Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-12-05 Origin: Site
Updating your home hardware is one of the easiest ways to make a significant impact on your interior design without a full renovation. Something as small as a Door Handle can change the entire feel of a room. Whether you are restoring a vintage property or adding modern touches to a new build, the hardware you choose matters. It is the handshake of your home—the first thing you touch when entering a space.
In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about selecting the right Door Handle. We will dive into the differences between a Lever door handle and a knob, explore the durability of Metal Door Handles, and help you decide between trendy black or classic brass finishes.
A Door Handle is more than just a functional tool to open and close a door. It serves as a subtle design element that ties a room together. Many homeowners overlook this detail, often settling for builder-grade options that lack personality. However, upgrading to a high-quality Lever door handle or a robust set of Metal Door Handles can elevate the perceived value of your property.
Durability is another key factor. Cheap plastic or hollow handles often rattle or break over time. Solid Metal Door Handles offer longevity and a satisfying weight that feels premium in your hand. When you invest in quality, you ensure that your doors function smoothly for years to come.
The Lever door handle is perhaps the most popular choice for modern homes and commercial spaces. Unlike a knob, which requires a tight grip and a twisting motion, a Lever door handle operates with a simple downward push. This makes it an excellent choice for accessibility, as it is easier for children, the elderly, or anyone with limited hand strength to use.
A Lever door handle usually comes on a backplate or a rose (a circular plate). The design options are endless. You can find a sleek, minimalist Lever door handle for a contemporary apartment or a decorative, curved lever for a traditional home. The horizontal orientation of a Lever door handle also adds a linear element to your door, which can help widen the appearance of narrower doorways.
When it comes to materials, Metal Door Handles are the gold standard. They offer unmatched durability compared to plastic, glass, or ceramic alternatives. Metal Door Handles can withstand high traffic, resist corrosion, and maintain their finish even after years of use.
Stainless Steel: Known for its strength and resistance to rust, making it perfect for bathrooms or kitchens.
Brass: A classic alloy that offers warmth and antimicrobial properties.
Zinc Alloy: A versatile material often used for intricate designs and plated finishes.
Bronze: Ideal for rustic or period properties, developing a beautiful patina over time.
Investing in Metal Door Handles ensures you won't be replacing your hardware every few years. Whether you choose a brushed steel finish or a polished chrome look, Metal Door Handles provide a solid foundation for your home's security and style.
Once you have decided on the type of Door Handle, the next step is choosing the finish. Two of the most popular contenders in interior design right now are black and brass.
Matte black hardware has surged in popularity. A black Door Handle creates a striking contrast, especially against white or light wood doors. It suits industrial, modern farmhouse, and minimalist aesthetics perfectly. Whether it is a Lever door handle or a simple pull, the matte black finish hides fingerprints well and adds a touch of sophistication.
On the other end of the spectrum, brass is making a huge comeback. Brass Metal Door Handles bring warmth and luxury to a space. Satin brass offers a muted, golden glow that pairs beautifully with navy blues, greens, and natural timber. Antique brass is perfect for period properties, adding character and charm. A brass Lever door handle can make a standard door look custom and expensive.
To help you make the best decision, here is a comparison of the features and benefits of the most common handle types.
Handle Type | Best Used For | Key Features | Primary Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
Lever Door Handle | Interior & Exterior Doors | Horizontal lever mechanism; requires downward pressure. | Highly accessible (ADA compliant usually); easy to operate with an elbow or full hand; modern look. |
Door Knob | Interior Doors (Bedrooms/Bathrooms) | Round or oval shape; requires grip and twist action. | Classic, vintage aesthetic; safer for homes with small active toddlers (harder for them to open); compact design. |
Pull Handle | Commercial or Pivot Doors | Fixed handle; requires push/pull action (no latch mechanism). | Durable for high-traffic areas; sleek and minimalist; often used with a separate deadbolt or roller catch. |
Metal Door Handles (General) | All Door Types | Made from solid alloys like steel, brass, or zinc. | Superior durability; heavy, premium feel; resistant to wear and tear compared to synthetic materials. |
Installing a new Door Handle is often a DIY-friendly task, but precision is key.
Measure the Backset: This is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the bore hole. Most standard sizes are 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches. Ensure your new Lever door handle or knob matches this measurement.
Check Door Thickness: Most interior doors are 1 3/8 inches thick, while exterior doors are 1 3/4 inches. High-quality Metal Door Handles usually come with adjustment options, but it is always best to check the specifications.
Alignment: When installing a Lever door handle, ensure it is perfectly horizontal. A drooping handle looks unprofessional and can indicate a weak spring mechanism.
Handing: Some handles are "handed," meaning they are specifically designed for left or right-opening doors. While many modern Lever door handle sets are reversible, always double-check before purchasing.
To keep your Metal Door Handles looking pristine, regular maintenance is required.
Cleaning: Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the Door Handle. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges that could scratch the finish of your Metal Door Handles.
Lubrication: If your Lever door handle starts to squeak or feels stiff, apply a small amount of graphite lubricant or silicone spray to the internal mechanism. Avoid oil-based lubricants as they can attract dirt.
Tightening: Over time, the screws on a Door Handle can loosen due to repetitive use. Check them periodically and tighten them to ensure the handle stays secure against the door face.
There are three main types of door handles: lever handles, pull handles, and door knobs.
Lever Handles: As discussed, the Lever door handle is the most common modern option. It features a horizontal bar that you push down to disengage the latch. They are favored for their ease of use and versatility in design. You will find the Lever door handle in most commercial buildings and contemporary homes.
Pull Handles: These are fixed handles that do not operate a latch. They are typically used on "push/pull" doors or in conjunction with a roller catch. You often see large, vertical Metal Door Handles on entrance doors or sliding barn doors where a latch isn't required for keeping the door closed.
Door Knobs: The traditional choice. These are round and require a twisting motion. While they have fallen out of favor for accessibility reasons compared to the Lever door handle, they remain a staple in period homes and renovations where maintaining vintage authenticity is key.
Whether you want to redecorate your grade-listed property with black door handles or you want to refresh your interiors by replacing plain and boring handles with brass door handles – the choice is yours. Just ensure you choose high-quality Metal Door Handles to ensure longevity.
Your Door Handle selection impacts both the security and the style of your home. A sturdy Lever door handle on a front door, paired with a deadbolt, offers robust protection. For interiors, Metal Door Handles provide privacy and sound dampening when doors are latched properly.
Don't underestimate the tactile experience. Every time you open a door, you interact with the Door Handle. A cheap, hollow handle sends a subconscious signal of low quality. Conversely, solid Metal Door Handles communicate stability and luxury. Whether you prefer the ergonomic ease of a Lever door handle or the traditional look of a knob, prioritize solid construction materials.
Upgrading your hardware is a small investment with a massive return on aesthetics and functionality. From the ergonomic benefits of a Lever door handle to the lasting durability of Metal Door Handles, the right choice can transform your daily living experience. Remember to consider your interior style—whether that calls for the drama of black hardware or the elegance of brass—and always opt for quality materials.
If you are looking for the best selection of high-quality hardware, we highly recommend Beston Hardware. They offer an exceptional range of durable and stylish options that cater to every taste, from modern levers to classic designs.
Contact Beston Hardware today to upgrade your home:
Email: sofia@bestonhardware.com
Phone: +86 13602319842
