Door Hardware Buying Guide
A door handle does more than open a door: it's one of the most frequently touched fixtures in a home, and its finish and shape genuinely contribute to a room's overall character. Getting the type and finish right matters as much for daily comfort as for how a doorway reads within the broader interior.
Choosing a handle type
Door handles cover a genuinely wide range, from sleek, contemporary profiles through to more traditional, timeless designs, giving a considered match for almost any interior style. For a bolder statement, this collection's gunmetal and stainless steel handles balance style with genuine durability.
Door levers and knobs suit both contemporary and traditional homes, catering to different privacy and usage needs. Levers are generally more practical for accessibility, operable with an elbow or the side of a hand, while knobs bring a more classic, considered touch. This collection includes privacy door levers and privacy door knobs for spaces needing a locking mechanism specifically.
Specialty hardware for specific needs
Sliding doors and external entries need hardware designed for their specific function. This collection's sliding door handles give a flush, low-profile fit that lets the door move freely, while smart security door handles bring keyless entry and advanced functionality to a front door.
Deadbolts add a genuinely stronger locking point for external doors, worth pairing with this collection's exterior door handles for a cohesive, secure result at the home's entrance.
Choosing a finish
The finish chosen for door hardware genuinely shapes a room's overall aesthetic. Chrome door handles offer either a striking contrast or a more subtle, understated look depending on the surrounding palette. Matte black door handles make a bold, contemporary statement. Brushed nickel door handles bring a softer, more understated elegance. Brass door handles, in both satin and brushed finishes, add genuine warmth to an interior, particularly effective in a room built around timber or warmer tones.
The supporting hardware
Quality door hardware extends well beyond the handle itself. Hinges and door stops play a genuine role in a door's daily durability and ease of use, and investing in quality supporting hardware helps every door in the home operate smoothly for years rather than developing an early sag or squeak.
Matching hardware to the room
Different rooms call for different privacy needs. Privacy door handles suit bedrooms and bathrooms specifically, where a locking mechanism matters. Passage door handles suit hallways and living areas, where a simple latch is sufficient without a lock. Dummy door handles suit decorative, non-functional applications, a fixed handle used purely for visual symmetry on a cupboard or a matched pair of doors.
Brands in this collection
This collection includes door hardware from Manital, Momo, Nidus, Lane, Lockwood and Zanda, each known for combining considered craftsmanship with genuine daily durability across a range of styles and price points.
What is a backset, and how do I measure it?
The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the hole where the handle or lock is installed. To measure it, close the door and measure from its edge to the centre of the existing hole. In Australia, the standard backset is typically 60mm, accounting for more than 98% of locks currently in use.
How should I maintain and clean my door hardware?
Regular maintenance involves cleaning the hardware every two months with a soft, damp cloth. A mild soap and water solution helps maintain both the finish and function of the hardware over time. Abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals should be avoided, since they can damage the finish.
What is the difference between a latch and a strike plate?
A latch is the mechanism that slides into the edge of the door, retracting or protruding with the turn of a knob or lever to keep the door closed while still allowing it to open. A strike plate is the metal fitting attached to the door jamb; as the door closes, the latch strikes this plate, which catches the mechanism and holds the door shut.
Are there door hardware options suitable for coastal environments?
Yes. For a home near the ocean, choosing hardware built to withstand salt air and moisture matters considerably. Premium materials like stainless steel resist salt-related corrosion reliably, making them a strong choice for coastal conditions specifically.
Can I install door hardware myself, or should I hire a professional?
Installing door hardware yourself is generally achievable. While it can look complex at first glance, following the instructions and templates included with the product, along with having the right tools on hand, makes it a relatively straightforward job for most passage and privacy sets. For a more complex configuration, or a smart security or deadbolt installation specifically, a professional is worth engaging for a reliable, correctly sealed result.
Completing the home
Door hardware is easiest to choose once a consistent finish direction is settled across the home, since matching passage handles, privacy handles and cabinet hardware keeps every room reading as one considered design. The Blue Space's Cabinet Handles and Exterior Door Hardware collections are worth reviewing alongside a door hardware selection to plan the full home together.
