When decorating your home, it is easy to overlook minor elements such as door handles. However, these modest but vital components can have a tremendous impact on a room's overall look. Metal door handles can elevate your space by lending an air of elegance, sophistication, or even rustic appeal, depending on the type and style you select. But with so many possibilities available, how do you ensure that your metal door handles complement the rest of your decor? 

In this blog, we'll look at 11 professional pieces of advice to help you find the perfect metal door handles to fit your home's particular style and usefulness. Are you ready to dig in and create a setting that seems flawlessly put together? Let's get started. 

1. Consider the overall style of your home. 

The first step in matching metal door handles is to consider your home's overall style. The door handles you select should be consistent with the aesthetic of the space and the overall decor of your home. Whether you live in a trendy loft, a conventional home, or a rustic farmhouse, there is a metal handle finish to suit your preferences. 

How To Match Your Style: 

• For a modern, contemporary look, choose brushed stainless steel or polished chrome. These coatings look well with clean lines and industrial components such as exposed beams and concrete floors. 

• For a classic and beautiful appeal, choose finishes such as brass, bronze, or oil-rubbed. These handles add a sense of refinement and warmth to wood and vintage furniture. 

• Black iron, brushed nickel, or aged pewter handles are ideal for a rustic or farmhouse style home with natural wood, shiplap walls, or vintage décor. 

Take a trip through your home and note the key materials and finishes. Do you have a modern aesthetic with sleek glass and steel or do you like rustic charm with wooden accents and vintage finds? Once you've identified the important design components, selecting the ideal metal door handle will be a lot easier. 

2. Match the metal finish with the other hardware. 

One of the most effective methods to create a coherent design is to coordinate your door handles with other metal finishes throughout your home. This could include things like light fixtures, cabinet pulls, faucets, and even curtain rods. When done appropriately, this strategy can improve the overall appearance of your area. 

Why It is Important: 

• Matching metal finishes provides a sense of continuity. For example, if you have stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, matching your door handles to the same finish will help to connect the room together.  Mixing finishes can produce a unique style, but it's important to strike a balance to avoid a cluttered appearance. 

Quick Tip: Quickly scan your home's metal elements. Are your faucets chromium? Do your lighting fixtures have a matte black finish? By matching your door handles to these existing characteristics, you can achieve harmony and a polished appearance without having to redo your entire décor. 

3. Mix & match for an eclectic style. 

While matching finishes is a safe option, don't be afraid to mix and match different metal finishes to achieve an eclectic, contemporary look. Combining two contrasting metals, such as polished brass with matte black or brushed nickel with copper accents, can offer visual interest and a distinct look to your room. 

Why Mixing works: 

• Mixing finishes can provide a visually appealing and dynamic design for door handles. 

• Flexibility: Mixing finishes allows you to mix multiple styles or metals in the same area, producing a personalized design. 

4. Think about durability and functionality. 

While the appearance of your metal door handles is significant, don't overlook their functionality. Some sections of your home, such as bathrooms, kitchens and entryways are particularly susceptible to wear and tear. You'll need materials that can resist repeated use, dampness, and other environmental conditions. Consider how easy it is to preserve the finish on your handles. 

Materials to consider for durability: 

• Stainless steel is a highly durable material that resists rust, scratches, and wear. It is ideal for high-traffic areas such as entry doors and kitchen cabinets. 

• Brass and bronze are resilient and can develop a beautiful patina with time, adding character to the finish. 

• Chrome and polished finishes may be more prone to scratches and fingerprints, making them unsuitable for high-traffic locations, especially for families with children and pets. 

Quick Thought-

Think about where the door handle will be located. Are you selecting handles for your guest bathroom or front door? High-touch areas, such as entryways, will benefit from more durable materials like stainless steel or brushed nickel, which are easy to clean and can survive everyday use. 

