What's New in Door Hardware Design

Design plays a huge role in shaping any space, whether it’s a luxury hotel, an upscale restaurant, or a modern office. The focus is often on furnishings, lighting, and wall colors, while details like commercial door hardware go unaddressed. Yet, these seemingly utilitarian components can profoundly change and complement a space’s aesthetic profile, as well as its function.

As technology evolves, so does the role of commercial door hardware. Today’s innovations go far beyond color and finish options available, and instead focus on streamlining and elevating the user experience.

The realm of commercial door hardware is rich with possibilities that cater to diverse needs and aesthetics. While each space has unique requirements, five notable trends are shaping the future of commercial door hardware.

1.    Visual status indicators

One of the subtle yet impactful ways businesses can elevate their spaces is through visual status indicators on commercial door hardware. These components transform spaces (and their locks) by combining convenience, privacy, and safety. Visual indicators enhance the user experience by clearly signaling the lock status of the door, so both occupants and users know at a glance whether a space is in use or not. This convenience streamlines movement and provides a sense of safety and privacy for building and facility occupants.

Lately, visual indicators are seen on more doors than just restrooms. Indicator locks are increasingly being used by, schools, offices, mother’s rooms, and meeting rooms to instantly show occupancy status, reducing interruptions and ensuring discretion and privacy.

Looking to learn more about how status indicator locks add value to your buildings? Look no further than our free eBook on making the business case for status indicators. Click here to download.

Or, check out some of our status indicator options here.

2.    Decorative door hardware

In the realm of interior design – especially in places like hotels, arenas, and retail spaces where customer experience is paramount – every detail counts. Often overlooked, commercial door hardware is essential in cultivating a cohesive and inviting environment. Levers, door pulls, and exit devices don’t have to just serve functional and safety needs; they can be integral to the design narrative.

Whether it be a branded retail space, a higher-ed auditorium boasting school colors, or a big-tech campus, commercial door hardware doesn’t have to be boring. Minimalist, antique, or elegant decorative designs can add character and style, seamlessly combining form and function. In recent builds, commercial door hardware is more than a mere detail—it’s a vital part of design that sets the tone and enhances both beauty and usability, transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences.

3.    Custom finishes for door hardware

Custom finishes in commercial door hardware play a pivotal role in crafting seamless aesthetics, and with innovations like powder coating and electroplating, custom finishes are easier to find than ever. In places where branding, continuity, or color is very important, architects and designers can leverage finishes to leave a lasting impact, not just through looks but by cultivating a dynamic ambiance. Looking for an exact branded pink, proprietary blue, or specifically toned gold? Nearly anything is possible with custom powder coating and electroplating.

Interested in decorative levers or custom colors? Click here to learn about design options and see some of our custom finishes.

4.    Mobile credentials for keyless access

Especially in multi-family buildings, long gone are the days of fumbling for keys; now, access is as simple as a tap on your smartphone, card, or fob. This technology not only improves safety in multi-resident buildings but enables employees and clients to move effortlessly through secure areas, making it incredibly convenient for residents and property managers alike. Mobile credentials not only reduce key management costs, but help to reduce lockouts, improve tenant experience, and minimize headaches for property managers. While mobile access control is by no means a new technology, it’s one that innovates by the day. Where it was once seen as a “nice to have” for multi-resident buildings, we expect to see more ubiquitous adoption of mobile credentials and keyless access in the near future.

Learn more about nexTouch digital access solutions from ASSA ABLOY ACCENTRA^™ here.

5.    Heavy-duty, high-durability hardware

Commercial buildings are typically high-occupancy, high-traffic buildings. With constant foot traffic and frequent use, doors and their hardware endure significant wear and tear. High-durability commercial door hardware, like multi-point locks or exit devices built with steel components, are designed to withstand this constant strain while maintaining appearance and performance.

In the past, property owners may have tended toward low-grade hardware to decrease costs. However, the lack of performance and durability associated with hardware that cuts corners ends up costing just as much in maintenance and repair over the life of the product. Lately, properties are trending towards investing in high-quality, grade 1 hardware that ensures that the product stands up to the test of time.

Trending towards customizable convenience

These 5 trends in door hardware show the growing need for added convenience and customized experiences in our daily lives – even in commercial spaces. These innovations are designed with seamless operation and experiences in mind, enhancing the flow of daily activities, cutting down on maintenance, and contributing to the overall security and aesthetic of a building. The result? A user experience that feels smooth, safe, and seamless.

Interested in learning about how you can apply the latest in door hardware design to your commercial buildings? Fill out the form below to get in touch with our team of experts.