Are you contemplating the idea of using different door handles within your home office? This is a common concern for homeowners embarking on home decor projects. To provide valuable guidance in this matter, we’ve enlisted the expertise of our door specialists and interior designers to assist you in selecting the perfect door hardware for your space.
The great news is that your home’s door knobs don’t have to be uniform throughout. You have the creative freedom to mix and match various designs and finishes to your heart’s content.
What matters most is that these choices contribute to a sense of unity and complement the overall aesthetics of your home. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of brass or the modern allure of stainless steel handles and doorknobs, it’s all about personal preference and creating a harmonious style for your living space.
Should external and interior door knobs be the same?
Different sizes, patterns, and finishes are available for door handles. We realise how difficult it is to pick just one for your house with door knobs matching the bathroom door or living room.
So, there’s some good news! Your house’s door knobs do not have to match. In any case, there’s no regulation that says they have to. We’ve just become accustomed to having the same door knobs throughout the home, but this isn’t necessary.
You have complete freedom to mix door handle and match throughout your home. After all, it’s your house, so no one can tell you what you should put in it. It’s your house, so make your own rules!
But, before you go all out with this liberation, here are a few tips (not rules) to ensure that your door knobs and handles add to the overall appearance of your home.
We understand that you have the freedom to mix and match your door hardware to your liking. But there’s something more to consider: practicality. Does the door handle enhance the appearance of your home?
This is why it makes sense to match your door handles to your home’s decor or theme, as well as the rooms they’re in. Your viewpoint point is crucial here wether you need polished nickel or antique brass.
Take Inspiration from Your Home’s Era and Style
When you’re picking out door handles, it’s worth pausing for a moment to consider your home’s architectural character—whether it’s a cozy mid-century cottage, a stately Victorian, or a freshly built sanctuary with modern lines. Staying attuned to the era or style of your home can help keep things feeling intentional rather than haphazard.
For example, if your house boasts charming period features—like decorative cornices, archways, or original moldings—leaning into door hardware that echoes those details (say, glass knobs for older homes, or sleek, minimalist levers for contemporary spaces) can go a long way toward pulling your design together. The aim isn’t to follow strict rules, but rather to create flow.
There’s no law saying you can’t mix things up, but blending styles works best when there’s a common thread—like matching finishes, silhouettes, or even just sticking within the same decade of inspiration. By keeping one eye on your home’s overall look and the other on your creative instincts, you’ll ensure each door handle adds to the story your house tells.
It’s preferable if the external handles match each other from the outside. The overall appearance of your home will be more coherent as a result of this.
On the other hand, the door knobs on the other side of each door should preferably match the room. The door handle in your kitchen, for example, must match the handles and knobs on your kitchen cabinet or pantry.
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If the kitchen hardware is silver, then a bright chrome finish for the inside door handle is appropriate. I mean, you don’t want it to stick out like a sore thumb, do you? Allow all of the elements in the room to compliment one another.
This is why split finish door knobs are so ubiquitous. For this type of circumstance, they are the finest option. You’ve got a variety of finishes to choose from, each of which will go best with the sides they’re on.
How to Make Mixed Door Knobs Look Intentional and Stylish
If you’re planning on pairing different door handles, the key to making it look intentional (rather than accidental) is to embrace contrast with confidence. Think of it like mixing fashion accessories—when it’s clear you’ve made a deliberate choice, it elevates the entire look.
Bold choices stand out in a good way. For example, pairing deeply rich bronze with a pop of polished gold can bring sophistication and flair. Try not to mix finishes that are nearly identical, such as matte black with dark oil-rubbed bronze; those subtle differences can look mismatched instead of coordinated. Instead, opt for combinations that are distinct yet harmonious—say, matte black with bright brass, or brushed nickel with a warm champagne gold.
Here are a few tips to nail the intentional mixed look:
- Go for contrast: Choose combinations that clearly look different, like pairing satin brass with matte black.
- Stay within your palette: While it’s bold to mix, make sure the finishes work with your overall room theme and existing hardware.
- Repeat finishes elsewhere: If you use gold on a door knob, bring in the same finish with a lamp or cabinet handle to tie it together.
In the end, it’s about balancing variety and cohesion. By being thoughtfully bold with your choices, you’ll create a look that feels both custom and stylish, rather than haphazard.
How to add flair and personality with door knobs
It’s amazing how something as small as a door knob can make a big impact on the look and feel of your space. If you’re searching for creative ways to inject a little more personality into your home, door hardware is a subtle yet powerful place to start.
Think about experimenting with different shapes, materials, and finishes—don’t shy away from mixing metals, either! Pairing sleek matte black levers in the hallway with vintage-inspired glass knobs in the bedroom can create a lovely feeling of collected charm. Or consider introducing Art Deco-inspired handles for a splash of glamour, or even swapping in quirky ceramic or hand-painted knobs from markets or boutiques for a one-of-a-kind touch.
Here are a few imaginative ideas to try:
- Mix materials: Combine brass with chrome, matte black with polished nickel, or even wood and porcelain for a curated, layered effect.
- Choose unexpected shapes: Swap traditional round knobs for geometric levers, crystal pulls, or even whimsical shapes to draw the eye.
- Coordinate with your décor: Match your hardware to cabinet pulls, light fixtures, or other metal accents in the room for cohesiveness, but don’t be afraid of a little contrast where it fits your style.
- Go bold on feature doors: Use statement pieces—like oversized vintage knobs or colorful ceramics—on frequently used doors to give them a starring role.
