Changing Hardware Can Create an Updated Look

Many times people are unhappy with the overall look of a space and can’t really put their finger on why.  If you look at your room and think that it just doesn’t look quite finished or that it just doesn’t have the pizzazz you wish it did, look carefully at your hardware.  All too often people use the door knobs and hinges that came with a standard door or they used hardware that was cheap and boring.  Changing out the door hardware can instantly give a room more interest and polish.  Here are some tips to help you pick door knobs and hinges that will elevate your space to a design masterpiece.

Start with the Door Knob

The most obvious place to begin when considering door hardware is with the door knob.  Chances are you have a very standard door knob in a stock color like silver or gold.  There are so many different decorative door knobs available in great finishes to amp up the appeal of any design aesthetic.  You can easily find everything from decorative reproduction hardware or vintage doorknobs for an antique feel to very modern, sleek lever door handles in polished chrome or stainless steel.  Most doorknobs are pretty standard and can be easily replaced, but even if the old doorknob is non-standard, a decent contractor can retrofit a new one inexpensively.  Pick a doorknob that really speaks to you and your overall design.  It is worth spending a few extra dollars to get the perfect doorknob instead of settling with something because it is cheap.  The difference in look will more than make up for the difference in cost.  Don’t limit yourself to the small selection readily available off the shelf at your local hardware store.  It is worth your while to look online and through special order hardware catalogues at home improvement warehouses to select the doorknob that is just right.

Consider All Your Other Visible Hardware 

The doorknob to an major entry or interior door is a great place to start in selecting the right style and finish of your hardware, but you shouldn’t stop there.  Carefully take a look at all the other hardware easily seen on the door such as the door kick plates, hinges, and any other hardware latches.  Typically your door knob will be part of an entire collection of door hardware, so it will be easy to find the other hardware pieces that match.  If you don’t find an exact match within a collection, simply look for that part in another brand or set that has the same color, surface finish, and basic style.  Finally, you are going to want to make sure than any other hardware contained in the same space is also replaced.  Look at all your cabinet door handles, cupboard hardware, storm door handles, furniture hinges and the like.  You can find specialty hardware readily to easily replace all these things for a professional, finished look throughout the room.