Categories

Free home security ideas

Lock the locks you got

Whatever locks you have on your doors and windows, use them. The same goes for alarm systems. Turn them on if you expect them to protect you and your home.

Keep your yard clean

By not leaving out big-ticket items – grills, tools, bicycles – you’re removing the temptation for theft. Put things away in your garage or shed so people don’t just walk off with them. Unless you need extra organization or a padlock for your garden shed, this home security hack shouldn’t cost you a dime.

Maintain your landscaping

Overgrown bushes can be an intruder’s best friend in that they provide a cozy hiding spot. Simply trimming your bushes and trees to keep sightlines open is probably a free update. If you don’t have the tools you need, you can rent them inexpensively or maybe even borrow trimmers from a neighbor.

Make friends

Speaking of your neighbors, get to know them so that you can keep an eye on each other’s homes. If they know your family, they’ll be able to tell if the person hanging around your yard is your own teen or someone who doesn’t need to be there. Your neighbors can also be a great resource if you need someone to pick up your mail or check on pets while you’re on vacation. Plus, if you trust them, you can ask them to hang on to a spare key instead of hiding it under a fake rock. That rock isn’t fooling anyone, by the way.

Do a home inventory

This step doesn’t so much prevent crime as much as it makes it easier for you to recover after a home break-in. When you have an up-to-date home inventory, you are better able to tell what was stolen and process insurance claims quicker. Some of the most common ways to do a home inventory include making a video recording of your belongings as you walk from room to room – simply use your smart phone – or writing a list of valuables in a notebook. 

 

Home security hacks under $50

Install a new deadbolt

Replacing a mechanical deadbolt with one that is high quality and made with premium materials is a good way to improve your front door’s security. Schlage locks are certified highest in Security, Durability and Finish by the BHMA – look for the AAA rating on the package to see for yourself. This means our deadbolts were built and tested to stand up to attacks like picking, prying and impact as well as the natural elements.

Put the screws to intruders

High-quality locks aren’t the only door hardware that can help secure your home. Your door hinges should be installed on your home’s interior to prevent tampering. Install longer screws to secure the hinges to the door frame more firmly.

You can also use extra-long screws on your strikeplate. (Check out our guide to door hardware terms if you aren’t sure which is the strikeplate.) Screws that are 2-1/2” to 3-1/2” can secure the plate more firmly to the doorjamb. That, in turn, provides extra reinforcement for the bolt to hold if someone tries to kick or hammer at the door.

A few special notes here, though. If you have a sidelight, you may not be able to install the longer screws without breaking the glass. Also, if your doorjamb is weak or damaged, extra reinforcement from your hardware and stronger locks can only do so much. Make sure the door itself and your frame are in good condition.

Let Alexa be your guard

Alexa Guard Plus is a service that uses a compatible Echo device (or a few of them placed throughout your home) to alert you to potential emergencies and make it easier for you to contact an Emergency Helpline. While you’re away from home, Alexa can listen for sounds like footsteps, breaking glass or a closing door, then send you an alert and sound a siren through your Echo. You can also use it to say, “Alexa, call for help” to contact the police, fire department or an ambulance. Try it out for free for one month, after which it’s $4.99 per month or $49 for the whole year on their annual plan.

Protect your windows

Windows and glass doors are often some of the weakest points of your home security. To deter intruders from breaking the glass to get in, install devices like this four-pack of GE Personal Security Window Alarms for about $20. How window alarms work depends on the exact device you choose. Some work via motion sensors while others can detect impact and sound to alert you to broken glass.

Slide into home safely

Of all the doors in your house, a sliding patio door is often the most susceptible to break-ins. This is partly because they tend to be glass, but also because they don’t use traditional deadbolts like other exterior doors. To address the locking concern, install a security bar in the track. Most on Amazon cost around $25. A piece of PVC pipe can also do the trick and is even more inexpensive at only a few dollars per foot.

Replace your lightbulbs

Even fancy long-lasting bulbs are relatively inexpensive. When lightbulbs on your front porch, walkway or over your garage burn out, replace them sooner rather than later. Like maintaining your landscaping, a dark and shadowy entryway can give intruders a place to lurk out of sight. 

While you’re replacing the bulbs, take a minute to clean the fixtures. Outdoor lighting accumulates all kinds of dirt and bugs that can make the light seem dull.

Door upgrades to sweeten your curb appeal

As much as we love to decorate for specific seasons, we also know it’s important that your style carry you throughout the year. Your door is a perfect example. Choose the right front door paint color and a complementary door hardware finish to boost your everyday curb appeal. Then use that color scheme to make your holiday décor really pop.

An orange front door might sound a little scary, but we promise that if you pick the right shade, it’ll be delicious eye candy. Think colors that are more pumpkin and less candy corn. A pumpkin-inspired orange should have some brown undertones, making it less in-your-face than some other shades. Pairing it with darker fixtures such as a Matte Black front door handleset can also help balance the color and add an element of modern sophistication to your whole home.

