Door Hardware: Top Picks for Indoors and Outdoors

It might seem surprising but doors both inside and outside of the home have a significant impact. In fact, the right hardware fixtures can tie a homeowner’s sense of style together, whether it’s for outdoor curb appeal or interior aesthetics.

Before jumping in headfirst, let’s lock down how to make a smart and sound investment in the right door hardware. Selecting the best hardware encompasses installation, functionality, safety, and privacy. Considering the right fixtures also includes unseen mechanisms beyond style or looks, such as knobs, locks, latches, and keys.

We’ll be focusing on how to make the best choices for style and safety in door hardware, indoors and outdoors alike. This comprehensive guide works as an essential round-up for in-person browsing and shopping online.

Before we dive in, consider these questions before whipping out your wallet:

1. Am I replacing existing hardware or buying completely new fixtures? If so, how many?
2. What is my budget? Is it flexible – or set in stone?
3. What size fixtures do I need?
4. What exact safety features do I need? What stylistic function do I want?
5. How will these new fixtures fit my home’s style?
6. Can I install the fixture myself or do I need outside help?
7. Do I want to mix-in smart tech or a digital keypad?

With these above in mind, review this checklist for the optimal hardware:

Hardware Material and Weight

Consider fixtures made of heavier materials such as metal and wood. Lighter materials such as plastic or glass, won’t signify as much longevity and durability in a fixture. It’s also important to note materials for the placement of the fixture in the home. Sturdy metal door hardware is a superb and durable choice for outdoors, whereas glass doorknobs work in light and airy interiors. Some materials won’t allow for certain latches or locks, either. Materials are essential items as you’ll need to analyze a product’s ability to withstand climate or the weather to keep you safe (inside or out).

Doorknob Type

Typically, doorknobs are available as round spheres, square-shaped, handles, or even levers. The unit itself can also come with key locks and latches, as well. Consider the doorknob’s usage and function when selecting a product, as it will make a difference in privacy and safety. This even concerns smart home features for door locks, too!

Note the Specs

Always take note of the size and shape of the fixture for proper installation and to ensure that it’ll fit seamlessly with your style and function as it should. Besides taking stock of style preferences, be sure to note that once you land on the right piece of hardware, that it will actually fit in your door. If it doesn’t, no matter how great it looks, it’ll just never lock or open properly. And that can be a major safety concern to boot.

Compare Reviews

Don’t just read one or two reviews on Amazon; read at least a handful and check that against other store reviews to get the most comprehensive feedback on a fixture without ever leaving your home.

Do you Have the Right Tools for the Job?

Without the right tools, your installation project will be stuck in neutral. You might find the coolest looking door hardware for your front door, but if you can’t install it properly, it’ll be useless.

Define your Style

Door knobs and door hardware are both designed with trends and aesthetics in mind! From minimalist or rustic to vintage or mid-century, there are nearly endless trends and designs to browse. This is when your material preferences – such as a matte black handle, or an iron pull – come into play. With an array of metals alongside glossy, matte, and shiny finishes to choose from, there is much to explore. Lock down a few styles that could work with your current room or front door. The metal and finishing will make a dramatic impact on your home’s ambiance.

And, keep in mind that not all door hardware consists of knobs and brackets! Sliding door hardware is also stylish and functional.

The Essential Door Hardware for a Home:

Door Knob

Aside from aesthetics, all door knobs are fixtures that contain an adjustable latch and cylinder in order to create a turning mechanism for opening and shutting a door.

Pulls

There are three main types of pulls: recessed pull, bar pull, and appliance pull. These options are typically found on built-ins, cabinet doors, drawers, or as hardware on other furniture items like credenzas.

Passage Locksets

This set usually features hardware, a doorknob, a rotating spindle and latch without a lock for easy entry and exit from room to room. Passage locksets are most frequently found in indoor spaces.

Locksets

These locksets are most commonly found on interior doors, especially those spaces that require privacy such as bedrooms and bathrooms. Locksets frequently operate with a push and turn option for unlocking and locking the fixture.

Keyed Locksets

This fixture is the same as a lockset but requires a physical or digital key to unlock the device in order to gain entry or exit a space.

Dummy Locksets

On the surface, dummy locksets look like locksets; however, they do not contain a spindle or latch for turning. These fixtures are often found on closet doors and other storage spaces. Browse more home inspiration and lifestyle tips, or follow us on social media!