Trade in your existing builder-grade interior hardware for stylish, modern interior levers and handles that will bring a bit of jewel to your interior. You will need to know the various terms associated with door knobs and handles, as there are so many options. Even interior door hardware parts and components for sliding and pocket doors will be covered.
Measuring Interior Door Hardware
Before you can learn about how to choose door knobs or handles, you will need to measure the interior of your door.
Door Thickness
Interior doors typically measure 1 3/8 inches thick. Standard knobs and door levelers can be made to fit this measurement. Hardware is available to fit thicker doors, especially those in older homes.
The Backset
The backset is the distance from the edge of your door to the center of the hole for the knob/lever. Although the standard backset is 2/3/8 inches there are other options that can be measured up to 2 3/4 inches.
door backset illustration
Understanding Handing
When choosing interior door hardware sets, “handing” refers the side that the door opens from. Although some levers allow for reversible handling, others can only be used on the right or left side. You must determine what type of handling you need before you can choose door handles. This is done by facing the door towards the outside. The hinges on the side you are on will determine the handling.
Different types of door handles
Two main choices when it comes door handles are levers and knobs. You can find both modern, rustic and traditional door handles in many different styles such as transitional, vintage, retro, and traditional. It is best to keep the interior door hardware sets the same, but you can also mix and match levers and knobs so long as the sight lines of all handles are the same. So, for example, you could have knobs upstairs but levers downstairs.
matte black door lever and glass door knob
Levers
Door levers can be operated more easily than knobs since they don’t require a twisting motion or grasping. This handle is ideal for seniors and people who are physically disabled. This door handle can be used not only to solve your dexterity problems but also for the convenience of your friends.
Knobs
Doorknobs are a classic choice for traditional decorating styles. These knobs are popular in homes with pets because they can’t be lifted up to open doors like a lever.
Hardware for Pocket and Sliding Doors
Many doors do not require a traditional knob or lever. Sliding doors and pocket door meet a different set of requirements. Sliding doors slide along a track. Pocket doors slide along tracks that are tucked into the wall. The hardware needs to be flush with and recessed from the door so that the door can open properly. Morise locks, which can be antique-inspired and used for pocket doors, are a popular choice.
You can find a variety of pocket and sliding door hardware parts that will match your interior doors. After you’ve selected your door hardware, make sure to shop within the same range for matching pieces to other styles in your space.
Pocket door hardware
Interior Door Hardware – Shop by Type
You should consider the type of entry you have when selecting door knobs or handles. There are three types of door knobs: privacy, passage, and mockup sets. It’s important to think about where the interior doors in your home are located in order to determine which door knobs you should use.
Privacy
Privacy door handles lock and are essential in any room that you need to keep other people out. This type of handle is most common on bedrooms and bathrooms. The interior lock is either a push button, or a turn button. The doors can be opened from the outside using a pin inserted into the mechanism. A lot of privacy locks have an emergency egress feature. This allows you quickly to leave the room by turning the knob/lever.
Passage
Passage hardware sets are without a locking feature and can be used on doors that don’t need to be secured like hallways or closets. To open the door, you turn the knob/lever.
Dummy
Dummy knobs do not have any mechanical parts and are decorative. The handle and door frame are not linked by a latching mechanism. Dummy knobs are mounted often only on the exterior of the door and can be used as handles for opening closet or cabinet doors.
The four options available to you when choosing the right dummy knobs for your door are:
Single Dummy: A knob, or lever, is attached to the exterior surface of the door.
Dummy pair: The knobs and levers can be mounted on the inside or outside of the door.
Matched Pair: On the door, matching lever sets or knob sets are used.
Lever Plus Knob: On one side of the door is a lever. A knob is on one side.
Door hardware according to the type of entry
How to choose the right interior door hardware finish
You can use metallics throughout your home as jewelry. You can choose from a variety of finishes for your doorknobs and levers. Look around your room to see what other metallic finishes are already displayed before you make your decision on interior door hardware sets.
