Pick The Right Handleset For Your Home

By Author: Jamie Hanson
Total Articles: 3534
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Handlesets are one of those things that no one really pays a lot of attention to but it affects their overall perception of things. Everything is in the details. You might not notice the color of someone's baseboards, but some part of your mind is registering it to help you get an overall look at the room. The same goes for a handleset.

Making a Great First Impression

When someone comes to your home, the front door is their first impression of you and your home. Whether you like it or not, that door will affect what they think of you. Scary, isn't it?

Fortunately, you can make sure that the first impression someone has of you and your home is a good one with just a few small steps. Your door knob says a lot about you, so choose carefully.

The first thing you'll want to do is make sure that your door is in good repair. If it is sagging or worn looking, it will not only make a bad impression, but alert thieves that your home is not well cared for. Fix any structural issues before you go on to paint the door. Often a fresh coat of paint is all it takes to make it look bright and inviting again. Some ...
... people stick to plain white, but there are other colors that have may have special meaning to you, such as green which, according to Feng Shui attracts money into the home.

Whether you choose to paint your door a symbolic color or merely leave it white, the real thing to focus on is the details. Door locks and door knobs are probably the most important details that you can have on a door and they will either set off your home perfectly or create a clash with the existing decor. This means you need to select your handleset with care.

Types of Handlesets

There are two main types of handlesets, those that are all contained on one plate and those that have the door locks and door knobs separated. There is no real difference in function, both are completely secure, but the look is very different.

If you are going for a lighter, more delicate look, then you want a handleset with the two parts separate. This allows for a smaller base for the handle, minimizing it and allowing the design of the door to carry through more.

The full base with the door lock and handle on it will capture attention more quickly. These tend to have an oval or rectangular base panel which can be plain or adorned. With either type of handleset, you can choose your door handle, whether you want a lever or a door knob. For some people a knocker or doorbell will also fit into the scheme of things, so be sure to pick one that sets off the existing hardware.

The finish on your handleset is also important. A bright shiny chrome handleset doesn't go well with an antiqued door, for example. There are plenty of different finishes available, from aged brass to shiny brass and everything in between. If you're really stuck, you can always go with matte black, which gives a nice classic look to any door.

First impressions really do count. Whether you are entertaining guests or just want to send out a good impression to anyone stopping by, everything from the handleset you choose, to the door color, can influence how they think about you. There are so many handlesets to choose from that you are bound to find the perfect one to suit your home.

If you're looking for options in handlesets, then Schlage offers a wide variety of styles and finishes. Choose the right handleset to set off your home and give the best impression possible.