Your front door handle is more than simply a means of entering the home - for guests in particular, it’s their first introduction to what’s inside. This is why it’s so important to select a handleset that matches the style and personality of your home.
At Access Residential Hardware, we understand that while the functionality of your front door handle is important, the style and design also matter. Curved handles present traditional decor to best advantage while modern homes will benefit from sleeker, more upscale hardware. In this blog, we cover the 18 best front door handles for giving your home ultimate curb appeal.
1. Emtek Baden Tubular Entry Set
The Emtek Baden Tubular Entry Set features a sleek rectangular design that’s both sophisticated and modern. Depending on your preference, you can opt for Monolithic and Sectional style entry sets. This handleset comes in a two-piece design and can be enhanced with the EMPowered™ Smart Lock Upgrade, which converts and upgrades a standard lock into a smart-enabled lock by replacing the interior trim of a keyed entry set. Available finishes, which include oil-rubbed bronze, satin nickel, and flat brass, really bring out its contemporary roots.
2. Baldwin Square Lever with Round Rose
Made from solid forged brass, the Baldwin Square Lever with Round Rose is part of the exclusive Baldwin Reserve Collection. With its angular shape and round rose, the Square lever is a simple design with a strong contemporary appeal. Available finishes include satin black, polished chrome, and Venetian bronze, which helps ensure compatibility with practically all home styles.
3. Yale YH Pacific Beach Lever
The Yale YH Pacific Beach Lever has clean lines and a smooth finish that make it compatible with different types of modern entrances. Made from high-quality materials, this sleek and curved front door handle is built to last. Its elegant design is sure to complement any décor, and when paired with the right finish, it gives any entryway a touch of class. Choose from polished brass, satin chrome, and satin nickel finishes.
4. Schlage Birmingham Lever
Featuring delicate flourishes and ornamental details, the Schlage Birmingham Lever is inspired by the Victorian Era. If you’re living in a refurbished century home and want to pay homage to its roots, this door handle will give the right impression before anyone even steps inside. Although quaint in appearance, the Birmingham Lever is built to last. Available in satin nickel, bright chrome, and aged bronze finishes.
5. Emtek Sandcast Missoula
The Emtek Sandcast Missoula is one of Emtek’s collection of sandcast bronze door hardware. It is made of a copper alloy made to patina over time, showing exposure and wear patterns as a "living" finish. This 5 1/2" C-to-C side plate lockset is available in flat black bronze patina, medium bronze patina, and tumbled white bronze for greater compatibility with different types of homes and their decor.
6. Baldwin Bethpage Lever with Bethpage Rose
The Baldwin Bethpage Lever with Bethpage Rose has the elegant design and curved shapes of the Gilded Age in a decidedly modern assembly. Made from solid forged brass, this door handle has subtle curving and details that allow it to also fit into the transitional category. Available in lifetime polished brass, non-lacquered brass, oil-rubbed bronze, Venetian bronze, satin nickel, polished chrome, vintage brass, and satin black finishes.
7. Yale YH Valdosta Lever
The Yale YH Valdosta Lever is available in standard rosette and flat square rosette options, allowing it to blend seamlessly with all types of decor, from soft-edged traditional to geometric angles. The non-handed lever eliminates handing issues while its rectangular shape makes it easy to grasp and turn. Available in polished chrome, satin chrome, satin nickel, black suede, and oil-rubbed bronze.
8. Schlage Northbrook Lever
The Schlage Northbrook Lever has a distinctly Eastern European style, paying tribute to the Bauhaus architectural movement in Germany. However, the creative transition between a square handle and a round shank illustrates the modern interpretation of Bauhaus style. Available in a satin nickel finish that defies wear or degradation, allowing your home to keep giving a positive first impression.
9. Emtek Sandcast Rectangular
The Emtek Sandcast Rectangular door handle has a robust rectangular back plate and a finely wrought handle that defies traditional door design. If your goal is to make a creative impression before visitors even step inside, this solid and stylish front door handle won’t disappoint. Available in flat black bronze patina, medium bronze patina, and tumbled white bronze for better accommodation to different indoor and outdoor themes.
