Hardware is a defining feature in any house, and includes door handles, hinges and lock systems, designed for everything from kitchen cabinets to large sliding doors, front doors and garage doors. There’s a huge choice of materials and styles, colours and designs available – some robust to provide security for exterior applications and others with more emphasis on aesthetics for interior uses.

Hardware

Architectural hardware is often considered jewellery for the home - used to complete a space with fine detailing and enhance the overall aesthetic value of a room. However, it is an aspect of design that is often overlooked until the last minute, rendering it an afterthought. When architectural hardware is at front of mind early in the design process is when it can be used to make a home shine, articulating the architectural intentions of the house and adding a synergy of style and detail. 

What is architectural hardware?

Architectural hardware includes a range of functional pieces such as door handles, door knobs, window hardware, hinges, latches and locks - and there is a wide range of designer hardware as well as bespoke and customised pieces to suit every project. 

What to consider when choosing the best door handles: lever and pull handles

Door hardware is a key part of any home, so the door handles or door knobs chosen are important - not just for functionality but also for design synergy. They’re also part of articulating the personality of the owners and the home itself, and an easy way to update the decor if modernising is in order. 

Here are 5 things to consider when choosing door and window hardware:

1. Style - does the style of the hardware emulate or accentuate the design intentions of the home?

2. Functionality - will the hardware allow for ease of use? This is especially important for larger doors such as sliding doors where door hardware needs to be both functional to allow easy movement of heavy doors as well as a style element.

3. Security - if the doors are external doors, or are used for security, then the function is an important consideration.

4. Material - if the house is in a coastal environment, for example, certain materials may not provide the best durability if they are likely to corrode when in contact with salt spray. Understanding the limitations of potential material choices is important for longevity and continued functional operation over time.

5. Finish - considering who will be using the hardware and how often can help to determine the best finish. For example, a matt finish that is likely to show fingerprints may not be the best choice for doors that will be used by children or those rooms designed for uses such as mud rooms or work areas.