Door knobs are one of the most important hardware pieces around your home. Not only do they serve as functional fittings to ensure security, but they’re also powerful to elevate the overall aesthetic of your living space.
However, choosing a gorgeous set of door handles can be a daunting task, especially once you stumble upon the wide range of different types packed with different features. This is why we gathered a list of a couple of tips that might come in handy on your door handles buying journey.
Knobs vs Levers
The first important decision to make is whether you want to get door levers or knobs. Have in mind that both of these types come in a vast of styles and designs- from the art deco door hardware knobs to the contemporary lever models.
Starting from knobs, they’re the traditional type of hardware that has been around since the 1800s. Hence, even though knobs have been a part of a lot of historical properties, they can also be a great feature of every type of home, considering the innovation in materials, designs and different styles.
On the other hand, levers are considered easier to operate as they naturally offer a better grip without any grasping and twisting motions. Hence, they make for the perfect type of door hardware for people with different levels of strength and dexterity. On top of that, levers are a more popular choice for contemporary and minimalistic spaces as they appear more modern than knobs.
Measure for the Right Size
Once you make your mind to a specific type that fits your home design and functionality needs, it’s time to get a couple of measurements so you can choose the right size. For this purpose, it’s important to measure four different aspects of the specific door where you’re about to place your new handles: door thickness, door height, stile width, and backset.
Door Thickness
Even though the standard internal door thickness in our land is 35mm, have in mind that this measurement can vary, especially if you’re having a specific type of door such as old-fashioned ones. To measure your door’s thickness, it’s best to measure from the inside to the outside.
If your door is custom-sized and doesn’t fit the standard, there is no need to worry as handles come in many different sizes to fit different types of door thicknesses.
Door Height
To determine the height, it’s recommended to measure from the bottom to the top of the door. The standard door height is around 2040mm, even though there’re many custom door designs, especially in old properties. This measurement is particularly useful if you’re planning to get new door hinges, so you can calculate their load-bearing requirements.
Stile width
A door’s stile width is measured from the edge of the door to the edge of any molding, paneling, or glazing on the door. The stile width is one of the most important measurements, as it’ll determine the type of door handle and the latch or lock mechanism you’re about to fit. Have in mind that a narrow stile may restrict the length of the latch that you can fit and therefore, your choice when it comes to levers or knobs.
Backset
The backset is the distance between the edge of a door and the point at which the door handle is attached. And as much as there’re many industry standards for door backsets ranging from 44, up to 120 mm, the ideal backset measurement will always site the door handle in the middle of the stile.
Have in mind that shorter backsets are better for glazed doors, to avoid the latch mechanism meeting the rebate of the glass. On the other hand, longer backset measurements are better if the handle is fitted too close to the edge to avoid scraping your knuckles on the frame when opening/closing the door.
Choose a Stylish Design
Once you decide about the functional features, it’s time for the most creative part of the door handles choosing process- picking a stylish design that will fit your interior design as well as the overall ambiance of your home. Luckily, the market nowadays is packed with a plethora of different styles and popular designs so you won’t struggle to choose something gorgeous for your living space.
So, if your home features old-fashioned furniture topped up with wallpapers and gorgeous curtains, it’s best to choose handles that will complement the entire design and top up the entire elegance. A set featuring a large rectangular backplate accompanied by an ornate handle in gold, copper, or bronze finish might be just the right option for your space.
Popular styles and designs being mentioned, don’t hesitate to choose from the huge range of gorgeous art deco door hardware for your classic, yet contemporary home design. The art deco style is inspired by cubism and futurism in art movements, bringing in glamour, luxury, and incredible charm. Art deco hardware is no exception at all, as these handles and knobs feature straight and angular lined designs and come in a bunch of different finishes- from the gorgeous chrome finishes to the sleek matte black designs.
On the other hand, if you want to choose something more contemporary, sharp and straight lines and edges and matte finishes are also recommended. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t experiment and choose a lovely set of handles in a satin finish or any other statement color such as bronze or black.
Now that you found out how to choose the right handles, don’t hesitate to hit the market and explore the vastness of different options. We’re sure that your new door handles will come as the perfect refreshment for your living space.