DIY décor to dress up your porch for Halloween

Once you have the door décor basics down, you can really start to have fun with your Halloween porch decorations. Here are five of our favorite ideas for the spooky season.

Teal pumpkins for your patio

A teal pumpkin on your front door means you’re a food allergy-friendly home and have toys and trinkets to hand out instead of (or in addition to) something edible. Making it Milk-free has a couple of teal pumpkin decorating ideas, including turning one into an adorable mummy. Perfect for setting on your porch steps or stoop.

Welcoming skeletons

Lifesize fake skeletons have been popular in recent years, partly because it’s so easy to position them in creative ways. Better Homes & Gardens shows them hanging off porch railings, but we also like that you can have them sit in the patio furniture you already own. Pose them looking out the front window, peeking from around a bush or hanging out by the mailbox.

More cute, less spooky wreath

Some families like a spooky Halloween, others prefer to keep it cute. Positively Splendid’s ribbon wreath with itsy bitsy ghosties is exactly what that second group needs. Orange and black ribbon is classic for the season, but you can always change it up to complement your new front door color or other porch décor. If you went for that orange door, try green ribbon for contrast. Have a red door? Maybe you want black and white ribbon instead of green to keep it from looking too much like Christmas.

One more note: this DIY wreath is super easy. Simply tie the ribbons onto an embroidery hoop, no gluing or sewing necessary.

Spiders galore at the door

We typically try to avoid a spider invasion in our homes, but you’ll love this arachnid attack. One Good Thing used Styrofoam balls, pipe cleaners and some black paint to make a porch full of bugs. These are all identical, but there’s no rule that says you couldn’t make them in different sizes and put them everywhere – in a wreath, hanging from a covered porch or light fixture, or tucked in with your potted plants. The kiddos might have extra fun with them if you add googly eyes.

Halloween hello with a sassy mat

A DIY Halloween doormat is the perfect opportunity to show some attitude. This tutorial from Jojotastic requires a bit of paint, stencils and an inexpensive mat. What message you leave or picture you create is entirely up to you, whether it’s “Strangers have the best candy” like Joanna, simply “Boo!” or some cobwebs and ghosts drawn on. Take it a step farther and cut your mat into a new shape. Instead of rectangular, try bat- or pumpkin-shaped. Just make sure you choose your mat material well. You don’t want it to unravel before your trick-or-treaters arrive.

Sometimes it would be nice to be able to wave a witchy magic wand and have your latest project instantly finished to perfection. But this is one you’ll enjoy savoring and completing on your own. Check out our full selection of Schlage handlesets today or find more magical inspiration on Pinterest.

How to keep pets safe in winter

Protective clothing

Not all animals need clothing. Husky owners know that. And even if a nice warm jacket would make your chihuahua more comfortable, that doesn’t mean they’ll actually want to wear it. Assuming your pet – and to be honest, we’re mostly talking about dogs here – is okay with it, get them a sweater or jacket to keep them warm and dry on walks. Those little booties can help protect their feet from the cold, salt and other chemicals on the sidewalks, too.

Reflective gear

Because the days are shorter in the winter, the odds of nighttime walkies are high. Get your pet a reflective vest or a collar. Don’t forget your cats, too. Even if they aren’t usually outdoor kitties, a reflective collar will help you find them if they slip out the door.

Skin savers

Just like you probably use more chapstick in the winter, your pet may need balms or salves for dry, chapped skin. If they’re licking their body or paws obsessively, check for skin irritation and treat according to your vet’s recommendations.

Cleaning station

Set up a space in your entryway or mudroom to clean your dog up after a walk. Yes, it will help keep your pet-friendly home cleaner when they aren’t tracking snow and mud on the carpet. More importantly, though, giving them a good rub down with a dry towel or even using wet wipes can help keep them healthy. Pay extra attention to their feet and between their toes, as well as on their bellies. Make sure there isn’t any ice, salt or toxins like antifreeze packed in their paw pads.

Snow free

Shovel some free ground. Depending on your dog’s breed and how extreme your weather is, that could be the entire yard so they have room to run around, or it could be a small square just big enough for them to relieve themselves. If Puppy doesn’t love the outdoors in the winter, don’t force it and just give them the minimum space they need to do their business and get back inside.

Inside time

We can break this into multiple parts. First, keep your pets inside. Whether they’re a dog, cat, rabbit or goat, pets should stay in the house as much as possible during extremely cold weather. Second, when you do go outside, limit it to short trips. Keep walks brief and help them have extra fun by taking a toy along. Third, come up with some different games to play indoors. Maybe it’s more rope tug, or it could be an obstacle course with couch cushions. Make them a snuffle mat. Keeping them active, even if you can’t get out for your usual long walks, is important to their health.

