You can transform your interior space by replacing your old, builder-grade hardware with stylish and elegant interior door handles and levers. This will add a little bit of elegance to your decor. There are many styles and types available in door handles. It is important to learn the terms and how they work. Learn how to select interior door hardware, including parts for pocket doors and sliding doors.
Measurement for Interior Door Hardware
Before you can learn how door knobs and handles are chosen, you must first measure your interior door.
Door Thickness
Standard door knobs and levelers are made for interior doors that are 1 3/8 inch thick. Hardware can be purchased for thicker or thinner doors, particularly in older homes.
The Backset
The backset measures the distance between the edge and the center of where the knob or lever will be inserted. Standard backset measures 2 3/8 inches. However, there are others that measure 2 3/4.
door backset illustration
Understanding Handing
The term “handing” is used to refer to the side of the door that opens when selecting interior door hardware sets. Some levers can be reversible, but others are only suitable for left- or right-side installation. Knowing how to choose door handles is an important part of your decision-making process. Face the door from outside; the handling is determined by the hinges.
Different types of door handles
There are two options when it comes to door handles: knobs or levers. There are many styles to choose from, including transitional, rustic, vintage, traditional, and vintage. While it is best to keep your interior door hardware consistent, you can still mix and match knobs or levers as long as they are within the same sight lines. You can have knobs upstairs and levers downstairs.
matte black door lever and glass door knob
Levers
Door levers are much easier than knobs because they don’t require twisting or grasping. This door handle is particularly useful for elderly people and those who cannot use traditional knobs. This type of handle is not only useful for your own dexterity, but also for the benefit of your friends and loved ones.
Knobs
Doorknobs have a traditional look that can be used to complement classical decorating styles. Because a pet can’t leap up to open the door with a lever, they are a popular choice for homes with pets.
Hardware for sliding and pocket doors
Some doors don’t require a knob or lever. Pocket doors and sliding doors can meet different needs. Sliding doors move along a track. Pocket doors slide along a track. This means the hardware must be flush with the door so that it does not block the door’s opening. Morise locks are an excellent choice for pocket doors. They can also be adorned with antique-inspired details.
There are many options for sliding and pocket door hardware parts that can be easily matched with other interior hardware in your home. You can shop the same collection for matching pieces for other styles of doors in your home once you have selected your hardware.
Pocket door hardware
Shop for Interior Door Hardware by Type
It is important to determine which type of door knobs and handles you should use when choosing door handles. The three main types of door handles are privacy, passage, or dummy sets. It is important to consider the location of each interior door in your house when choosing the right door knobs.
Privacy
Privacy door handles are lockable, which makes them indispensable for any room you want to keep out others. This door handle is used most often on bedroom and bathroom doors. The interior locks with either a push or turn button. You can unlock these doors from the outside by inserting an indented pin into the mechanism. Privacy locks often include an emergency escape feature that allows you to quickly exit the room by simply turning the knob or lever.
Passage
Passage door hardware sets do not have a locking mechanism and can be used for doors that are not secured such as hallways or closets. To open the door, turn the knob or lever.
Dummy
Dummy knobs are not made of mechanical parts, and are only decorative. The door frame is not secured to the handle by a latching mechanism. Dummy knobs, which are often mounted on the outside of the door frame, can be used to open cabinet or closet doors.
You need to know the following information in order to select the best dummy door knobs.
Single Dummy: An knob or lever is attached to the outside of the door.
Dummy Pair: On both the outside and inside surfaces of the door, knobs or levers are mounted.
Matched Pair: Door knobs and lever sets that match each other are used.
Lever plus Knob: The lever is located on one side of a door. The knob is on the opposite side.
Hardware for doors by type
How to Choose the Interior Door Hardware Finish
Your home’s metallics are the jewels of the space. There are many finishes available for door knobs and levers. Take a moment to see the metallic finishes in your room before you decide on the interior door hardware sets.
