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<p>Just as with fashion, <a href="https://www.fuyu-hardware.com/products" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>door hardware</strong></a> styles and finishes change over time as manufacturers try to capitalize on trends in architectural styles and consumer awareness.</p><p>Door hardware can be considered an ‘accessory’ item that can make dramatic changes to the appearance of your home, but with the newest finishes coming out with anti-bacterial coatings, they can also be something that impacts your health.</p><p><br></p><p>The main door hardware trends we see are seeing include new hardware finishes and coatings, new hardware styles, and new capabilities and security features.</p><p><br></p><p>Door Hardware Finish Trends</p><p><br></p><p>There is one new <strong>door hardware finish</strong> that is gaining quick popularity. That is matte black, also called iron black depending on the manufacture.</p><p><br></p><p>Several residential <a href="https://www.fuyu-hardware.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>door hardware supplier</strong></a> have recently reintroduced the matte black finish. It’s been an option for high-end specialty door companies for years, but the more common manufacturers whose price points are much lower have started to release it.</p><p><br></p><p>The trend for dark hardware started about 10 years ago, when the popular “Oil Rubbed Bronze” came to the forefront. This finish is a dark brown color, and is designed to wear over time, so sharp edges and the most used portions would actually show their wear creating an historic look to the door hardware. Aged bronze finishes are very similar in appearance but come with the “aged look” already built into the finish.</p><p><br></p><p>Bronzes are still very popular, but now that matte black (or aged black) is available, we’re seeing more customers choosing the boldness of the matte black as a stunning contrast to the typically lighter painted or stained doors, as well as the bold colors like red that are often used for entry doors. The finish doesn’t wear over time. And let’s face it, black matches EVERYTHING.</p><p><br></p><p>As the black finish gains popularity, more hardware styles will offer it. The two most common keyways for home door hardware are Kwikset and Schlage. </p><p><br></p><p>Satin nickel is a softer, less bright version of a stainless-steel finish for customers that like a more contemporary feel for their home.</p><p><br></p><p>Those 3 finishes are what you’ll find to be the most popular for several years to come. But manufactures continue to sell more traditional finishes. They are aware that people may just be replacing a single failed door lock that uses an older finish. These finishes include bright brass (shiny gold), antique brass (something of a duller brass color), satin chrome (a dull white-metal finish more commonly seen in commercial settings). Some manufacturers are also bringing back the bright chrome finish that was common 50 years ago, but we haven’t yet seen a rush of people ready to go back to this finish yet. Checkout our web page for other common older lock finishes.</p><p><br></p><p>These popular colors, are by no means the only options. High end manufactures, like Emtek, offer some really incredible, but not yet as common door hardware finishes. If you’re looking at door hardware for a high-end home, you can really get some unique finishes other than what we’ve mentioned here like Satin Steel, White Bronze, and Black Patina.</p><p><br></p><p>Door Locks with Antibacterial Finishes and Coatings</p><p>Several years ago, my locksmith shops were carrying a line of <a href="https://www.fuyu-hardware.com/products" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">door locks</a> by Master Lock that came with an antimicrobial coating. Having young kids, I thought it was an awesome idea!</p><p><br></p><p>But it was a head of its time. Our customers simply did not see the value of antimicrobial / antibacterial locks.</p><p><br></p><p>But in light of the recent Coronavirus wave, I fully expect locks with antibacterial coatings to become a new hot trend. So they are best suited for non-entry doors, like interior doors.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>The antimicrobial coatings last for the lifetime of the hardware finish, so you can worry less and feel more secure. It works by preventing cell multiplication. In order for bacteria to spread, it has to multiply. If it can’t multiple existing cells die off quickly. Some studies show that antimicrobial products are 99.9% cleaner than standard door hardware.</p><p><br></p><p>Just recently other <a href="https://www.fuyu-hardware.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>lock manufactures</strong></a> have come out with antimicrobial locks, such as Kwikset.</p><p>Kwikset calls their coated finish Microban and it’s readily available on Amazon. They are incorporating this coating on several of their new styles of locks. So you can get very modern finishes and styles. Also, their line of Smartkey products is highly pick and bump resistant (What is Lock Bumping?).</p><p><br></p><p>Products with this coating will have a Microban sticker on the box.</p><p><br></p><p>ACME Locksmith carries several of the Master Lock and Kwikset antimicrobial products in our stores, but if we don’t have it, we can order what you need. When ordering locks in our stores, we key the new locks up to your existing house keys at no cost.</p><p><br></p><p>Schlage also has door hardware with antimicrobial coatings, but only on some of their commercial products at this time. I bet we’ll be seeing it soon for the residential market.</p><p><br></p><p>What to Know Before Changing Your Door Hardware</p><p>If you plan on changing your door hardware to take advantage of the new finishes and antimicrobial coatings, ACME Locksmith previously wrote an article about What You Need to Know Before Buying Your New Door Hardware. </p>
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