How to Choose the Right Door Hardware for Your Home

When it comes to interior design, the details matter—and door hardware is one of those finishing touches that can quietly elevate your space. Whether you're renovating, building new, or simply updating a few key elements, the right hardware adds both style and function to your home.

At JSL Hardware, we see door hardware not just as a practical necessity, but as an extension of your home's overall design. Here’s how to choose pieces that reflect your aesthetic, support everyday living, and add a sense of refinement to every room.

1. Choose a Style That Complements Your Space

Start with the overall design of your home. The hardware you choose should echo the visual language of the space.

Traditional: Think curved lines, classic silhouettes, and finishes like antique brass or oil-rubbed bronze for a timeless look.

Modern: Clean lines and minimalist shapes work beautifully in contemporary homes. Polished chrome or matte black are popular for their bold simplicity.

Rustic or Farmhouse: Embrace texture and character with hardware that features a weathered or brushed finish—ideal for adding warmth and charm.

Contemporary: Sleek yet softer than ultra-modern styles, contemporary hardware often features subtle curves and mixed materials in finishes like brushed nickel or graphite.

Transitional: A blend of traditional and contemporary, transitional styles offer balance with clean profiles and understated detailing—perfect for spaces that mix old and new.

 Looking for A Specific Style?

Shop our most popular styles: Modern, Transitional, Contemporary and Traditional

2. Coordinate Finishes for a Cohesive Look

Matching your door hardware to other finishes in your home—like bath and kitchen faucets, cabinet pulls and knobs, and lighting—helps create flow and consistency. While everything doesn’t need to be identical, a complementary palette keeps things feeling intentional and balanced.

Door hardware finishes do more than complete a look—they help define it. From bold contrast to subtle cohesion, the finish you choose can elevate the tone of your space and tie in surrounding fixtures.

Some of our most requested finish families include:

Black Finishes: A go-to for modern interiors, black finishes create striking contrast and bring a clean, architectural feel to doors of any style.

Brass & Gold Finishes: Timeless and elegant, these warm tones add sophistication—from traditional to contemporary settings.

Chrome & Polished Finishes: Highly reflective and modern, polished finishes are perfect for clean, streamlined aesthetics.

Nickel & Stainless Finishes: These cooler-toned neutrals offer versatility and subtle shine, pairing easily with most colour schemes.

Bronze & Dark Tones: Rich finishes like bronze, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte black bring depth and contrast to lighter doors, creating a grounded, refined look with timeless appeal.

 Looking for the Perfect Finish to Match Your Space?

Explore all door hardware finishes

3. Prioritize Functionality by Room

Every door serves a different purpose, and your hardware should reflect that.

Privacy Hardware is best for bedrooms and bathrooms.

Passage Hardware works well for closets, hallways, or pantries.

Inactive Levers (also called dummy levers) are perfect for double doors or areas where no latch is needed.

Choosing the right functionality for each space ensures a seamless user experience throughout your home.

Explore the Right Fit for Every Room

Shop Privacy Door Hardware | Shop Passage Door Hardware | Shop Inactive Door Levers

4. Focus on Durability and Quality

Door hardware sees a lot of use, so it’s worth investing in well-made pieces. Materials like solid brass and stainless steel offer long-lasting strength while maintaining their finish over time. High-quality hardware not only looks and feels better—it performs better, too.

5. Pay Attention to Size and Scale

Not all doors are created equal, and neither is the hardware. Larger doors often call for more substantial handles or levers, while smaller doors benefit from lighter, more delicate designs. If you're unsure, look at proportions in context and trust your eye.

6. Consider Ergonomics

Comfort is just as important as style. The shape and grip of knobs or levers should feel natural in your hand, especially for doors you use multiple times a day. Ergonomic hardware can make everyday routines feel smoother and more effortless.

7. Set a Budget That Works for You

There are beautiful, well-crafted options available at every price point. Setting a budget early helps you narrow your choices and stay focused, especially when you're outfitting multiple rooms. Quality and affordability can go hand in hand.

8. Let Trends Inspire You—But Stay True to Your Style

Matte black finishes and minimalist silhouettes are trending right now, but timeless designs never go out of style. Let current trends inspire you, but choose hardware that resonates with your long-term aesthetic. After all, you’ll be interacting with these pieces every day.

9. Test Function, Not Just Form

It’s easy to fall in love with a style online, but make sure the functionality and look are a fit for your space. Consider how the finish will interact with your lighting, how the style will complement your other fixtures, and how the shape will feel to use.

Final Thoughts

Door hardware is a small detail that can make a big impact. When chosen thoughtfully, it enhances the flow of your home, ties together your design elements, and adds polish to your everyday experience. Take your time, trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like a second opinion.

Need help deciding between styles or finishes? Laurie, JSL Hardware’s in-house designer (and the author of this blog), offers both online and in-home design consultations to support you in making the right selections. 

Laurie Orsino
JSL Hardware In-House Designer