taking a look at all of our custom pieces as well.