Outside shelter

If they do have to be outside for some reason, or if your temperatures don’t drop dramatically, still take the time to winterize their outdoor shelters. Face the opening away from the wind, cover the ground with straw or burlap for insulation against the cold ground and add a few blankets. Food and water bowls should be plastic instead of metal so your animal’s tongue doesn’t freeze to the container.

Pet-proofed home

Using space heaters this winter? Make sure you put them somewhere a wagging tail or curious cat won’t knock them over and start a fire. You might surround your radiators with a screen if you’re worried a pet will get burned when they snuggle up to the warmth. Be aware of houseplants that are toxic to pets and relocate them as necessary. Start planning your holiday décor strategy, too. All those glittery ornaments can be very tempting to pets. Try these tips for protecting your pets during the holidays.

Emergency kit

Hopefully you’re checking your emergency supply kit as the seasons change anyway. It’s always a good idea to have extra food and water, a first-aid kit and similar supplies in case you lose power or your house is damaged during extreme winter weather. Add pet food, a toy, first-aid supplies just for animals and anything else they need to weather the storm with you.

Vet checks

Some health problems can become worse in the winter. Take your pet to the vet if you’re worried about arthritis or other conditions flaring up in the cold. If your pet isn’t chipped already, ask your vet about that, too. Snow often makes it harder for them to sniff their way home. The microchip improves the odds you’ll be reunited if someone gets lost.

Food

In most cases, your pet does not need extra food in the winter. If they stay inside where it’s warm most of the day, they won’t need the additional calories. However, if they are outside more and, therefore, working harder to stay warm, or you’re using them to power your dog sleigh (it happens), they may need more food. Check with your vet about the recommended caloric intake to keep them at an ideal weight.

Predators

When natural food sources get low, wild animals tend to wander into human territory out of desperation. If you have coyotes, wolves, hawks and other predators in your area, keep an extra eye on your pets when you let them outside. 

How to protect wild animals in the winter

Bird feeders

Backyard birds will be thankful for a little extra help in the late winter especially. By that time, reserves are running low and it’s harder for them to find natural food sources. Before filling your feeder, note the kinds of birds you get and research the best seeds, nuts or berries for the breeds you have in your area.

Deer

Unlike birds, deer should not be fed by humans during the winter. According to Tufts University, deer naturally adjust their activity so they can rely on their own fat reserves and available plants to survive. Feeding them will do more harm than good.

Hibernation spaces

You might want to clear away piles of leaves and rip out old tree stumps in the fall. However, some of what we consider yard waste is actually extremely beneficial to critters in the colder months. Stumps and logs make excellent hibernation spaces, while leaves might add warmth to someone’s burrow.

Outdoor cats

If you’re worried about the feral cats in your neighborhood, you can keep help care for them with shelter and extra food. The shelter could be as simple as a cardboard box – line the bottom with plastic to keep the moisture out – or a rubber bin with a door cut in the side. Outdoor cats will need extra food and water. Alley Cat Allies recommends wet food since it requires less energy to digest and that means more energy for the cat to stay warm. 

October is National Animal Safety and Protection Month. Its goal is to promote safe care and handling of domestic and wild animals. Animals play such important roles in our lives, whether it’s companionship from pets or balance to our natural ecosystem. You can find more ways to protect your furry friends at the Schlage blog, whether it’s building a catio or trusting your home to pet sitters.

1. Always lock the doors and use alarm systems

Try to get them in the habit of locking the door behind them. Some kids may understand the need to lock up when they leave, but remind them that using the deadbolt even when they’re home can help protect them from possible intruders. The same goes for alarm or security systems. Make sure they know how to activate it, can remember the codes and impress upon them the need to use it, just like the lock, when they’re home.

2. Use access codes instead of keys

Even responsible kids are kids. They lose things completely or simply forget where they left them. Instead of giving them a house key that they can misplace or forget, give them their own smart lock access code. Make the code simple enough that they’ll remember – maybe it’s Mom’s birthday – but not so obvious that someone can guess it. Finally, teach them not to share their code with anyone, even their best friend.

3. Don't answer the door when home alone

If your kids are old enough to stay home alone, even if it’s just for a few hours after school, give them the tools to stay safe until you return. Tell them not to answer the door when they’re home alone, especially if they aren’t expecting anyone. They shouldn’t let anyone in, even if they claim to be a repair person, someone asking to use the bathroom or needing help to find a dog.

That being said, you may want them to be able to check who’s at the door before they can make that decision. If Uncle Ed is coming over to hang out with them for a bit until you get home, they need to know if it’s him or a stranger. A video doorbell paired with a device such as a smart phone or monitor can help. Some of those kiddos just might be too short to see through the peephole.

