One of the single best ways to elevate your exterior or interior space is to swap out your normal handles on your Perth doors for a stylish, sleek, and functional set. With so many styles of internal and front door handles available, narrowing down your choices takes time.

Learning how to pick out the best option for your space is all about knowing what important considerations you should keep in mind and which you can put lower on your priority list.

Whether you’re getting a new door or enhancing your existing ones, his quick door handle guide will fill you in on everything you need to know on picking out door handles, and you can use it to find the perfect complement for your home.

What Finish Do You Want On Your Door Handles?

One of the first things you have to understand is that your finish will vary, and you have a large range of them to choose from. When it comes right down to it, it all comes down to personal preference.

However, you should keep in mind that your finish will vary between companies. So if you’re trying to match nearby fixtures, we recommend visiting and seeing them in person.

There are also living finishes to consider, and these will age and change over time. Depending on the base material and finish, you can expect any kitchen door handles to darken, lighten, or even turn a pretty turquoise colour. These finishes can make your home look more historic and lend character to the hardware.

What Function Does Each Door Handle Need?

What your new hardware comes designed to do is the function. Does it need a specific mechanism, or will a stationary handle be enough? Do you need it to lock? Do you also need door stops? Almost every home needs various functions, so you’ll have to go door by door and consider what you need. Consider which area or room the door is for and who is the primary user. Common sets you can choose from include:

Dummy Sets

This internal door handle features a knob or door lever that won’t turn or function. It’s a stationary handle that you use to pull or push on. You’ll commonly see these sets on a set of double internal doors or on closets. If you use a dummy set in your closet, they’ll work with a ball or roller catch to keep the door closed.

Keyed Entry Sets

As the name suggests, you can unlock or lock these door handles by using a turn piece on the interior part of the doorway and a key on the exterior side. Keyed entry sets don’t come outfitted with an emergency egress function. They’re commonly used for private offices, as front door handles, or any room that requires added security.

Passage Sets

Passage black door handles don’t lock. You’ll see them installed on pantries, closets, or even on doors to master bedrooms if you’re not worried about your privacy.

Privacy Sets

Privacy sets are very commonly installed on bedroom and bathroom doors. They do house locks, which prevent fast access to a particular room. They get locked using a small pin that you push on the handle set’s interior side.

When you engage this pin, you can’t open the privacy door from the exterior side unless you have an emergency egress function. This emergency egress feature is typically something as simple as inserting a paper clip into the hole on the exterior side and popping the pin open.

What Should Your Door Handles Be Made Of?

It’s common to overlook the base material of your door handle hardware. However, this choice can greatly impact the lifespan and long-term appearance. We highly recommend that you pick out front door handles made out of aluminium, brass, bronze, or stainless steel, as they are high-quality options with the longest lifetime.

You’ll also want to figure out if the hardware is hollow or solid. Generally speaking, hollow products are much less durable and sturdy than solid options, and this makes them more prone to damage.

Bronze

Bronze is a very old-world material that has a high durability factor. It offers a naturally uneven texture, and this makes it a stunning choice for anyone who wants hardware with a handmade or rustic look. With bronze, a large majority of finishes are living, and this means that your hardware will gain more character as you use it.

Brass

Brass gives you a very solid base on which to put a high-quality finish. There are special finishes like antique brass, polished brass, brushed nickel, or relieved bronze that look far better than traditional brass. Also, this material is a fantastic front door handle material for damp environments like the bathroom, as it can withstand exposure without issues.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel has a reputation for being very strong in coastal environments. Even though it’s very durable, it is prone to rust. You can easily buff this rust away without damaging your door handle, though. Also, stainless steel has a low malleability point, so you’ll get much more simple shapes that fit well into modern designs.

What Style Do You Want For Your Door Handles?

Even though you might not think about door handles often, you notice if it’s dented, scratched, or if it doesn’t match the home style very well. You don’t want to fall into the trap of thinking that door hardware is just door hardware.

Look for a material and a style that matches your home’s architectural style and your personal tastes. This could mean anything from ornate or simple, sleek or contemporary, or somewhere in between the styles.

Also, when you’re picking out a style, consider the benefits and drawbacks of levers versus doorknobs and how they fit into your decor style. Do you have smaller kids or a smart pet that can work a lever and get out? Maybe you have arthritis and it’s easier to grip a lever over a doorknob. Whatever the reason, consider the style as you shop.

Contact Perth Window and Door Replacement Company for All of Your Door Needs

If you’re considering upgrading the doors in your home and you live in Perth or the surrounds, our team are here to help. We’re happy to go over your options and help you pick out the best external or internal door handles for your home to keep it looking nice and secure.

The experienced team at Perth Window and Door Replacement has been servicing Perth for over 25 years, so you can rest assured that their products will be well worth it. Contact the team today and learn how they can help fit your home or business with the best doors on the market.