Door Hardware and Hinges Part 2

If you read my last article, you may have started looking in to swapping out the door hardware in your home. You may have also realized how many different styles and options there are when it comes to door hardware. Options range from knobs and levers to passage, privacy and dummy. What the heck is a dummy! Here is your guide to selecting door hardware function and style:

When it comes to function, you have options like passage, privacy, dummy and for your exterior door keyed or keyless. Passage hardware is generally for standard doors that go to a hallway, basement, closet, etc. while privacy hardware is used to a space where you want to lock the door like a bathroom or bedroom. Dummy hardware doesn’t move and you pull the door open and closed. You can use it on double interior doors paired with a passage or privacy, these are also good for a linen closet or pantry. For your exterior doors you may be looking at a deadbolt paired with privacy hardware, most hardware collections now also offer a keyless option with a code to gain entry. You can have all your exterior doors keyed alike or different depending on your needs and situation.

Now that you have a better idea of what type of hardware to use, let’s talk about the style. As I mentioned in my last article, the brushed nickel finish will always be timeless but in the last couple years we have seen the matte black and brushed gold finish become more popular. The color is of course a personal preference and may be an easy decision based on the finishes in the rest of your home. So now you may be considering knobs versus levers, both have their uses when it comes to having a traditional, transitional or modern style home. You can make either a lever or knob more modern by using a square rosette (which is the back plate) paired with a straight lever or square knob. For a more transitional look, go for a circular rosette with a circular knob or straight lever. When I think of traditional style hardware the circular rosette with curved lever comes to mind.

There are so many great options when it comes to door hardware. At the end of the day, door hardware should be functional and just one of many beautiful details that make your house a home! Check out my favorites here!