Choosing The Right Interior Doors For Your Home: 7 Things To Consider

It may not be obvious, but interior doors can either make or break your home.

Swapping out your doors is one of the cheapest and effective ways to upgrade your home.

Choosing the right interior doors and hardware for your home can be an important decision, as they can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your space.

Here are 7 things to consider when selecting interior doors for your home:

1. Style of the door and hardware

Interior doors come in a variety of styles and colours, from traditional to contemporary, so it’s important to choose a style that complements your home’s overall aesthetic and colour scheme.

All doors can be matching or different depending on the room.

Once you’ve picked the door, think of the hardware (handles, knobs, latches, hinges, and strike plates) that complements the door’s style, rather than clashing or detracting from it.

For example, if you have a classic six-panel door, a knob or handle with a traditional design will look good.

On the other hand, if your doors are modern and flush, hardware with a more contemporary look will match better.

Additionally, choose hardware that matches the finish of the door. For example, if you have a wooden door with a natural finish, then consider choosing hardware with a warm look such as copper or brass to complement it.

On the other hand, if your interior doors are painted, consider hardware with a finish that matches or contrasts with the door’s colour, such as matte black on a painted white door.

2. Appeal and durability

The hardware you choose should be easy to operate, with a smooth and secure locking mechanism.

The door handle or knob should be comfortable to grip, and the latch should engage and disengage without catching.

Poorly functioning door furniture can lead to frustration and inconvenience, particularly in high-traffic areas of the home.

Durability is a crucial factor to consider when choosing door handles and hardware.

Interior doors are opened and closed several times a day, so it’s important to choose hardware that can withstand this regular use.

Low-quality door hardware can wear out very quickly, leading to squeaky hinges, loose knobs or handles, and difficulty operating the door.

Investing in high-quality interior door handles and hardware will help ensure that your doors will function correctly and last for years to come. Check out this collection of door furniture for absolutely gorgeous high-quality durable options.

What about the aesthetic appeal of the hardware?

If your home has a classic or traditional style, you might want to consider choosing hardware with a vintage or antique finish, such as brass door handles. Or, if you prefer a more contemporary look, you might want to consider hardware with a sleek and minimalistic design like stainless steel or brushed nickel.

3. Privacy and security

Some rooms, such as bathrooms and bedrooms, require more privacy than others.

Consider selecting doors with locking mechanisms or frosted glass for added privacy.

Adding a lock to your interior doors is a simple way to increase privacy. You can choose from a variety of locks, including keyed locks, privacy locks, and sliding locks.

If you want to completely block out sound and light, consider replacing your existing door with a solid door. Solid doors come in a variety of materials, including wood and metal, and can provide additional insulation and privacy.

The hardware that you choose for your interior doors can also impact the security of your home.

The latch, strike plate, and bolts should be sturdy and securely fastened to the door and frame. The latch should engage with the strike plate smoothly and fit tightly, without any play or wiggle room. If there is a deadbolt, it should be long enough to extend into the frame and provide a secure lock.

Choosing the right hardware for your interior and exterior doors can also help to deter potential burglars. Visible hardware, such as a robust strike plate and a sturdy deadbolt, can signal to any would-be intruders that your home is secure and well-protected.

4. Noise reduction

If noise is a concern, consider selecting interior doors that offer soundproofing features.

While the doors themselves play the biggest part in noise reduction, the hardware that you choose can also be influential. Choosing hardware that offers a tight fit and smooth operation can help to reduce the amount of noise that seeps through the door, creating a more comfortable, peaceful environment at home.

Along with this, you may also want to consider choosing hardware with various noise-reducing features such as cushioned bumpers or soft-close mechanisms to further minimise the sound of closing doors throughout the home.

5. Accessibility and ease of use

Accessibility may be another important consideration to make when selecting interior door hardware.

Handles and knobs need to be easy to grip and operate without the need for excessive force or dexterity. This is especially important for people with disabilities, older people, or young children, who may find it more difficult than most to grasp and turn a doorknob or handle.

Lever handles are a popular option when it comes to accessibility, as they require less force to operate and can be pushed down easily with the forearm or elbow.

Plus, hardware that offers a larger grip, such as a level with a longer handle or a doorknob with a wider base, can be easier to operate.

Hardware that is comfortable to handle and operate can prevent injury and strain, especially for individuals with hand-related conditions such as arthritis.

Plus, hardware that has a well-designed shape and size can reduce fatigue and discomfort when opening and closing doors throughout the home frequently. When selecting hardware, consider testing different sizes and shapes to find the one that is the most comfortable and ergonomic option for you and your family.

6. Maintenance and cost

Interior doors can vary in cost, depending on the material and style. Consider the durability and maintenance required for each material.

The interior door hardware that you choose can also have an impact on the maintenance and upkeep of your doors. High-quality hardware can withstand regular use and require minimal maintenance. On the other hand, low-quality hardware may wear out quickly and need frequent replacement.

Along with this, it’s worth noting that some finishes such as copper or brass require more maintenance to keep them looking their best.

If you don’t want to do a lot of work, then choose hardware with stainless steel or brushed nickel finish. These are less prone to tarnishing and require minimal upkeep.

7. Energy efficiency

ILoose-fitting door hardware can create gaps that allow air to escape, leading to energy loss and higher heating bills for your home.

It’s important to choose hardware that creates a tight seal around the door, such as a door sweep or weatherstripping, to help prevent air leaks and improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Along with this, you may want to consider choosing hardware with insulation properties to further enhance the energy efficiency of your door.

Finally

Choosing the right interior door hardware for your home is essential for both function and aesthetic appeal.

On a budget but want to renovate your home? Transform your home with these simple hacks, or read more about home design trends Millennials started.