Door hardware is often overlooked by the general public. The proper door hardware can not lead to improved functionality for the door, but it can also contribute to the overall design of the home.
One of the most overlooked items in the home is door hardware. Door hardware can be a fun unique way for a person to showcase their individual sense of style. It can really set of the home's decor and can make the whole design of the home come together. Unfortunately,
door hardware is one of the areas that most contractors and homeowners cut corners on first.
Sometimes this is due to the fact that most people don't believe door hardware is an important consideration in home design, but more often than not it is due to the fact that most consumers aren't aware of all the options they have available to them as far as budget and decor is concerned.
Below you will find some tips on selecting door hardware that will not only highlight your individual sense of style, but will also allow you to bring all your design elements together seamlessly.
Function Over Form
One of the first considerations that a homeowner has to make when choosing door hardware is the function of the door that it is going to be installed on. Door hardware is designed according to the function of the door. For example, a closet door may not need to have a locking mechanism on it, while a front door knob will usually need to have a locking mechanism.
When choosing door hardware for your home, it is good to keep in mind that there are three functions of a door knob. These three functions are privacy, access and design. Door hardware that concerns itself with privacy contains some form of locking mechanism. These are used for front doors and bathroom doors. Door hardware sets that are only concerned with access are usually a little larger than normal door hardware sets and have no locking mechanism. These doors are easy for children to open or those with disabilities. Door hardware sets that are concerned with design are highly decorative, have no locking mechanisms and aren't functional as regular door knobs. For this reason, these door hardware sets are usually called dummy sets and are normally placed on false doors or French doors.
Ensure Proper Fit
Another important consideration to keep in mind is the size of the door that the hardware is going to be installed. Before installation, the depth of the door must be measured to make sure that the door hardware is going to fit correctly. While the standard modern door has a uniform depth of 1 3/4"" there are exceptions to this rule. Older doors, or doors that are custom made may deviate from the standard door depth.
Consider Cost & Ease Of Installation
After considering the intended function of the door hardware, and making sure that it is going to fit, it is now time to consider cost of the hardware. What most people don't realize is that there are two basic types of door hardware: tubular lock sets and modular lock sets. Tubular lock sets are made of three basic components. They have the doorknobs for both sides of the door, and a latch that inserts into the door.
This is the standard door hardware that is sold on the consumer market. These lock sets are easy to install and are usually inexpensive. Mortise lock sets require a pocket to be cut into the door and generally contain more pieces. These lock sets are usually used hardware for the front door or for older homes. Mortise lock sets are generally harder to install and costs more.
Consider The Design
The last consideration that the consumer needs to make before buying and installing door hardware is its design. The consumer should make sure that the door hardware compliments the style of the door that they are installing in on. A door hardware set that has an antiquated style will look out of place on a modern door. Likewise, a modern door hardware set will look out of place on a hundred year old door. The door hardware should blend in with the door and not distract from the beauty of the décor.
Utilizing these tips should allow you to purchase door hardware that will not only fit in with your individual decorating style, but will also serve the function that it was intended to serve in the correct fashion.