4. Keep personal information personal

You want your kids to be friendly and trusting … to a certain extent. Teach them not to answer personal questions about the house and their family’s whereabouts, especially when talking to someone they don’t know well. Saying whether you have an alarm system and how long you’ll be on vacation could be valuable information to someone planning a break-in.

5. Put tempting toys away

Just like leaving your garden shed unlocked or your grill sitting out can be a temptation to thieves, bikes laying on the lawn are asking to be swiped. Teach your kids to put their belongings away when they’re done playing. Even if they’re just running inside for a “quick drink,” have them park their bicycle in the garage or out of sight.

6. Be aware

A good step for staying safe, whether at home, school or the park, is being aware of your surroundings. Teach kids to be observant. If they notice someone is following them on the way home from school or hanging around the front door, tell them keep moving. Go to a trusted neighbor’s or a friend’s house instead of entering an empty home alone. 

7. Use a family command center

Usually when we talk about family command centers, it’s with the goal of getting more organized. You can use this one-stop shop to improve your family’s security, too. With an updated calendar, your kids will know who is supposed to be where and when. If there’s a knock on the door and the guest is claiming to be the TV repairman, they can check the schedule to see if that person is expected. Similarly, if you usually get home by 5:00 but have to stop at the store tonight, a note saying you’ll be a bit late can help keep them from worrying.

Clearly display emergency contact information in your command center, too. This could be phone numbers for the police and a neighbor, or alternative contact information for you, including your cell phone, desk phone at the office and your company’s receptionist.

8. Make age appropriate accommodations

Granting older kids more independence is part of helping them grow up to be responsible young adults. Teen safety could mean teaching them about dating violence. How can they protect themselves when a crush or significant other comes over to the house? Set clear rules about whether this even allowed if you’re not home. Make sure they aren’t sharing their smart lock codes with their visitors.

If you have concerns about when the codes are being used – did your teen make curfew, was the code entered when they should have been in school – track it with the app’s history log. The Schlage® Home app when paired with the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt or Schlage Sense® Smart Deadbolt, for example, will provide the last 100 entries and can even send you a push notification when the code is used.

9. Talk to them about what to do in an emergency

Even when we take all the best precautions, unfortunate events can still happen. When they do, make sure your child knows how to respond. Who should they call? How, when and why should they dial 911? When do they go in the house and when should they evacuate to a safe place? Set up a family rendezvous point so that if you get separated for any reason, you know where to safely meet and reunite. It can be helpful to practice these scenarios so they’re more comfortable with the steps, even in high-stress situations. 

10. Reward them for following the safety rules

Regardless of your child’s age, a reward system can help reinforce their good behavior. Smaller kiddos might respond well to a sticker chart. For example, enough gold star stickers when they remember to lock the door each day could earn them an ice cream at the end of a perfect week. Remembering to check in with you when they get home from school could earn them extra screen time on the weekend. Making curfew could earn them a bonus on their allowance.

Indoor home checklist

We’re moving back indoors and so is cold and flu season. Now’s the time to make sure your home is clean and healthy.

• Disinfect high-touch surfaces. Go through your home with fresh eyes and disinfect everything you touch so frequently you no longer even think about it. This includes door hardware – bedrooms, bathrooms, all exterior doors, pocket door pulls, closets, kitchen pantries, basement and garage entries, sliding patio door grips – as well as cabinet pulls in your kitchen and bathroom, oven and microwave handles, and coffee maker buttons and switches. Also disinfect lighting switch plates, remote controls, personal electronics and your cell phone. It’s a lot, but it will be worth keeping your family safe. Be sure to follow the manufacturers’ recommendation for disinfecting as some cleaning chemicals can harm finishes and functionality. This guide to cleaning your door hardware can help to keep it looking and working great.
  
  
• Get the mudroom ready. Most of the U.S. is about to track more leaves, mud and snow into the house. Prepare your mudroom to handle the extra traffic by adding a sturdy floormat or rug, a boot tray to corral wet shoes and a stand to hold umbrellas. You might also include a laundry basket for soiled clothes so they don’t have a chance to leave a trail of dirt throughout the house. Don’t have a mudroom? Use these hacks for instantly faking an entryway.

• Vacuum. Ideally, you’re vacuuming your floors often. This month, include heating elements like radiators, baseboard heaters and grates in your vacuuming rotation. Get under the couch cushions, around the refrigerator coils, between your side-by-side washer and dryer, along your lampshades, and between the keys on your computer keyboard, too.

• Deep clean the bathroom. Address mold and mildew in your shower. Remember that not all mold is dark or green. That pink residue in your tub is also a form of mold caused by bacteria. Clean or replace your shower curtains and bathmats, too. If your faucets and other fixtures have hard-mineral buildup, try soaking them in a solution of warm water and distilled vinegar. Finally, organize your cabinets, disposing of anything that’s expired. Expired medications should be dropped off at a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day rather than thrown away or flushed to avoid putting harmful chemicals into the environment. You can also contact local law enforcement or your pharmacist for more safe options.
  