You can find inspiration in lighting fixtures, cabinet hardware, and furniture accents. The most popular options are black, bronze, brass, stainless steel, and chrome. They are all available in matte, oil-rubbed and high-gloss options.
The interior door hardware sets in matte black give your room a modern industrial look while the brass adds a touch of elegance. Remember that matte finishes are more likely to show fingerprints than finishes that have more shine.
Finishes are not only fashionable, they can also be a way to keep your health in check. Look out for unique features when shopping for interior doorknobs. For example, the Microban(r), protection on many Kwikset(r) levers and doorknobs. The door hardware has a permanently bonded antimicrobial coating that helps fight germs and bacteria that can spread illness. This is especially true for bathroom doors.
Interior Barn Door Hardware: Industrial Style
Barn doors are one of the most useful trends in interior doors. Barn doors can be used as an industrial focal point in any room and also help solve space-saving problems. Barn doors can be positioned on a track to allow for maximum use of small spaces.
You can swap your laundry room door to a barn door, and your dryer will never knock on your open laundry area door again. A barn door can be used to transform an otherwise open space into a home office, or a rec room into a home theatre. There are many styles of interior barn door hardware, from rustic to modern.
barn door hardware
The Best Door Hinges for Complete Look
When it comes to interior door hardware, handles are not the only thing that should be considered. You can make sure that the look is seamless by pairing your new doorknobs and door levers with hinges, as well as other small hardware parts.
There are many types of interior door hinges
When you are looking for traditional interior hinges, there are three main types. Specialty hinges are a good choice if you want something more creative.
Plain Bearing Hinge: This is the classic design for residential homes. It features a barrel and a pin that keeps it together. Some hinges can have a removable pin.
Ball Bearing Hinge: These hinges are the most durable and long-lasting interior door hinges. They can be installed flush with the door. These hinges are great for large doors and commercial properties.
Spring hinge: If you don’t like open doors, a spring-hinged hinge might be the perfect solution. Spring hinges automatically close doors behind you thanks to their integrated spring action. These doors are great for entry doors leading to garages and screen doors.
Specialty Hinges: This large selection includes corner hinges and strap hinges. These specialty hinges will make your door stand out.
Select the right door hinge size
Door hinges are available in many sizes, just like other types of hardware. When retrofitting an existing door, it is a good idea to measure the hinges that are in place. Then choose new hinges with the same size and screw hole configuration.
Be consistent with your look
When choosing interior door hardware, it is important to ensure that each element has the same finish. There are many styles and finishes available for hinges like knobs and handles. You can find other parts of black door hardware that match the craftsman style if you choose black interior hardware.
matte black door hardware
Decide how many you need
After you have chosen the hinge design that you want to display on your interior doors, make sure you order enough hinges for every door in your home. Take a look at the number of hinges included in each package and count how many you will need. You can order hinges in individual, pairs, or larger sets.
In general, hinges should not be installed more than 30 inches apart. If the interior door is light, like a hollow core, two hinges may be sufficient. Most doors can be mounted with three hinges. If you have tall, heavy doors made of natural wood, it may be necessary to use four hinges. The maximum weight per hinge can be checked.
Additional Door Hardware Parts
Different doors may require different hardware parts. After you have chosen your knobs and levers, consider whether your home needs door guards, door catch, or door plates. You can even get beautiful door knockers to decorate your front door.
Different types of doors require different hardware parts. It’s important that you look at the existing hardware and replace it when replacing your hardware. For double doors, flush bolts are required to secure the door so that both doors latch correctly and lock securely.
We’re not just talking about interior doors. Let’s also talk about what is essential for your front door’s interior. A door viewer, which is a safety feature that allows you to see through the door from any side, is a great addition to your front door. Door viewers let you see the person on the other side of your door without opening or unlocking the door.
You can add a metallic touch to your interior decor by learning how to select doorknobs or door handles. After you have chosen the hardware pieces you want to showcase, you can continue the luxe finish by looking for cabinet hardware, lighting fixtures, and other hardware that will coordinate with the interior door hardware.