Door hardware is easy to overlook, but it's one of the few design details that everyone in your home touches every single day. Here's what to think about before you buy.
Lever handles: solid brass vs. leather-wrapped
Solid brass lever handles are the most durable option and develop a natural patina over time if left unlacquered. Leather-wrapped handles add warmth and a softer, quieter touch — a good option for bedrooms and living areas where you want hardware to feel less clinical.
Concealed vs. exposed hinges
Concealed hinges disappear when the door is closed, giving a minimal, seamless look that suits contemporary interiors. Exposed hinges are a visible design feature in their own right — a good choice if you're leaning into a more traditional or industrial aesthetic and want the hardware to be part of the story.
Do you need a door stop?
Door stops aren't just functional — the right finish ties a doorway together. Consider:
- Magnetic door stops for external or high-traffic doors that need to hold open reliably
- Tall or medium cylinder stops for a discreet, low-profile look
- Knurled or textured stops to match knurled handles elsewhere in the home
Matching finishes throughout the home
For a cohesive look, keep your hinge, handle and door stop finishes consistent room to room — or at least within sightlines of each other. Mixing warm brass with cool chrome in the same hallway is the most common finish mistake we see.
Browse our full door hardware collection and door handles to find matching finishes for your home.