Door handles are a key part of a home’s décor, adding personality and coordinating with furniture throughout the house. From minimalist and contemporary to traditional and rustic, the many styles of door hardware available make it easy to match any style.

Whether you’re remodeling your entire home or just updating the entry door, choosing the right door handle is an important decision. The right handle will not only compliment the look of your home but will also provide security, safety and ease of operation. There are a variety of handle options to choose from, so how do you know which one is right for your home?

There are two main types of door handles – levers and knobs. While knobs are most commonly seen on doors in residential and commercial buildings, lever handles are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of use and versatility. The lever design is particularly beneficial on doors that have limited backset space, as it requires less effort to operate than a knob while still providing adequate leverage. Lever handles are also easier to grip, making them a preferred choice for elderly and disabled users, who might find it difficult to grasp the knob of a standard door handle.

When choosing a door handle, the first consideration is what function you need it to serve. Entry handles are used on doors that require a lock, such as front and garage doors. Privacy handles are often found on interior doors, such as bedrooms and bathrooms. Passage handles do not lock and are typically used for closet or hallway doors. Dummy handles do not serve a purpose and are usually used for ball catch doors or in places where the handle is decorative rather than functional.

Once you’ve determined the type of handle you want, you’ll need to decide which material it is made from. Stainless steel and brass handles are popular choices due to their durability and range of finishes, including those designed for outdoor use. These finishes can be treated or coated to enhance the appearance and reduce the risk of corrosion. Some of these coatings even have antibacterial properties to help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.

In addition to aesthetics, many homeowners prefer door handles that are durable and long-lasting. There are numerous materials from which door handles can be made, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. For example, aluminum handles are lightweight and corrosion resistant, while brass and bronze handles are a classic option for traditional designs. There are also environmentally friendly options such as recycled plastic and biometric handles that allow only authorized users to open them.

While it is common to keep the same kind of handle on all doors in a single household, there are some cases where homeowners wish to mix and match different handles, such as using levers downstairs while installing knobs upstairs or vice versa. If this is the case, it is important to ensure that the handle sets are compatible with each other and do not conflict with the décor of a room.