5. Complement the door's material and color. 

The color and substance of your doors have a big impact on which metal door handles will look best. For example if you have dark wood doors, they will look fantastic with polished brass or matte black handles, creating a dramatic contrast. Light wood or white doors, on the other hand, look great with finishes like polished chrome or brushed nickel, which give them a clean, modern appearance. 

How to Choose a Door based on Color and Material: 

• For dark wood or painted doors, consider finishes such as brass, gold, or bronze for a vintage or traditional look, or black, matte, or nickel for a more contemporary touch. 

• Polished chrome, stainless steel, or satin nickel finishes look great on light wood or glass doors, adding a clean, modern feel. 

Tip-Consider the overall mood you want to create for the room. Warm, natural wood tones, for example, look great with brass or antique finishes, creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. Cool tones, such as silver, chrome or stainless steel, are more contemporary and crisp. 

6. Match the door handles to the room's theme. 

Another key consideration when selecting the proper metal door handles london is matching them to the distinctive concept of each area. A door handle in your bathroom will serve a different purpose than one in your bedroom or kitchen, so make your pick accordingly. 

• For high-end spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms, opt for polished chrome, gold, or brass finishes. These metals ooze opulence and are ideal for achieving a dazzling look. 

• For beach-inspired décor, brushed nickel or satin chrome finishes are recommended. These metals provide a light, airy atmosphere that suits a beach motif. 

Ask yourself what the room's mood should be like. Is it quiet and tranquil or bold and dramatic? The right metal door handle will enhance the atmosphere, resulting in a setting that feels coherent and thoughtfully constructed. 

7. Do not forget the shape and size of the handles. 

The design and size of your door handles are just as important as the finish. The handle should be suitable to the size of the door and easy to use. If your doors are large and hefty, long, horizontal pull handles are frequently the best choice. Smaller doors may benefit from round handles or lever handles, which feel more balanced. 

Selecting the Right Size: 

• For large or heavy doors, a long horizontal pull handle provides both functionality and aesthetic harmony. 

• Round handles or lever handles are ideal for small, lightweight doors. 

8. Pay attention to the room's lighting. 

Lighting can have a significant impact on the appearance of your metal door handles. The quantity of natural or artificial light in a room can affect the appearance of door handles, particularly those with reflective surfaces such as polished chrome or brass. Consider the lighting while choosing your handles to ensure they appear well in any light. 

How Lighting Impacts the Look: 

• Polished finishes like chrome or brass shine brighter in well-lit environments, providing a sleek and modern aesthetic. 

• For dimly lit environments, use matte or satin finishes such as brushed nickel or matte black. These finishes will not be too reflecting, but will still appear elegant and modern. 

Tip: Before making a final decision, wander about the room and notice how different finishes reflect light. Does a polished finish shine too brightly, or does it give the room a classy glow? 

9. Consider the Door's Purpose and Traffic Flow 

Not all doors are made equal, and some may need more functional, long-lasting handles than others. Consider the traffic flow and the amount of wear and tear a door will sustain. For example, doors in high-traffic areas such as the entryway or bathroom require handles that can survive repeated usage, but doors in bedrooms or offices may be purely cosmetic. 

Selecting Metal Door Handles Based on Door Use: 

• For high-traffic locations, choose robust materials such as stainless steel or brass to prevent scratches and tarnishing. 

• For low-traffic areas, consider using delicate finishes like polished chrome or antique brass for a vintage feel. 

Consider how frequently the door is utilized. If you're often opening and closing it, you might prefer a metal door handle that's more durable and low-maintenance. 

10. Match door handles to your home's color palette. 

When selecting metal door handles, keep your home's or particular rooms' general color scheme in mind. To establish harmony and boost the space's visual appeal, choose a metal finish that complements the colors in the area. 

How to Match by Color:

• For a modern and sleek style in a space with cold tones like whites, grays, or blues, choose for brushed nickel, chrome, or stainless steel. 

