A basic rule to follow when making home improvements is that whatever your taste in decor, old, modern, country cottage or urban chic is to stick to a theme. It`s no good getting that rustic fireplace perfectly installed and then putting new doors throughout the house that look like something from the set of Big Brother.
If you can see several of your internal doors at the same time from certain points in the house it`s a good idea to make them look the same. Choosing your door and handle should be part of the same process, considering not only what is going to look right, but the functionality of the handle as well.
Sometimes something as simple as sanding down an existing door, staining or repainting it and adding a new handle will make an incredible difference at a fraction of the price of replacing half a dozen internal doors. If you`re happy to do the hard work yourself you can justify spending a bit extra on something that makes your refinished door look really special.
A simple latch handle is sufficient for most internal doors that do not need the security of locking, but an external door must have a lever latch and handle that needs a key. Once you`ve decided on the type of latch that you need, the cosmetic requirements of the door can be considered.
Fitting a new handle and latch to an existing door isn`t as daunting as you might think. For one, the hole is already there and chances are you will only need to make minor adjustments for a perfect fit.
The appearance of your chosen door handle comes down to personal taste and your existing decor. Many people find handles easier to use than knobs but whatever your preference, a good place to look for ideas is online where you can get some inspiration without the legwork.
Most door furniture can be wiped down with a mild soap solution but never use anything abrasive on a polished or plastic surface. Brass and most other solid metal door handles will need to be cleaned regularly with an appropriate metal cleaner but always follow the manufacturers instructions.
If you have a home office that requires extra security a door lock combination could be the perfect choice instead of a standard key operated lock. These require a code to gain access and many can be retrofitted or used in new situations, even to existing external doors.