10. Baldwin Wave Lever with Classic Rose
The Baldwin Wave Lever with Classic Rose is a front door hardware set that combines a traditional round rose with a gently sloping handle. It’s subtle enough to complement traditional decor while making a statement with the curved lever. Available in the following finishes: lifetime polished brass, non-lacquered brass, oil-rubbed bronze, Venetian bronze, satin nickel, polished chrome, vintage brass, and satin black.
11. Yale YH Kincaid Black Insert Lever
The Yale YH Kincaid Black Insert Lever is guaranteed to impress on sight. The oblong handle, accented by a stylish black insert, has a dramatic design that’s still suitable for a variety of door types. It looks like a unique piece of art but rest assured: it’s strong enough to provide ultimate security at all times. Depending on what look you’re going for, you can choose from the following finishes: polished brass, satin nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze.
12. Schlage Flair Lever
The Schlage Flair Lever has ornate details that pay tribute to the Victorian era. The lightly sweeping handle is reminiscent of a paper scroll, but it’s far from delicate. Once installed, it does what all Schlage line front door handles do: provide reliable protection for your home. Available in bright brass, satin brass, antique brass, satin nickel, antique pewter, matte black, bright chrome, satin chrome, and aged bronze finishes.
13. Emtek Wrought Steel #5
The Emtek Wrought Steel #5 is part of Emtek's Wrought Steel series, which is crafted to resemble the handcrafted look of wrought iron. Ornate details and sturdy, iron texture make this C-to-C side plate lockset suitable for both rustic, traditional homes or those designed in the Spanish style. Available in flat black steel and satin steel finishes to work with any other indoor or outdoor iron accents.
14. Schlage Elan Lever
Taking inspiration from the Bauhaus Era, the Schlage Elan Lever works well in minimalist homes with unassuming décor. It’s modest but completely sturdy, being built to last. The inward turn of the handle tip adds a subtle artistic touch to an otherwise mainstream design. Available in bright brass, antique brass, satin nickel, matte black, bright chrome, satin chrome, and aged bronze finishes.
15. Baldwin Minneapolis Touchscreen Z-Wave Smart Lock Handleset
The Baldwin Minneapolis Touchscreen Z-Wave Smart Lock Handleset is a complete package that combines minimalistic design, geometric precision, and contemporary style. Screen display and code entry are highly responsive to your hand thanks to the advanced touchscreen feature while the deadbolt, lever, handle grip and rosette are crafted from solid brass. Available in the following finishes: satin nickel, polished chrome, and satin black.
16. Emtek Modern Rectangular Two Point Lock
The Emtek Modern Rectangular Two Point Lock secures both the lever and the deadbolt in a single convenient piece of door hardware. The recessed key slot in the handle adds visual interest to the classic shape and trim of the entire assembly. Available in the following finishes: oil-rubbed bronze, polished nickel, flat black, satin brass, satin nickel, polished chrome, and unlacquered brass.
17. Schlage Brookshire Handleset
The elaborate Schlage Brookshire Handleset features ornate details and a luxurious design aesthetic. Taking its inspiration from Victorian era styles, the door handle and trim are reminiscent of door decor in 19th century San Francisco and Cape May. Any home designed along these lines will benefit from the Brookshire front door handle. Available in the following finishes: bright brass, antique brass, satin nickel, matte black, aged bronze.
18. Emtek Siena Key In Lever
The Emtek Siena Key In Lever is inspired by European tradition, specifically Tuscany bronze. The rich, dark hue, combined with the finely shaped door handle, is strongly reminiscent of what you’d find securing French and Italian entrances. According to the manufacturer’s website, the Siena is part of the cast bronze Lost Wax door hardware, which provides a heavy feel and long lasting quality. Available in the following finishes: flat black bronze patina and medium bronze patina.
Our Front Door Handles Showcase Homes
You only get one chance to make a first impression. By selecting a front door handle that combines beauty and functionality, you’re in the best position to wow new guests that visit your home. At Access Residential Hardware, we have exterior door hardware in a wide range of classic and modern themes; whether you’re planning a new installation or need a replacement for an older handle, let us help you compliment your home.
Our door hardware experts can help you find the perfect hardware for your home. To speak with a hardware specialist, you can call 866.752.9002, or fill out this form and we’ll soon be at your service.