Decorating Your Home during the Lockdown: A Guide

The coronavirus pandemic has halted various businesses across the globe. Children have been at home for over six months now, and most employees are working from home too. But if you’re looking for a fun lockdown activity, here are some home decoration ideas to help you make the most of your time:

Begin With Your Front Door

Your front door does more than just shielding your home from the external elements; it protects your family against intruders and is the first thing your neighbours and guests see when they stop by. This door is a reflection of your home’s interior design and can speak volumes about your personality. If you hear squeaky noises every time you open and close it, see visible dents and peeled off paint along with mould growth, you must take urgent action and replace your door.

Choose a durable material, give it a fresh coat of paint and secure it with a secure and fancy door handle. If you have a minimalistic theme, a clean, stainless steel handle will enhance your curb appeal. For a traditional or contemporary design, a brass, heavier handle will be ideal. When selecting front door hardware, ensure you check the PZ centres (the distance between the centre of the handle spindle and the centre of the keyhole). Standard UK sizes are typically 92mm or 70mm for multi-point locks.

Move to the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart and hub of your home. Your family and friends spend most of their time eating, cooking and spending quality time there. Whether it’s making a cup of freshly brewed coffee in the morning, or baking a quick midnight snack—it’s all done in the kitchen. Use this time at home to give your kitchen a much-needed makeover. Begin with adding some new sheets on the cabinets and drawers. Finish it off with some fancy, decorative handles to give your kitchen that extra oomph factor.

You can choose from wave bow kitchen cupboard handles, modern slim kitchen furniture handles, knurled T bar kitchen handles, or even contemporary handles for kitchen cabinets and drawers. For those looking to achieve a timeless, rustic aesthetic, incorporating Antique Brass Handles can instantly elevate the warmth of the room. These pair exceptionally well with shaker-style cabinetry and dark forest green or navy blue palettes.

Don’t Forget The Bathroom

Your bathroom is a safe space for you to unwind and de-stress. You’ll need to ensure proper privacy for complete relaxation. A great way to give your bathroom a minor but effective change is to change the door handle. Choose from antique designs or modern, minimalistic ones. A fun idea to give your home a new look is to choose different finishing for all door handles. This will bring colour and personality in your home, and work as a true piece of art.

From antique brass, copper and silver to black polished nickel, brushed chrome, matt black and even red—the possibilities are endless! If you are updating bathroom cabinetry, consider using Antique Copper Knobs. Copper has natural antimicrobial properties and provides a striking contrast against white ceramic or marble surfaces. Ensure that any hardware used in the bathroom is moisture-resistant to prevent premature tarnishing or corrosion.

Enhancing Your Living Spaces with Texture and Tone

Beyond the functional rooms, your living and dining areas benefit significantly from hardware updates. During periods of extended time at home, the tactile experience of your furniture becomes more noticeable. Replacing standard, builder-grade hardware with textured options like knurled or hammered finishes adds a premium feel to everyday interactions.

The Rise of Antique Finishes

In recent years, there has been a significant shift away from high-gloss chrome towards more "living" finishes. Antique Brass Door Handles offer a sophisticated, aged look that hides fingerprints and water spots better than polished surfaces. This makes them a practical choice for high-traffic households. Similarly, Antique Copper Handles provide a warm, industrial-chic vibe that works perfectly on reclaimed wood furniture or upcycled sideboards.

Upcycling Furniture as a Lockdown Project

If you have old chests of drawers or bedside tables that look dated, you don't need to replace the entire unit. Sanding down the wood and applying a fresh coat of chalk paint can transform the piece. The final step is the hardware. Using Antique Brass Knobs on a refurbished dresser can bridge the gap between old and new, creating a bespoke piece of furniture that looks professionally curated.

Technical Considerations for Hardware Installation

When upgrading your hardware, precision is key to a professional finish. Before purchasing, measure the hole centres (the distance between the two screw holes) on your existing cabinets. Common UK sizes include 96mm, 128mm, 160mm, and 192mm. If you are switching from a single knob to a handle, you will need to drill a second hole, whereas switching from a handle to a knob may require filling the old holes with wood filler and repainting.

For internal doors, check the backset of your tubular latch or mortice lock. This is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the spindle hole. The most common UK backsets are 44mm (for a 64mm latch) and 57mm (for a 76mm latch). Matching these measurements ensures your new handles fit perfectly without the need for extensive carpentry work.

The Ultimate Hardware Buying Guide

Choosing the right hardware involves more than just aesthetics. Follow these practical steps to ensure you select the right products for your home:

1. Determine the Function

• Passage: For doors that don't need to lock (hallways, living rooms).
• Privacy: For bathrooms and bedrooms, featuring a thumb-turn or integrated lock.
• Keyed: For external doors or home offices requiring security.

2. Choose Your Material

Solid brass is the gold standard for durability and weight. Zinc alloy is a cost-effective alternative that allows for intricate designs, while stainless steel (Grade 304 or 316) is essential for coastal areas or high-moisture environments to prevent rust.

3. Consider Ergonomics

Think about who lives in the home. Lever handles are generally easier to operate for children and the elderly compared to round knobs, which require more grip strength and wrist torque.

4. Match the Projection

The "projection" is how far the handle sticks out from the door. In narrow hallways, a high-projection handle might catch on clothing. Ensure there is enough clearance for the door to open fully against adjacent walls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Screw Length: Standard screws provided with handles are usually for 18mm-20mm thick cabinet doors. If you have thicker bespoke cabinetry, you will need longer M4 break-off screws.
• Mixing Finishes Incorrectly: While "mixing metals" is a trend, try to keep a common undertone. For example, pairing antique brass with warm copper works well, but mixing polished chrome with antique brass can look accidental rather than intentional.
• Forgetting the Hinges: If you replace your door handles with antique brass but leave the old silver hinges, the look will feel incomplete. Always try to match your hinges to your handle finish.
• Over-tightening Screws: Using an electric drill at high speed can strip the screw heads or crack the wood. Always finish tightening by hand for a secure fit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between Antique Brass and Polished Brass?

Polished Brass is bright, shiny, and often lacquered to prevent ageing. Antique Brass is chemically treated to appear aged, resulting in a darker, more muted tone with brown and gold undertones. It is much better at concealing fingerprints and requires less maintenance.

Can I use kitchen cabinet handles on my bathroom vanity?

Yes, most cabinet hardware is interchangeable. However, ensure the material is suitable for humid environments. Brass and stainless steel are excellent choices for bathrooms, whereas some lower-quality steel handles may rust over time.

How do I clean antique-finished hardware?

Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can strip the antique plating. Use a soft, damp cloth with mild soapy water, then dry immediately with a lint-free cloth to maintain the finish.

What are "CC" measurements?

CC stands for "centre-to-centre." This is the industry-standard measurement for the distance between the two screw holes on a handle. It is the most important measurement to get right when replacing existing hardware.

Conclusion

Redecorating during lockdown or any period of home improvement doesn't require a massive budget or professional contractors. Small, tactile changes like swapping out dated knobs for Antique Brass Knobs or upgrading your front door furniture can significantly impact the "feel" of your home. These details provide a sense of completion and luxury that paint alone cannot achieve.

If you’re looking for top quality door handles online, get in touch with Décor & Décor. We have a wide range of premium furniture accessories on our online store. Whether you’re looking to buy a sliding door kit, kitchen knobs online, or drawer handles, you’ll find them all here at affordable rates along with fast delivery! Browse our collection today and avail free UK delivery on orders over £45!