Like jewellery is a complement to a good dress, handles add that subtle but final touch to a door and the whole room. Can jewellery not match the look and seem aged and old fashioned? Well yes, and so can door handles. So, if you want to spruce up a room, or are in the midst of a cosmetic renovation, let's quickly see the basics of choosing new handles.
Lever, knob, on rose, on plate, with or without lock, steel, copper, black, polished or matt, modern, classical... where do you start?
Step 1: choose a colour that matches the room.
Stainless steel, bronze, copper or black? Polished or matt? Look around your room and get hints from the curtain rod, the light switches, the floor style and colour of the walls. If your renovation has brought the room in modern times you will find that stainless steel or black may be the best look for your new handles.
Step 2: stay in style.
Modern lines may not match well a classical styled room, and a curvy and ornate handle may be more appropriate. What's the age of your home? The colour of the walls? Do you have wall paper? Modern or classical your styling may be, stay in character.
Step 3: keep it practical for your needs.
Door knobs may be harder to grip for elderly with less strength in their hands while little children may find handles too easy to open for they safety. Some designs may end with sharp edges, while others may have an uncomfortable grip. Choose wisely as quality handles may be costly to replace.
Step 4: lock or not?
While some rooms must have a privacy option, not all doors need a lock. Depending on the handle style if a lock is needed it may have to be purchased separately.
Also, choose your handles before repainting a door as the fitting of new ones on old mechanisms may not be as easy as hoped. So, take the old handle with you when buying the new ones and ask the salesperson to help you choose a model that fits the existing mechanism. And finally, if changing from plate to rose, a good sanding of the door will be necessary where the old shape left a mark that you don't want to be seen.
Changing handles is not a difficult job to do by yourself, but I f unsure, search the internet for how to change door handles. There are plenty of videos there to guide you step by step.
Tips for new handles:
Colour and design: stay in style with the rest of the room
Choose a model that fits your old mechanism will save you from buying that too
An elegant home will have same doors with the same style handles for every room
Twist locks are more practical than keys and won't get lost
Master bedrooms may require a lock, while little children's doors will not
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James Treble has more than 25 years of experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design. His knowledge and experience in adding value to homes, through clever design & styling, is now published for all to learn and benefit from. Interior Design For Profit is now available online.
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