That’s spot on—hardware can look great online but feel totally different in person. I once ordered these gorgeous brushed nickel levers for a remodel and the finish wore off in less than a year.
TITLE: Choosing the Right Grips for Your Doors
Yeah, that’s a good point about finishes. I’ve had matte black levers in a rental and they looked sharp at first, but every fingerprint and smudge showed up—constant cleaning. For my own place, I went with simple stainless steel levers:
- Hold up to heavy use (kids, guests, contractors…)
- Wipe clean with just a damp cloth
- Don’t really go out of style
One thing I wish I’d realized: some lever handles can catch on sleeves or bags if they stick out too far. Not a dealbreaker, just something to think about if you’ve got narrow hallways.
I get the appeal of stainless, but honestly, I think it can look a bit utilitarian in some spaces—especially if you’re aiming for a more high-end or custom vibe. Have you ever tried solid brass? It’s pricier, but the weight and feel are on another level, and the patina over time actually adds character instead of looking worn out. As for levers catching on things, I’ve found that a well-designed round knob (not the cheap hollow ones) solves that issue and feels just as substantial. Curious if anyone else finds knobs more practical, or is it just me?
Title: Choosing the Right Grips for Your Doors
I hear you on the stainless—it’s everywhere, and sometimes it just screams “commercial kitchen” to me. Brass does have a certain heft and warmth, but I’ve had clients complain about fingerprints and the patina not matching their taste. As for knobs vs levers, I used to be firmly in the lever camp until I caught my sleeve one too many times. Now, I lean toward solid knobs in high-traffic areas, especially if accessibility isn’t a concern. But I’ll admit, levers are just easier for folks with mobility issues. It’s always a tradeoff, isn’t it?
I get what you mean about levers and accessibility, but honestly, I’ve never been a fan of how they look. Maybe it’s just me, but knobs feel more classic and less likely to catch on stuff—like you said, sleeves, or even bags. The fingerprint thing with brass is real though, and I’m not sure I want to be wiping handles every day. Has anyone tried those matte black finishes? Do they actually hold up, or do they just end up looking scratched and worn after a year?
Choosing The Right Grips For Your Doors
Matte black finishes look great at first, but in my experience, they do show scratches and wear over time—especially in high-traffic spots. They’re better than polished brass for fingerprints, though. If you want durability, powder-coated options tend to last longer.
