DIY Makeover: Transform Your Doors With Gunmetal Handles

If you’re looking for a simple DIY project that will transform the look of your home, why not switch up your handles? New handles can instantly elevate your door or even your kitchen cabinets to give them a fresh new look. 

Sometimes the simplest changes are the most effective, so here is how you can change the look of your home with this simple and stylish transformation.

Why choose gunmetal handles?

Gunmetal handles are a popular home interior trend, thanks to their subtle, versatile hue and stylish finish. They can be used within a number of home styles, including both contemporary and traditional homes, and make a great alternative to stainless steel. Tools and materials

You will need:

• Your chosen handles. We recommend our Three One Six Diamond Internal & External Door Handles for doors and our Three One Six Linear Pull Handles for cabinets and drawers.
• A door-stop or wedge
• A tape measure or ruler
• A screwdriver
• A drill (if creating new holes)
• A spirit level

If you need to fill any holes from your old handles, you will also need:

• Filler or caulk 
• Sandpaper
• Paint

Step-by-step installation guide

Upgrading your doors with gunmetal door handles is a simple home improvement that doesn’t require much skill or DIY knowledge. And the good news is that once you get started, you’ll find that this is a quick transformation that will provide instant visible results.

The simplest way to do this is to purchase a handle that fits your existing door. This will mean a quick and easy replacement, instead of having to create new holes and fill in some existing ones - something that could ruin the appearance of your door.

1. Gather all the necessary materials, ensuring you have everything you need to hand.
2. Use a door stop or wedge to keep your door secure.
3. Remove your existing handles using a screwdriver. There should be a slot of some sort on the side of the door handle, which connects it to the cover plate. Use a bit of pressure to be able to pull the handle off. This will depend on the type of handle you have - some door handles may simply be screwed in.

If you can, either recycle, sell or donate your unwanted handles if they’re in a suitable condition. 

1. Remove the screws that hold the latch and inner plates in place. These should be easy to remove.
2. Remove the latch system, leaving nothing but holes in your door. 
3. If you are replacing your handle with one that is the same shape and size, double-check your measurements using a tape measure.
   
   If you are creating new holes, use the appropriate cutting tool attached to your drill to create the new holes. You may need to fill any existing holes sand them down and then paint them to create a smooth finish. Use a spirit level to ensure the holes are properly aligned.
4. Install your new latch into the existing hole. It should be pushed in until the edge of the plate is flush with the edge of the door. 
5. Screw the new handle’s inner plates to your door, ensuring it is lined up with the right holes. Make sure the handle is flush with the door.
6. Attach the cover plates to the top of the new plates using the fixings provided. Repeat on both sides.
7. Press your new handle into place. You should be able to slide the handle until it clicks securely into place. You may also need to screw the handle on if required.

And there you have it. Within a matter of minutes, you will have a brand-new door handle for an easy home transformation.

Things to avoid

Installing your new gunmetal door handles should be a simple process, but one way to avoid issues is to triple-check your measurements. You should also be careful not to screw the fixings too tightly so that you end up splitting the door. 

Before and after

See the difference a little gunmetal can make! Head to our Instagram page to see the latest transformations. 

Maintenance tips

Due to their frequent use, door handles often end up covered in finger marks, and can also become a magnet for dust and dirt. Keep your handles looking their best with regular cleaning using either a damp cloth and some disinfectant spray to keep them hygienic. Use a dry cloth to carefully dry your handles and remove any streaks. 

Not all home improvements are as simple as this one, but installing gunmetal door handles will give your home a sleek and stylish upgrade, without spending hours doing DIY. Gunmetal handles are durable, attractive and the perfect colour to complement most colour schemes, so why not take the leap and give your doors the makeover they deserve with our gunmetal handles?