Ultimately, your hardware is a chance for self-expression. Treat it as the finishing touch that ties together your personal style, much like picking out the right watch or necklace completes your outfit. As long as you find joy in your choices, your home’s personality will shine through.
Grouping Cohesive Finishes When Mixing Door Knobs
While there’s plenty of creative freedom to use a variety of door handles, pulling off a polished look is all about cohesion. Here’s where a bit of coordination comes into play: keep your finishes consistent within each zone or area of your house. This isn’t about following a strict rulebook, but it does help your space feel naturally unified.
Consider this: If two door knobs are visible from the same spot—say, opposite ends of a hallway—using the same finish is an easy way to create harmony, even if the styles differ. For example, you might have a sleek, modern lever across from a more traditional round knob, but both could sport a brushed nickel sheen. The finish ties them together visually, so nothing looks out of place.
You can get playful with styles, rosette shapes, or knob types within a room, as long as the finish remains consistent. Maybe you opt for crystal knobs in the guest room for a little sparkle, but keep the metalwork in the same soft brass tone as the rest of the space.
If your home has clear divisions—like an upstairs and downstairs with different purposes or moods—switching up the finish entirely for each level can also work. Just remember to repeat the same finish throughout that section for a collected feel.
So, when mixing and matching, remember:
- Keep finishes the same within sight lines or grouped areas.
- Feel free to experiment with knob shapes and sizes as long as the finish acts as your common thread.
- For homes with distinct sections, designate a finish for each and stay consistent within those zones.
That way, no matter how playful you get with styles or shapes, your home feels intentional—never chaotic.
How many metal finishes can you mix in a home?
When it comes to mixing metal finishes in your home, moderation is key. Most designers agree that blending two different finishes creates visual interest without overwhelming your space. For example, pairing timeless brushed nickel with trendy matte black can add just the right amount of contrast. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try mixing in a third metal—say, a touch of warm brass in the lighting or cabinet pulls—but any more than that and things can start to look chaotic.
To keep your home looking polished (pun intended), consider designating one finish as your primary choice, and then use a secondary metal as an accent throughout rooms. This way, you achieve a harmonious look that feels intentional rather than haphazard.
This is why split finish door knobs are so ubiquitous. For this type of circumstance, they are the finest option. You’ve got a variety of finishes to choose from, each of which will go best with the sides they’re on.
Why Consistency Matters When Mixing Door Hardware
While mixing and matching door handles can add character and personality to your home, it’s still a good idea to maintain a sense of pattern or consistency—think of it as giving your unique style a dash of mindfulness. Creating a recognizable pattern helps tie your look together, so even when the finishes or styles differ, things won’t feel random or jarring.
For instance, you might choose a certain type of knob for all the painted doors in your space while opting for a different style or finish on your wooden doors. This way, you keep a consistent logic behind your choices. You’re free to highlight special doors—like giving laundry or pantry doors a bold look—just as long as there’s some rhyme and reason. It could be the color of the door, the function of a room, or the type of finish that informs your pattern.
Keep in mind:
- Visual Flow: Consistent patterns make your design choices feel intentional, not accidental.
- Cohesion: Repeating similar elements keeps spaces from looking “piecemeal” or thrown together.
- Design Statement: Contrasts stand out more when they’re used selectively and within a clear pattern—think of crystal knobs on painted doors while sticking to brass knobs on wood.
So, don’t be afraid to mix things up! Just anchor your choices with a pattern that makes sense for your rooms, colors, or finishes. This will ensure everything looks put together—even when you’re having fun with variety.
Is it possible to have two distinct door handles?
While no one is preventing you from purchasing two different door handles for the same door, there are several factors to consider in order to maximise their performance and style.
Size
The knobs all need to be the same size. They won’t match or line up with each other if they don’t.
Remember that knobs come in a variety of sizes, so you might not be able to utilise the handles you bought if their sizes don’t match. Furthermore, having one big knob and one that is too little would be an eyesore.
It’s best if you get your door knobs from the same brand so they’re the same size and have the same locking mechanism. They normally come in a set of knobs that are built of various materials and available in a variety of finishes, allowing you to select the ones you like.
It’s simple to connect two different door knobs together. The split finish is a frequent concept employed by designers. They can be painted in different colours on the exterior and interior to distinguish them from one another, and the interior door handle can match the rest of your house.
Quality
The door knobs on the outer side of the front door should be constructed of a more durable material. They are subjected to a variety of elements and are subject to quick wear and tear.
Also keep in mind that door knobs and handles are intended to improve your home’s security. So don’t just go for something attractive; think about the intricacies and don’t compromise quality for appearances.
Is it necessary for door hinges to match door knobs?
When it comes to matching your door hardware, there are no hard and fast rules, as we’ve already stated. It would come down to personal taste as well as financial constraints.
If you’re a perfectionist when it comes to details, it’s preferable to have matching hardware so the look doesn’t annoy you. It will also improve the appearance of your property.
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If your outside and interior door handles have different finishes, you may match your door hinges to the one on the inside, as this is the part you see all the time.
But, if you’re going to replace every knob and hinge in your house, you’ll have to think about your budget. If you decide to make this a home renovation project, make sure you set aside enough money so you can really pick the ones you prefer.
Last Thoughts
While you have the choice to pick any door hardware you like, make sure you think about it carefully so that your door handles complement the design and feel of your home. Mix and combine in a way that makes sense and is stylish.