• Make it smell like fall. Switch to an autumnal scent for hand soap in the kitchen and bathrooms. Do the same with candles or try one of these flameless options.

Outdoor home checklist

Winter can do a number on your home if you let it, but these DIY projects offer protection from the elements.

• Clean and store gardening equipment. When you’re done gardening for the year, drain and store your hoses where they won’t freeze. Clean rust and chemicals from your tools so they’re ready to go again in the spring. Now’s a good time to organize your shed or garage, too. Just like you do with your clothes closet, get rid of anything you didn’t use this season or that is broken. Store fertilizer, chemicals or dangerous tools in a locked cabinet.
  

• Trim trees and shrubs. Remove branches that could break under the weight of heavy snow or ice, especially if they’re near the house. Depending on the size of the tree and the job, you might want to hire a professional. This could be a good time to have the pros inspect for pests like tree bores, too.
  

• Inspect the home’s exterior. While you’re trimming your trees, do a thorough audit of your home’s exterior, noting and repairing anything that might cause problems over the winter. This includes loose or missing roofing shingles, broken gutters, gaps where critters can sneak in, broken handrails and gate latches, and burned-out porch lights.

• Turn off exterior faucets. Do this before your first freeze. Make sure you get all the faucets, including the spigot you use for your garden hose, outdoor kitchen or utility sinks, and dog washing stations.

• Winterize the pool. Drain, clean and cover your pool or any other water feature, including garden fountains. You might be able to leave smaller bird baths out a bit longer depending on your weather.

For the future

‘Tis almost the season. Will you be ready?

• Schedule holiday photos. If you’re going to hire a professional photographer for holiday pictures, schedule them now. It’s not uncommon for the pros to be booked up by October and you don’t want to be delayed if you plan to put those photos in your holiday cards. This is a great time to support a local business, too.
  

• Prepare to bake. When you’re cleaning your kitchen, start a list of everything you might need for holiday cooking and baking. If you’re low on spices, add them to a grocery list. If it’s your turn to host Thanksgiving, make sure you have enough serving spoons and dishes for the sides. If all you really want is to be comfy and cozy, stock up on cider, cocoa and all the fixings.

• Start saving. Make a budget and start a fund – a separate reserve in your bank account, an envelope in your sock drawer – for holiday gifts or travel. You can also use this time to brush up on smart online shopping strategies to protect your money and personal information.

For the greater good

Lacking motivation to finish a project? Try putting your efforts into improving someone else’s life. It might be the nudge you need.

• Recognize National Animal Safety and Protection Month. Update your pets’ immunizations, learn basic animal first aid and take recent photos to help identify them if they got lost. If your pet isn’t chipped yet, do that now. If you’ve moved with your pet recently, make sure your new address is in the chip database. Check that your emergency supply kit has everything your furry friend needs, too. You probably already have food and water for you, but what about Fluffy? Pet-proof your house –know what houseplants are toxic and how to keep pets safe during the holidays – and have an evacuation plan ready in case you need to get out of the house quickly because of a fire or other natural disaster.
  

• Commit a random act of kindness. Observe what those around you need most and deliver. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Offer a hug, write a note of encouragement to a child who’s struggling at school, invite a single friend for a homecooked dinner or leave a winter coat at a homeless shelter.

In case you missed it

We understand if could have used a 25th hour in the day to get everything done in September. Cross these tasks off your list if you haven’t already.

• Stop drafts and add insulation. If you have drafty windows and doors, test to see where the draft is coming from, then add caulking, install weatherstripping or use insulation film as needed. For the rest of your home, consider adding insulation to walls as well as attics, basements and crawl spaces, as well as pipes and water heaters to keep your home working efficiently.
  

• Winterize the outdoor kitchen. Houzz recommends shutting off water lines and draining water leading to refrigerators and sinks. Also clean your grill and cover everything to avoid damage from winter elements.

Time to buy

You’re likely to find some good deals blowing in with the new month. Take advantage of some of these items Consumer Reports says are good buys in October.

• DIY: Chainsaws, leaf blowers, snow blowers
  

• Electronics: Smart speakers
  

• Home goods: Mattresses, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  

If you’re big into celebrating holidays, your life is about to get a lot busier. Schlage can help you stay on task and make some of those responsibilities a little easier. Find DIY hacks, technology tips that make your home more convenient and hosting suggestions on our blog.

A squeaky hinge can annoy even the most patient person. That’s not the only time a door can make noise and cause a disruption, though. Whether you’re trying to make your home office quieter for focus or don’t want to wake up the baby when you sneak out of the nursery, try these hacks for making a loud door quiet.

Quiet door knobs and levers

You probably don’t notice how much sound your door knobs or levers make until you’ve just put the baby to bed and are trying to close the door without waking them. Perhaps the best way to ensure quiet door hardware is by choosing those made with quality materials.

