Get Your Door Handling Right the First Time

How to Determine Door Handling

Let’s face it, we Americans love renovations. If we are not changing careers, our diets or changing our physiques, we are upgrading our latest cell phones, cars, or televisions. We love to constantly be improving something in our lives. So if you just have to be working on something in your life, why not the easiest home improvement project ever? No, it’s not weeding the garden or taking out the trash. It does, however, involve the most overlooked home hardware: your door knobs. Door knobs are typically the first and last thing we touch when entering or exiting any room or home. Certainly, not all door handles are made alike. That’s why we’ve got the basics on what knobs are great- or not so great- for each room in your home!

Your Front Door, Your First Impression

You have probably heard the old adage that first impressions are the (only) lasting impressions. While this generally applies to meeting people or interviewing for a job, it can also be applied to your home. Your front door is your home’s first impression. No matter how big or small your home, town home or apartment, your front door handle sets should make a statement! Choose a sturdy metal material that withstands the elements. After all, it will be pelted with rain, ice or snow. Additionally, you will want a long-lasting finish that does not peel in sunlight or fade in extreme heat. This is your chance to be bold; opt for an intricate design, heavy knocker or interesting door bell (with a pleasant chime) that makes a bold statement!

Entry to Eating Areas

While most kitchens and dining rooms have doors, many are a formality and rarely used. This is your opportunity to choose sophisticated door levers. Since children will not be constantly slamming doors or grabbing hold onto the knobs, you can finally purchase what you actually want! To accent French doors or other eating area closures, glass knobs look elegant. Again, but using these doors less frequently, you won’t have to constantly be worried about greasy knobs or cracked handles.

Simplicity in Your Shower

The home hardware in the upstairs or less seen portion of your home is less important (note: but still important nonetheless). Since many people go in and out of your bathroom, you should choose a handle that can withstand pressure and is easy to grip. Slippery hands trying to grab glass door knobs are made for disaster! Also, ornate designs will actually hurt your hands when mixed with moisture. Simple satin chrome or satin nickel door knobs work perfectly and match just about any style.

Bedroom, Offices and Beyond

More importantly than the door hardware for these rooms themselves are the locking mechanisms to keep these rooms secure. Traditional knobs should all match for each of these areas to keep your home interior design consistent and cohesive. Be sure to include drop down latches for bedrooms to prevent children escaping during naptime. Or, if you don’t wish to create holes, purchase plastic slip covers for door knobs that keep little ones from gripping door knobs (caution: older kids can get past this type of ‘lock’). If  you truly wish to keep certain family members or guests out, install a key locking mechanism.

Out the Backdoor

Most homes feature a backdoor exit. This is a great are for you to change up your conventional handle. Door pulls and indents are great for sliding glass or screen doors. Be sure sliding doors also include a locking mechanism. If you have a traditional back door that’s similar to your front door, keep it consistent. While you should not include a heavy knocker or overly decorative knob, maintaining the same finish or style for door hardware is great. A melodic way to stay aware of who is in or out of your home is to hang chimes that will clang whenever the door is open or shut—even just the slightest bit.