| Door hardware includes all the hardware necessary to | | | | knobs can also be used to provide a handle to pull |
| make your door function. This includes the lock, door | | | | open a door that is held shut by a magnet rather |
| knobs or handles and hinges. Door hardware adds to | | | | than a lock - these are typically used on closets with |
| the beauty of your home and makes a statement | | | | double doors. |
| about you. In a new home the builder's designer will | | | | Beyond the functionality you can also choose to use |
| probably ask you to select the style and finish of | | | | door knobs or door handles. Door handles are |
| your door hardware first. Why? Other hardware | | | | generally easier to operate (even dogs learn to open |
| selections (faucets, shower fixtures, light fixtures) will | | | | them) and add a European look. Door knobs can be |
| be coordinated with the door hardware. Typically, if | | | | more elegant especially if you opt for crystal door |
| you choose oil rubbed bronze window latches you will | | | | knobs. |
| also have oil rubbed bronze door hinges, locks and | | | | If you are building a custom home you will also |
| door knobs or handles. The proper selection of | | | | choose the interior door styles. Your door hardware |
| hardware will add cohesiveness to the design of the | | | | style and finish should be complimentary to the door |
| home. | | | | style. As an example: six panel oak doors with oil |
| Once you decide on the hardware finish you will then | | | | rubbed bronze hardware and crystal door knobs will |
| need to choose the functionality of the door knobs | | | | give a new home an older feel especially when |
| for each room. Bathroom and bedrooms will typically | | | | matched with oil rubbed bronze schoolhouse ceiling |
| use a privacy lock to allow the occupants of that | | | | light fixtures and oil rubbed bronze faucets. |
| room to lock the door from the inside. If you are | | | | If you are restoring an older home you may want to |
| doing the installation be sure you place the lock on | | | | use restoration hardware to maintain the look and |
| the inside of the room to prevent anyone from being | | | | feel of the home when it was first constructed. One |
| locked in the room and place the unlocking key | | | | caution here is that you will need to make sure the |
| somewhere on the outside of the room where it can | | | | locks are appropriate for the thickness of the door |
| be easily accessed in case of an emergency. (On top | | | | as this varied in older construction. |
| of the door molding is a typical location.) Passageway | | | | While you are going through the selection process |
| locksets are typically for doors that do not require a | | | | make sure you take your time and think through all |
| privacy lock, such as closets, doors to stairways, | | | | the items that need to be chosen, let your personal |
| laundry rooms, mud rooms or hallways. Dummy door | | | | style and character come through and have fun! |