Springs that are too tight or too loose, for example, can cause a lever to rattle. This will likely only get worse as the interior mechanisms age and wear. To avoid this, look for door hardware that has earned the highest industry ratings, particularly an A in Durability from the BHMA. The A, or Best, rating means you can be confident that the lever, knob or lock will stand up to the test of time and continue to work as well in year 20 as it did the day you installed it.

Muted latches

If you’re unsure about door hardware terms, the latch is the piece that extends from the door into the edge of the jamb and keeps the door closed. It can squeak or make other noises when it rubs against the strike plate.

One solution is to spray the latch with a metal lubricant such as WD-40. Turn the door knob or lever as you do so to work the lubricant into the components. This should help if the squeak is a result of dry or rusted metal.

You might also adjust the strike plate on the door jamb. To figure out where the latch and strike plate are rubbing, apply chalk or lipstick to the latch. Open and shut the door, then inspect the strike plate. Based on where the residue is, you now know which direction to reposition the plate. This may be as simple as unscrewing the strike plate and re-installing it in the proper location.

Soundless door alignment

Sometimes the latch rubs because the door is out of alignment. It’s not actually the latch’s fault at all. A door can become misaligned due to lose hinges – more on that in a minute – or because the door itself has warped or expanded. This is most common with exterior doors that are exposed to changes in temperature and humidity.

The first step to fixing your door alignment is to identify the root of the problem. Our guide to what to do when your new lock doesn’t fit your door will walk you through some common door alignment issues and how to fix them.

hushed hinges

Hinges have a bad reputation when it comes to noisy doors. We can thank scary movies for that. Even Schlage got in on it with this 1987 commercial for the now-discontinued Schlage Security System. But fixing a squeaky hinge doesn’t have to be a nightmare. You can use WD-40 again, just like on your latch, or try other household items to quiet a squeaky hinge.

If the creaking is due to door misalignment – you might also notice that the door doesn’t close all the way or sticks when you try to open it – try tightening the screws on the hinges. Tighten them a little bit at a time and test your progress with a level as you go.

A slamming door could mean that the hinges are worn beyond repair. Lubricating them and tightening the screws won’t make a difference. In this case, you’ll need to replace the hinges. It’s an easier DIY job than you might think since there’s no need to remove the door. Simply replace one hinge at a time, starting at the top of the door frame, using a level to check the door alignment after you install each one.

silent door frames

If everything is aligned properly and in good condition but the door still shuts or slams too loudly, use foam or rubber tape around the door frame. Small felt pads at the top and bottom of the frame also work. They serve as a literal cushion to soften the blow of the door hitting the frame.

why quiet door hardware is important

Fixing squeaks and creaks has a range of benefits beyond just being less annoying. We already mentioned how quiet door hardware can help keep a fussy infant from waking up. And if you have a newborn at home, you know everyone – Mom, Dad, Baby – feels better when they’re rested. Even if you’re an empty nester, a quiet door can help avoid midnight disruptions if someone gets up to go the bathroom or make a snack. And the same goes if one of you is an early riser or comes in late after working second shift.

A quiet door can even help you heal faster if you’ve been sick or injured. Many healthcare studies, like this one from the University of Vermont Medical Center, have found that “noise plays a negative role in healing and that decreasing noise in patient care areas aids in healing processes and helps facilitate speedier recoveries for patients.”

And don’t discount the ways a quiet door can help improve focus and productivity, especially when we’re talking about closing off your home office. Fewer distractions might be exactly what you need to finish those monthly reports without a headache.

For more ways to turn your home into a haven, from making your house healthier for your immune system to creating a space for mental calm, turn to the Schlage blog.

A small change can make a big difference. Sometimes that means making a relatively minor upgrade – replacing curtains – that can transform an entire room. But sometimes, that means trading one element for another of a different style to create a fresh look. It’s true of a new lampshade on an existing light or different jewelry with the same dress. It’s also true with Schlage door hardware.

Schlage offers trims, door knobs and levers to accent virtually any style of home – traditional, transitional or contemporary. Depending on which knob or lever you pair with a trim and in what finish, your door hardware can give a totally different feel. See what we mean with these combinations made from simple style swaps.

Contemporary

Schlage Plymouth knob with Greenwich trim

If you like the Greenwich trim but want a more contemporary look – something that relies on simple color and shape, rather than elaborate design – you’ll get just that when you pair it with the Schlage Plymouth knob. A Satin Nickel finish enhances the modern style.

Try this pairing in modern homes that feature clean lines, modern surfaces and metallic finishes on anything from coffee tables to lighting to artistic accessories. Your décor is likely simple without a lot of elaborate patterns or overstuffed furniture.