• Brass, bronze, or antique gold handles complement warm color palettes such as earthy browns, golds, and reds, providing warmth and richness. 

Tip: Examine your walls, furniture, and accessories. Is the room soothing with soft blues and whites, or bright with reds and oranges? To get a consistent, polished design, match your metal door handles to those tones. 

11. Consider your safety and accessibility needs. 

When creating a place for people with mobility issues or small children, consider how accessible and safe the door handles will be. People with reduced hand strength or dexterity may find it more challenging to utilize certain metal door handles. 

Choose Handles for Safety and Accessibility: 

• Lever handles are easier to operate than handles, especially for those with arthritis or young children. Lever handles are more ergonomically designed and require less force to use. 

• Handle Handles: While attractive, they may be difficult for young children or elderly individuals to grip and turn, particularly in confined places. 

Tip: Are you constructing a room for a family member who has accessibility issues? If so, choose lever handles or larger spherical handles that are easier to use. 

FAQs for Metal Door Handles 

1. What metals are usually used for door handles? 

Stainless steel, brass, bronze, chrome and aluminum are among the most common metals used for door handles.

2. How do I select the appropriate metal for my door handles? 

When selecting metal door handles, think about the overall style of your room, the level of upkeep necessary, and the longevity you require. Stainless steel or chrome are excellent options for a modern, sleek appearance. Brass or bronze are ideal for achieving a vintage or traditional look. If you're searching for a low-maintenance option, brushed finishes like brushed nickel will hide fingerprints better. 

3. Are metal door handles simple to maintain? 

Most metal door handles are relatively simple to maintain. Stainless steel and chrome are tarnish-resistant and easy to clean with a moist cloth. Brass and bronze may require more frequent polishing to keep their appearance, as they develop a patina over time, which some people value for its old appeal. 

4. What is the difference between brushed and polished metal finishes on door handles? 

A brushed finish has a matte look with thin lines or textures that resist fingerprints and scratches. A polished finish, on the other hand, is smooth and reflective, resulting in a dazzling, sleek appearance that is more prone to fingerprints but provides a high-gloss, expensive feel. 

5. Can metal door handles be used outside? 

Yes, many metal door handles can be used outside, but it is critical to select the appropriate type. Stainless steel and brass are good external door materials because they resist rust and corrosion. Marine-grade stainless steel is strongly recommended for coastal areas with salty air due to its corrosion resistance. 

6. How can I keep my metal door handles from tarnishing? 

To keep your metal door handles from tarnishing, clean them on a regular basis with a soft cloth and avoid using strong chemicals that will strip the sheen. To keep brass or bronze handles shiny, consider applying a protective lacquer. It is also beneficial to prevent moisture buildup by keeping the area around the door well-ventilated. 

7. Are metal door handles more secure than conventional ones? 

While metal door handles may not have a direct impact on security, high-quality metal handles combined with strong locks and latches improve the door's overall robustness and longevity.  

8. Can I combine various metal finishes in my home? 

Yes, combining metal finishes can result in a distinct, individualized design, but it's critical to establish a balance. 

9. What metal finish works best in high-traffic areas? 

Brushed finishes, such as brushed nickel or stainless steel, are perfect for high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens because they are fingerprint-resistant and easy to clean. These surfaces also hide minor scratches and wear better than polished finishes, resulting in greater durability over time. 

Wrapping Up: Turn Your Door Handles into a Design Statement 

Metal door handles are more than simply practical hardware; they are an important component of your home's overall aesthetic. By following these 11 expert advice, you'll be able to choose the ideal metal door handles to complement your decor, improve the aesthetics of your home, and add value to your space. Whether you're upgrading a single door or completely renovating your house, selecting the proper metal finish may improve the appearance and practicality of any space. 

By following these guidelines and taking into account all aspects—style, substance, and functionality—you can ensure that your metal door handles are not only beautiful, but also functional and durable.