Chapter 5: Modern Handles For Doors
Door handles are an extension of the personality of your home. This is why selecting the right handle is a great way to give your home a new and attractive look.
Similar to those home improvement projects, executing a plan for upgrading door handles will yield better results. When the time comes that you need to make a choice, there are things to bear in mind. While decision-making or shopping may seem overwhelming, it will not happen when you follow the steps below.
Security and Front Entrance
Modern handles provide better door security. They also offer a stunning front entrance, making you confident with your home. During special occasions, they are something you can boast to your relatives and close friends.
Type of Interior Handle
Choosing door handles does not happen overnight. It takes enough time. It also depends on the use of every door in your home or the style that you prefer. Some homeowners want doorknobs, and others opt for door levers.
Door knobs are capable of adding a touch of style to your residential property. With enough amount of designs, finishes, or styles, they must fit the appearance of your door and other furniture. They can also become a decorative option when they have more standard designs.
In case you want to integrate more recent technology into your doors, levers are manufactured for you. Over the recent years, they have become more advanced and integrated with modern design. Apart from that, they become commonplace for front doors, patios, and more. They are available in a good range of finishes and designs.
Compared to doorknobs, they can guarantee optimal dexterity and strength to you. By using your elbow, you can open your door with convenience. They are an excellent choice for glazed doors and can offer some black plate options.
Door Function
Once you know the type of door handles, now is the right time to identify the function. For bedrooms or bathrooms, you may select a privacy lever. For closer or hallway doors, you may prefer a non-lacking handle. For decorative door handles, buy non-turning options for higher security performance.
A door handle provides many functions such as a passage set, entry sets, dummy sets, and privacy.
Door Setup
More often than not, the type of door you have will identify the handle you have to install. Pay attention if you have super thick doors, make sure to get the necessary kit. When it comes to exterior hardware, you may come across an exterior door with one hole for hardware. Instead of doing the job yourself, hire a service provider to give you a hand.
Types of Material and Environment
There are many styles of handles as there are different doors to fit them. So, you have to be ready to make research. Door handles in antique bronze or brass may be better in a warm-colored home. While cooler schemes best fit stainless steel, chrome, or porcelain handles.
If you have plans to work with interior designers, they can help you throughout the process.
Do you live in tropical areas? Then, your door handles need to withstand weather elements, including salt and humidity. Give those salt-resistant materials a try to have a worthwhile investment such as stainless steel or satin chrome.
Screws
Screws play a vital role in door handles. Even though they are tiny hardware, they are the ones that hold the handle and the door together. But, many homeowners out there ignore their importance. When you buy pulls, be sure to check the quality of the screws. Don’t forget its value and benefit on the installation process.
Handles Should Match the Theme of Your Room
Do you have a classical period-themed room? If that is the case, choose a traditional handle made of iron, brass, or porcelain. For those who prefer a more modern or sleeker design, a minimalistic door handle comes to your rescue. Satin or chrome-looking handles are perfect solutions for a contemporary look.
Always bear in mind that door handles do not have to be made of a single material or plain design. There are glass and wrought iron handles for you. With their decorative elements, you will certainly feel satisfied with your decision of getting them.
Whatever the kind of products you purchase, be sure that it is long-lasting and that the spring is durable. A low-quality spring will wear out easily. As a result, they can cause dropping or stopping the handle from bringing back every time you close the door.
The Lockset
What level of security are you expecting from your door? This is a significant factor to consider before purchasing the right handle. A variety of locks has different functions and construct. There is a need to pick a mortise or a cylindrical lockset. Mortise locksets are popular because they work for a deadbolt. Cylindrical ones do not have that. Some doors, including double door handles, do not require locks at all. However, the handles are used to make a grip, to push or pull the doors to open.
Ease of Use
Door knobs do not pose many issues in terms of ease of use. However, there are still concerns that are worth considering. People with arthritis will struggle with having to turn a knob. Thus, going with handles will make life much easier.
Privacy
While external door knobs provide security to your residential property, other internal door knobs will ensure privacy. Whether you are getting changed or in the bathroom, modern door handles can save you from the discomfort or embarrassment of the unintended walk-in.
Budget
The budget comes last on this list because you will have to take the above information into account before you can come up with a decision on how much you are willing to spend. You need to allocate funds properly especially for the main door handle or knob to avoid additional unnecessary costs in the future.
At this stage, you have to think about how often you use door handles. Since you employ them every day, they have to be hard-wearing. For most of your rooms, you will use them hundreds of times. Therefore, selecting cheaper products will not last a long-term run. At first, they are money-saving. But when they corrode, they will cost you more than you’ve ever thought.