Here are some of the inspirations you can use: cabinet hardware, lighting fixtures and furniture accents. Most popular choices are chrome, black and brass.
While matte black interior door hardware sets give off a modern, industrial look, brass brings out the traditional elegance of your room design. You should keep in mind that matte finishes will show fingerprints easier than finishes with more shine.
Sometimes finishes are more than a fashion statement. They can also keep you healthy. When shopping for interior doorknobs, be sure to look out for special features such as Microban(r), which protects many Kwikset levers and knobs. This antimicrobial coating is permanently bonded to their door hardware and helps prevent the spread of disease-causing bacteria. What could be more, especially for bathroom doors?
Add Industrial Style to Your Interior Barn Door Hardware
The shift to barn doors is one of the most practical trends in interior doors. Interior barn doors are not only a focal point of any room but can also be used to solve many space-saving issues. They can maximize space by sliding on a sturdy track rather than swinging into a room.
Trade your laundryroom door for a barn and you will no longer have your dryer door knocking on your laundry room doors. You can transform an already open space design with a barn door. You can choose from a variety of styles for interior barn doors hardware, including rustic and ultra-modern.
barn door hardware
To complete the look, choose the best door hinges
Interior door hardware parts aren’t limited to handles. Pair your doorknobs, levers, and hinges together to create a cohesive look.
Different types of Interior Door Hinges
If you’re looking to buy traditional interior door hinges, there are three types of hinges that you should consider. If you are looking for something with more artistic flair, specialty hinges may be right for you.
Plain Bearing Hinge – This hinge is one of the most traditional designs for residential homes. It has a barrel with an attached pin. Some hinges offer a removable pin; however, not all are.
Ball Bearing Hinge: These interior hinges are extremely durable and will not move from the door. For large doors or commercial properties, ball bearing hinges can be used.
Spring Hinge: A spring hinge is great for those who hate open doors. The spring action integrates with the door to automatically close behind you. They make a great choice as screen doors or entry doors to a garage.
Specialty hinges: These hinges are not your ordinary ones. They include corner hinges, strap hinges, and many other options. You can make any door unique with special hinges.
Choose the right size door hinge
Like many types of hardware hinges, door hinges can be found in a wide range of sizes. If you’re retrofitting an old door, it’s a good idea measure the existing hinges and then choose the right size hinges.
Maintain a consistent look
It is crucial to make sure every piece of interior door hardware has the same finish. You can choose from a variety of styles and finishes for knobs and handles, such as knobs and handles. For black interior door hardware, choose a craftsman style. The rest of the collection has other black parts that will complete your look.
matte black door hardware
Find out how many you require
You’ve chosen the design of the hinges you want for your interior doors. Make sure to order enough hinges to fit every door in the house. You can count the number of hinges that you need, and then look at the amount of hinges in each pack. You can choose to order hinges either individually or in pairs.
A rule of thumb is that hinges should be placed every 30 inches. For interior doors that are lightweight like hollow core doors, only two hinges might be necessary. Doors will usually be mounted using three hinges. You may need four hinges for taller doors or heavier natural wood doors. It is always possible to look at the maximum weight of each hinge.
Additional Door Hardware Parts
Different types of doors will require different hardware parts. Once you’ve chosen your door knobs or levers, check to see if each door requires door guards. Door catches and door plates are also available. You can also get gorgeous door knockers that you can use to decorate your front doors.
Certain types of doors have different requirements when it comes to hardware parts. Therefore, it is important to look at what is already in place and to change all the same parts when changing your hardware. For example, double doors require flush bolts to secure the second door and ensure privacy.
While we are talking about interior doors let’s not forget about the front door. Door viewers are a vital safety device if you do not have a window next to your front doors. This door viewer allows you to see what’s happening on the other side of the door without having to open or unlock the door.
Learn how to choose doorknobs, door handles and other interior accessories to bring metallic style to your home. You can also shop for bathroom hardware, cabinet hardware and lighting fixtures to match your interior door hardware.