Transitional

Schlage Plymouth knob with Camelot trim

Let’s keep the Plymouth knob but change up the trim. Pair this round knob with a Schlage Camelot trim and you’ve gone back to transitional style. The Camelot trim features scalloped edges, putting it most often on the traditional-to-transitional side of the spectrum. In this case, it’s the knob and the Satin Nickel finish that updates it.

Traditional

Schlage Custom™ Whitney lever with Camelot trim

If you’re wondering what a more traditional Camelot trim pairing looks like, look no further than the Schlage Custom™ Whitney lever. When you combine these two stylish pieces of door hardware, you capture design rooted in the past and focused on comfort, familiarity and romanticism.

Try this pairing with décor that also incorporates floral patterns, fringe and tassels, and classic, luxurious designs like what you might see in 19th-century Europe. Your home may also have wrought-iron features, which is why the Whitney lever on Camelot trim in an Aged Bronze finish is so striking.

Traditional

Schlage Custom™ Whitney lever or Georgian knob with Alden trim

The Whitney lever is also often paired with the Alden trim for a traditional feel. The Georgian knob and Alden trim pairing has a similar aesthetic and is a beautiful touch with the same style of home. Aged Bronze and Matte Black finishes are good choices with these combinations as they can call out the warm wood tones of Arts & Crafts-style architecture or complement other features that evoke artisanal molding or ironwork.

Transitional

Schlage Georgian knob with Collins trim

Even though the Georgian knob is a classic style that draws on architecture of the 1700s, you can still use it with a more modern trim for an eclectic look that complements your transitional home. Try the Georgian knob with the Schlage Collins trim in Matte Black finish for an unexpected combination of shapes that’ll catch the eye for all the right reasons.

Look to Mid-Century Modern architecture again, or maybe even some funky farmhouse designs, to help make a statement with this pairing.

Contemporary

Schlage Broadway lever with Collins trim

Let’s look at one more pairing to bring us all the way back to contemporary. The Collins trim, with its clean, square shape, is most often seen in more modern spaces. This is especially true when you add one of our straight levers like the Schlage® Broadway lever to it. In Satin Chrome or Matte Black finishes, this Collins-meets-Broadway combination is perfect for urban styles inspired by the Bauhaus movement.

We offer a variety of trim, door knob/lever and finish combinations across the Schlage Custom Door Hardware line. That means endless possibilities for you to create a look that flawlessly complements the style of your home and expresses your unique personal taste. Try our Style Selector Tool to help you find the style that’s right for you and learn more about Schlage Custom Door Hardware at Schlage.com.

What is wabi-sabi?

Wabi-sabi is a centuries-old philosophy, so let us give you the Reader’s Digest version. In 14th-century Japan, Buddhism described wabi-sabi as a combination of rustic simplicity, specifically the positive aspects of living alone in nature (wabi) and the beauty of imperfection (sabi). In other words, when we seek wabi-sabi, we learn to find peace and comfort in natural flaws and the graceful aging that comes with time and experience.

According to Japanology, wabi-sabi “stands in particularly marked contrast to the characteristics of modernism, with its mass-produced uniformity and its seemingly indestructible materials like plastic, stainless steel, silicon and the rest. … The clean, smooth lines of modern design and architecture are the opposite of the uneven, asymmetrical and always curved lines of wabi-sabi. The technological polish and visual clarity of the modern is nothing like the naturalism and ambiguity of wabi-sabi.”

So when you’re searching for wabi-sabi, turn away from pristine glass-and-steel structures and instead look toward weathered wood, hand-thrown clay and uniquely woven textiles.

How do you use wabi-sabi in home decor?

If we had to drill wabi-sabi down to a few basic rules, we would recommend (1) focusing on bringing the outdoors in, (2) introducing one-of-a-kind rustic pieces and (3) balancing form and function because as The Spruce explains it, you only want to keep what is “essential to a calm and happy spirit.” Here’s how to get started.

Natural materials

With traditional Japanese style, you might think natural materials have to be bamboo or cane. This isn’t wrong, but wabi-sabi includes so much more. Any kind of wood, typically in light- to medium-tones, can be used. You’ll often see exposed-wood furniture frames softened with neutral-colored cushions for chairs.

Some design experts also suggest live-edge wood features, particularly for tabletops, counters and doors. These can get expensive, but there are more budget-friendly options. Instead, get the look with small shelves or, in the kitchen, decorative cutting boards.

Natural stone and raw concrete also fit the bill, particularly for flooring, backsplashes and countertops. If you’re worried your space will feel too industrial, use these materials in smaller doses, such as for a concrete vase or carved-stone bookends.

Natural colors and lighting

With such an emphasis on natural materials and nature-induced calmness, it should come as no surprise that a wabi-sabi color palette is also inspired by the outdoors. You’ll see plenty of browns – tan to beige to darker walnut – as well as grays and deep earthy greens.

