A Guide to Choosing the Right Door Handles

If you’re anything like me, choosing door handles probably wasn’t something you ever thought would take up much time or brainpower. But let me tell you, the first time I went to replace the handles in my home, I quickly realized that door handles can make or break the overall look of a room. It’s one of those small details that, when done right, really brings everything together.

I’ve learned a lot about door handles over the years from my own home projects, and I’m here to save you from the same trial and error that I went through. Trust me, it’s worth taking the time to get this right. So, let’s dive into what you should know when choosing the perfect handles for your doors.

Think About Style First

This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people (including myself the first time around!) choose their door handles based solely on function, without thinking about how they look. Door handles are like the accessories of your home—they need to match the rest of the design, or they’ll stick out like a sore thumb.

• Modern Homes: If your home has a sleek, modern design, go for something minimalistic. I installed brushed nickel lever handles on my doors, and they blend in perfectly with the clean lines and neutral colors in my house. They’re smooth, simple, and stylish.
• Traditional or Rustic Homes: If you’re working with a more traditional or rustic design, you might want to consider handles with a bit more detail. Think about finishes like oil-rubbed bronze or antique brass. I helped a friend with a rustic farmhouse renovation, and we went with these vintage-style handles that had a really solid, almost hand-forged look. They added so much character!
• Eclectic or Transitional: If your style doesn’t fit neatly into one box, you’ve got more flexibility! Mix and match finishes or opt for something bold, like matte black. One of my favorite projects was adding matte black handles to white doors in a client’s home—it was a subtle but striking contrast.

Function Matters: Lever or Knob?

Once you’ve got the style nailed down, it’s time to think about functionality. Are you going for levers or knobs? Both have their benefits, but it really depends on your lifestyle and how the handles will be used.

• Lever Handles: These are generally easier to use, especially if you’ve got kids or older adults in the house. I swapped out all the knobs in my home for lever handles after realizing how much easier they are to open, especially when your hands are full. They’re also great for anyone with mobility issues because they don’t require much effort to operate.
• Knob Handles: If you’re more into the classic look and don’t mind the twist motion, knobs are a solid choice. I still love how traditional glass knobs look on bedroom doors—they have that vintage charm. Plus, they add a bit of flair to more formal spaces.

Here’s a tip: If you’ve got pets (like my overly curious cat), be careful with lever handles! My cat figured out how to push them down and open doors. If you want to avoid that, stick to knobs, which are much harder for pets to manipulate.

Pay Attention to the Finish

Finish is one of those things you might not think about at first, but it plays a huge role in the overall feel of the handle—and the room. The finish can either blend in with your other hardware or become a subtle design feature in its own right.

• Brushed Nickel: This is probably the most versatile finish out there. It works with pretty much any decor style and doesn’t show fingerprints as easily as some other finishes. I chose brushed nickel for most of my home because it’s timeless and low maintenance.
• Polished Chrome: If you want something sleek and modern, polished chrome might be your go-to. I used it in my bathroom for a clean, minimalist look, but keep in mind—it does show smudges and fingerprints more easily than other finishes.
• Oil-Rubbed Bronze: For a warmer, more rustic feel, oil-rubbed bronze is amazing. It gives that old-world, antique vibe that looks great in homes with earth tones or traditional furniture. I used these on my exterior doors, and they’ve held up beautifully over time.
• Matte Black: Matte black handles are all the rage right now, and for good reason. They add a bold, modern edge without being too flashy. I love using them in spaces with white or neutral walls because they really pop.

Pro tip: Whatever finish you choose, make sure it matches your other hardware, like hinges and doorstops. I once replaced all my door handles but totally forgot about the hinges—let’s just say the mismatched look was less than ideal!

Don’t Forget About Door Functionality

Not all door handles are created equal, and this became very clear to me when I accidentally bought handles that didn’t lock for a bathroom door—oops! Different doors in your home have different needs, so keep functionality in mind:

• Interior Doors: For places like bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets, you’ll need privacy handles that can lock. For closet or pantry doors, passage handles without locks are perfect.
• Exterior Doors: For your front or back door, security is key (pun intended). You’ll want handles that are strong and secure, and I highly recommend combining them with a deadbolt for extra protection. I’ve always felt much more at ease knowing my front door has a sturdy handle and a reliable deadbolt.

If you’ve got double doors or French doors, you’ll also need to think about dummy handles. These don’t actually turn, but they keep the aesthetic consistent across both doors.

Installation: DIY or Call a Pro?

Here’s the good news: installing door handles is totally a DIY project if you’ve got the time and the right tools. I’ve replaced countless handles, and I promise, it’s not nearly as difficult as it looks. All you’ll need is a screwdriver, a tape measure, and a little patience.

But, if you’re not particularly handy or just don’t have the time, there’s no shame in calling a pro. I’ll admit, when I was short on time during a big renovation project, I hired someone to install a few handles, and it was totally worth it for the convenience.

Final Tips to Consider

• Test before you buy: Don’t just pick a handle because it looks good—try it out in the store first. I’ve been burned by handles that looked great but felt cheap or were uncomfortable to use. Grip matters, especially if you’ll be opening and closing the door multiple times a day.
• Think long-term: Go for something durable, especially for high-traffic areas like the front door or main living spaces. I opted for sturdy lever handles in the rooms we use the most, and they’ve held up really well.
• Mix it up, but stay cohesive: You don’t have to use the same handle style throughout the whole house, but you should aim for some consistency. For instance, I went with matte black in the living areas but switched to brushed nickel in the bathrooms. As long as there’s a common theme, the look stays cohesive.