You can upgrade your decor for minimal cost and effort just by installing new hardware — knobs, pulls and locks on your interior doors. You’ll also find many new hardware levers, which are easier for many to operate than the traditional knob. If you plan to stay in your home for the rest of your life, installing lever types is a great fix for long-term ease of use. Replacing door hardware is also a good idea if your house has basic door hardware but you want to bring more personalized style to your doors.
You will want to find hardware that is congruent with the architecture of your house. Brass and bronze tend to suit traditional architecture, while crystal knobs can be more specific to Victorian designs, for example.
Style. Many of us are used to traditional brass hardware in the shape of a ball or flat round.
Cost: There are plenty of basic choices from $10 to $30. Of course, as with anything in home improvement projects, you can spend much more.
Coordinate. A suite of knobs, levers, and locks can coordinate your entire house (pictured above). These knobs begin at around $43, while the door handles begin at around $80. High-quality hardware like this typically must be bought through your professional. SA Baxter Architectural Hardware.
Something different. This design functions identically to the brass knob in the second photo, but its lines and finish stand far apart with a sleek modern execution.
Finish. You will be shocked to see how many door hardware choices there are. This bronze knob (third, right) goes beyond the ordinary — note the variance in the bronze treatment.
Function. Notice the lever style is labeled “dummy.” These are used in locations where both sides of the door do not need a handle. For example, you might have a shallow linen closet with a full-size door; this type of handle is placed only on the outside of the door.
Lockability. A privacy lockset has handles on both sides of the door, and the ability to lock the door from the interior of the room.
Fancy. Doorknobs with more elaborate designs and higher-end materials and finishes, such as brushed nickel (bottom, right), can easily be double the price of simpler hardware. In the high-end world, manufacturers provide seemingly infinite finishes and spectacular designs for prices in the hundreds of dollars per set. Some brands may require the assistance of an architect or interior designer, as they are available only to the trade.
Examine the delightful variation in these doorknob designs from SA Baxter Architectural Hardware, and you see can that this is like choosing jewelry for your house. This is one thing you can really make personal and specific to you. These remarkable embossed designs come in several different finishes and begin at around $500.
First step: Whittle down choices before you start shopping by determining the categories important to you. I am finding that my clients are so overwhelmed by the vast range of products that it is better to narrow your search before you look at what is available. You can always expand your options once you start seeing things you like, but beginning with a focus will help keep you from being overwhelmed. I recommend Sheena Iyengar’s TED talk to better understand the implication of so many choices and to help you deal with this inevitable homeowner conundrum.
Checklist: Here is a quick list to consider when beginning your search for the perfect doorknob.
- Set a budget per knob or lever.
- Narrow down the finishes to a manageable few and become familiar with the variations of your favorites.
- Determine if you want a knob or lever design.
- Determine your home’s style: modern, Craftsman, Victorian, eclectic etc. Learn more.
- Check what will work with your existing decor.
Ready to install a new exterior door? Contact us: We will help you with all the details.
Reprinted from Houzz: To read the entire article or check out products click here>