New Hardware Gives Doors a Turn for the Better
New project for a new year: Get a handle on how to find the knobs, levers or pulls that will make your doors memorable
Steven Randel
January 24, 2014
You can upgrade your decor for minimal cost and effort just by installing new 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.
Style. Many of us are used to traditional brass hardware in the shape of a ball.
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. Stay consistent with your hinge material and the material of the knobs on your cabinets as a basic guide.
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.
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. Stay consistent with your hinge material and the material of the knobs on your cabinets as a basic guide.
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, locks and cabinet pulls like this one can coordinate your entire house. These cabinet knobs begin at around $43, while the door handles begin at around $80. High-quality hardware like this typically must be bought through your design professional, but “some sets, such as this one, we stock so that we can offer them for a better price,” says Becca Tramiel of SA Baxter Architectural Hardware.
Something different. This design functions identically to the brass knob in the first photo, but its lines and finish stand far apart with a sleek modern execution.
Tactile experience. Consider how the knob will feel to the touch. Crystal knobs like this one have a certain quality that you experience as your fingers slide around the smooth and heavy surfaces of the glass.
Crystal and glass doorknobs are popular for older and historic houses, and there are even certain types that go with a certain style of architecture that start around $100 per set.
Crystal and glass doorknobs are popular for older and historic houses, and there are even certain types that go with a certain style of architecture that start around $100 per set.
Detail. Finding something that tickles your fancy helps to enrich your daily experience in your house. Depending on how often you open and close your doors, you might be using these fixtures every single day, so it pays to have ones that inspires you.
Finish. You will be shocked to see how many door hardware choices there are. This bronze knob goes beyond the ordinary — note the variance in the bronze treatment.
Function. Notice that this 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, 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.
Colored crystals are set into this contemporary lever design.
Closet hardware. Sliding closet doors need their own type of hardware. You want to coordinate your finishes, and many product lines offer a choice within that group for circumstances such as the sliding closet door.
Notice that this one is quite higher in price than the previous example. Beautiful hardware such as this can really make a significant difference when your goal is a sophisticated atmosphere.
Pocket pulls. Pocket doors have their own specialty hardware. The lever pulls are mounted into the edge of the door so you can easily pull it out of the wall from its open position.
Specialized. Some makers specialize in whimsical knobs, such as this delightful rabbit design.
Here the artist has created a marvelous and unique lever-style piece.
This organically inspired design is particularly wonderful. Notice the fractal detail on the escutcheon (the flat plate mounted to the face of the door).
Here is the knob type of the same design theme shown in the previous photo.
Now that you know what an escutcheon is, you can impress your friends with something in the vein of this spectacular Victorian-style design with a crystal knob, and brag about your escutcheon.
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.
Who to hire: This is a pretty easy DIY project, but finding someone like a good handyperson or a contractor you have worked with in the past can be a good way to go. Since it is a simple job, the labor should be affordable.
Typical project length: You should be able to replace the hardware for a single door in under half an hour. This is the perfect job for your favorite handyperson and they can probably do the work more quickly and without a mess.
Permit: You probably do not need permits for this, but there are always new building code regulations being set into place, and requiring permits is how those laws are enforced. The city of Vancouver is implementing the requirement that all new construction includes lever-type handles. It is better not to assume you can do exactly what you want, so check out the permit situation in your neck of the woods before pursuing any project.
Project checklist: Here is a quick list to consider when beginning your search for the perfect doorknob.
Related: Is it time to give your home an upgrade with all-new interior doors?
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.
Who to hire: This is a pretty easy DIY project, but finding someone like a good handyperson or a contractor you have worked with in the past can be a good way to go. Since it is a simple job, the labor should be affordable.
Typical project length: You should be able to replace the hardware for a single door in under half an hour. This is the perfect job for your favorite handyperson and they can probably do the work more quickly and without a mess.
Permit: You probably do not need permits for this, but there are always new building code regulations being set into place, and requiring permits is how those laws are enforced. The city of Vancouver is implementing the requirement that all new construction includes lever-type handles. It is better not to assume you can do exactly what you want, so check out the permit situation in your neck of the woods before pursuing any project.
Project 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.
- Decide if this will be a DIY project or if you want professional help finding and installing the hardware.
Related: Is it time to give your home an upgrade with all-new interior doors?
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Are the oil rubbed bronze door knobs still in style for 2016?
Any thoughts on oil rubbed bronze vs. black? Is oil rubbed bronze outdated? Using satin nickel levers throughout house. Want to use black on front doors interior and exterior. Is this finish too different from satin nickel to be used near it? Does the front door hardware exterior have to match that of same door's interior?