Choosing the Right Grips for Your Doors
Leather-wrapped handles look cool in photos, but in real life? They can get pretty grubby, especially if you’ve got kids or cook a lot. I’ve seen a few after a year or two and they definitely lose that “designer” vibe fast. As for levers vs knobs, I’m team lever all the way—way easier when your hands are full of groceries or laundry. Knobs look classic, but man, they’re a pain if your hands are wet or you’re juggling stuff.
Choosing the Right Grips for Your Doors
You’re spot on about leather handles—they look fancy at first, but they’re not exactly practical if you’ve got a busy household. I’ve seen them get pretty grimy in high-traffic areas, and cleaning them is a pain. Levers are definitely more user-friendly, especially for accessibility. If you’re thinking about sustainability, there are some recycled metal options out there that hold up well and don’t show fingerprints as much. Knobs do have that old-school charm, but yeah, not the best when your hands are full or messy.
I tried those fancy leather pulls once—looked great for about a week, then my kids’ sticky hands turned them into a science experiment. Ended up swapping them for basic brushed nickel levers. Not the cheapest, but way less hassle to clean and they don’t show every fingerprint. Honestly, knobs are cute but I always end up fumbling with them when I’m carrying groceries... levers just make life easier.
I get the appeal of leather pulls—they look sharp in magazine spreads, but in real life, especially with kids, they just don’t hold up. I’ve tried a few “trendy” options over the years and always end up back at metal levers. They’re not just easier to clean, but honestly, they’re way more practical when your hands are full or messy. Knobs are fine for some spaces, but I’ve never understood why anyone would put them on a pantry or laundry door... levers just make more sense. Maybe not as “decorative,” but function wins out for me every time.
Totally get where you’re coming from—leather pulls look cool in theory, but after a few months (especially with sticky kid hands), they just look tired. I’ve tried to convince myself they’d “age well,” but nope, they just get grimy and sad. Metal levers are way less fussy and honestly, you can find some really affordable ones that still look good. I’d rather spend my money on something that’ll last than keep replacing trendy stuff every year. Function over fashion, for sure.
