Can I mix knob and lever hardware in my house?

You can, but consistency is better. Using levers on all doors and knobs on all doors creates a unified look. If you do mix, keep the finish consistent at minimum. Some designers use knobs on secondary doors and levers on primary doors (bedroom, bathroom) for a subtle hierarchy.

What finish is easiest to maintain?

Brushed nickel and matte black are the lowest-maintenance finishes — they hide fingerprints and water spots well. Polished chrome and polished brass show every fingerprint and need regular wiping. Oil-rubbed bronze develops a patina that hides wear naturally.

How do I know what size hardware to buy?

Measure the backset — the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the handle hole. Standard residential backset is 60mm (2-3/8 inches). Some older homes use 70mm (2-3/4 inches). Buy hardware that matches your existing backset to avoid drilling new holes.

Materials

Interior Door Hardware Guide

Updated July 25, 20263 min read

The short answer

Interior door hardware is specified by three things: function (passage, privacy, or keyed), type (knob or lever), and finish. Passage hardware has no latch — for closets and passages. Privacy hardware has a push-button lock — for bedrooms and bathrooms. Keyed hardware has a keyed deadbolt — for offices and exterior-adjacent doors. Levers are required by accessibility code in many applications and are easier for all users.

Hardware functions

Hardware functions
Function	Lock type	Best for	Code note
Passage	None	Closets, hallways, passages	No code requirement
Privacy	Push-button or turn	Bedrooms, bathrooms	Must be openable from outside in emergency
Keyed entry	Keyed deadbolt	Home offices, exterior-adjacent	Separate key from exterior doors
Dummy	No latch or lock	Closet doors with no latch	Surface-mounted only

Knobs vs levers

Knobs: Traditional, lower cost, available in more styles. Require a gripping and turning motion that can be difficult for children, elderly users or anyone with limited hand strength. Some building codes restrict knobs on certain doors in accessible design.
Levers: Easier to operate with one hand, no gripping required. Required by the National Building Code of Canada for doors in accessible routes. More contemporary appearance. Slightly higher cost. The professional recommendation for all interior doors.
Code requirements: Alberta follows the National Building Code which requires lever-style hardware on doors in barrier-free paths of travel. In residential renovations, this is not always enforced, but installing levers on all doors future-proofs the home for accessibility.
Consistency: Choose one type (knob or lever) and one finish for all interior doors. Mixing styles and finishes across rooms looks disorganised. Pick a finish, buy in bulk, and install uniformly.

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Popular finishes and their durability

Matte black: The most popular contemporary finish. Shows fingerprints less than polished finishes. Durable but can chip to reveal the base metal. Suits modern and transitional interiors.
Brushed nickel: Versatile, hides fingerprints well, resists tarnishing. The safe choice that works with almost any interior. Very durable for daily use.
Polished chrome: Bright, reflective, clean. Shows fingerprints and water spots. Classic contemporary look. Very durable — chrome is one of the hardest finishes available.
Satin brass / brushed gold: Warm, contemporary take on traditional brass. Pairs well with warm wood tones and white cabinetry. Quality varies — look for PVD (physical vapour deposition) finishes that resist tarnishing.
Oil-rubbed bronze: Dark, warm, traditional. Develops a patina over time. Pairs well with traditional and rustic interiors. The "living finish" quality is a feature, not a flaw.

Answers

Frequently asked questions

Can I mix knob and lever hardware in my house?: You can, but consistency is better. Using levers on all doors and knobs on all doors creates a unified look. If you do mix, keep the finish consistent at minimum. Some designers use knobs on secondary doors and levers on primary doors (bedroom, bathroom) for a subtle hierarchy.
What finish is easiest to maintain?: Brushed nickel and matte black are the lowest-maintenance finishes — they hide fingerprints and water spots well. Polished chrome and polished brass show every fingerprint and need regular wiping. Oil-rubbed bronze develops a patina that hides wear naturally.
How do I know what size hardware to buy?: Measure the backset — the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the handle hole. Standard residential backset is 60mm (2-3/8 inches). Some older homes use 70mm (2-3/4 inches). Buy hardware that matches your existing backset to avoid drilling new holes.

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