When updating your exterior doors, there can seem to be a million and one things to think about. It goes without saying that the number one priority is the safety features of the door, and how they work to protect your property and your family. However, the overall aesthetic appeal of an exterior door – especially the front door – should be something that is taken into consideration. Ensuring your entranceway to your home is visually appealing is important not only for its occupants, but also for any future potential buyers in terms of curb appeal.

An important part of your front door is the door hardware. This generally refers to features including handles, knockers or bells, letter boxes and house numbers. We’ve compiled a list of some of the things to think about when choosing these additions to your door.

People who make use of the door

As your front door will be used daily by yourself, family members and your guests, it’s a good idea to take them into consideration when choosing specific features such as handles. For instance, elderly people or people with disabilities may require handles that are simpler to use, with a less awkward locking system. Similarly, children may also need to be able to use it so it’s important to think about positioning as well as type, to ensure that little hands can reach it!

Condition of the door

If you are adding fixtures to an older door, you will need to consider whether your chosen pieces will work in terms of its condition. For example, will it be able to withstand the installation process (that may be fairly rigorous) or will you need something simpler? If you’re looking to update your door, view a wide range of doors from manufacturers that offer advice when selecting door furniture.

Durability and maintenance

Another useful thing to remember is that these fixtures will be used daily and so it’s essential that they are durable and long-lasting, unless you want to update them frequently, of course. Letter boxes particularly can be treated fairly roughly by postmen in a rush, so choose the material of it carefully. Opt for materials such as stainless steel, as although they can be slightly more expensive than their alternatives, they don’t corrode or scratch easily.

Style of your home and exterior

How the components of your door work with the rest of your exterior is a really important thing to think about, especially if you’ve spent a lot of money on the door. Depending on whether your property is modern or more traditional, you are sure to find something that will compliment it. If it is modern, go for features that are simpler and clean cut, that avoid being too elaborated in detailing. Choose a silver handle with a matching lock for extra appeal. If your property is more traditional, look for more ornate pieces that pay homage to Tudor and Victorian design. Brass and iron are popular materials used for classic door furniture. Black is also a good choice, and black door knockers in particular look extremely sophisticated.

Photo Sources: 1. KBC Developments, 2. Crisp Architects, 3. Rocky Mountain Hardware, 4. Noel Cross+Architects, 5. Elevation Architects, 6. John Lum Architecture, 7. MAK Design + Build Inc, 8. LDa Architecture & Interiors, 9. Susan Newell Construction, 10. Simpson Design Group Architects, 11. Rachel Greathouse Design, 12. Koch Architects, 13. Paul Moon Design, 14. Brian Waterford Interiors