Because natural lighting is important in wabi-sabi design, many homes will choose lighter overall décor with darker accents sprinkled throughout. Accent pieces – a two-tone chair, an armoire with dark inlays – are often in blacks or charcoal but you’ll also see more colorful splashes like terracotta.

Artisanal touches

Mass-produced items remove any individual qualities in favor of symmetry and sameness. For wabi-sabi, try handmade décor. Each piece, whether it’s furniture or decorative art, dinnerware or textiles, should be unique, even down to its so-called flaws. In traditional Japanese style, this is often exemplified in pottery and tea sets. Much of their beauty is found in small cracks or imperfections in the glaze, something you won’t find coming off an assembly line.

Rounded shapes

You don’t find perfectly straight lines in nature. Rivers meander, clouds float in amorphous wisps, tree branches twist. When you’re creating the natural wabi-sabi look at home, you want rounded edges and curves. Where you choose to use these shapes is entirely up to you. It could be in the silhouette of a chair, with a ball-shaped paper lantern-style light fixture or crescent-shaped mirrors. Particularly popular right now are mushroom forms, especially for accessories like vases and lamps.

Aged

Wabi-sabi embraces age – in décor as much as in people – because it sees age as necessary for valuable experience. In much the same way people love old houses for their charm and character – the creaky floor boards, odd nooks and crannies, and wavy window glass – homeowners embrace wabi-sabi for the personality it reveals. In a way, it gives us permission to showcase less-than-perfect, but equally desirable, qualities.

Lean toward the vintage and weathered rather than modern. As the writers at Martha Stewart put it, “If an old chest has significance to you, for example, a missing drawer pull doesn't have to be an eyesore. It can also be a sign that the piece has been used and enjoyed.”

Mistmatched decor

If identical chairs or those oversized matching bedroom suites of the 1990s feels restrictive, wabi-sabi could be for you. Mixing your décor – mismatched end tables, seating upholstered in different but complementary colors – releases you from the idea of perfectionism through symmetry.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that this is eclectic like Bohemian modern, however. Because wabi-sabi, and the related Japandi style, have ties to minimalism, you want to avoid being overly decorative. Instead, intentionally choose the exact two chairs you love or pair simple linen shades with a more exotic rug to get the perfect look using a mere few pieces. Capture calm through simplicity.

Check out more design trends and style guides from Schlage.

Plan together

Sometimes the simple act of coming up with ideas and dreaming is even more fun than completing the design. Grab your tablet and cruise through Pinterest together. Or get some design magazines and have everyone rip out the pages that inspire them most.

You can even turn it into a craft project of its own. Have the kids create a mood board with construction paper and glue, then let them pitch their proposal to you like true interior design professionals.

Make it a game

Unlike when we were kids, today’s youngsters have all kinds of technology to test out a look before making it permanent. Set them loose with game-based AI and apps like Planner 5D to see how they’d design your home. You might not take all their ideas, but they’re bound to have some unique ones you want to incorporate into your renovation.

Get on their level

Younger kids literally see the world around them from a different perspective. Because they’re shorter, they notice things we tend to overlook. They might spend more time playing on the floor or gazing at things upside down as they hang off the side of the couch. Take some time to experience your home like they would. Notice how comfortable the carpet is (or isn’t) to lay on. Kneel and try to reach things on shelves and countertops.

Ask them

Sometimes finding out what they like and want is as simple as asking their opinion. Before settling on cushions for the porch swing, ask them if they like the fabric pattern. How do they think the furniture should be arranged? Do they have any ideas for lighting? Again, you don’t have to do everything they say, but listen and talk about why their ideas might or might not work. Encourage their thought process, insightfulness and creativity.

Find out what would make their day better if it were different, too. It could be something as simple as hanging hooks lower in the entryway so they can put their coats and other belongings away more easily. But if you don’t ask them, you might never know what simple adjustments can have a major impact.

Let them pick some colors

The kiddos are less likely to be drawn to greige, so if you’re more comfortable with neutrals, letting the kids choose your color scheme might be a little anxiety-inducing. There are ways to work around that. First, you can give them a set of colors to choose from. For example, pick up some swatches at the paint store full of the blues and greens you like, and let the family choose within those parameters.

Another option is to let them go hog wild with accent colors. If they choose bright orange, roll with it. Just incorporate it as throw pillows, accessories or artwork. Maybe the polka dot wallpaper lines the inside of the cabinets instead of being plastered all over the walls.

Think about textures

Kids especially can be very tactile. Include them when picking out textiles. While you’re more focused on the look of an area rug, they might open your mind to the possibilities of the feel of one. It’s not just about fabrics, though. Anything with a raw stone finish – popular in artisanal and natural design – could end up delighting them. And the knurling trend in hardware and plumbing has been picking up steam in recent years. Who knew a faucet lever could be so fascinating to tiny hands?

Embrace whimsy

Cute and fun don’t have to butt heads with sophisticated and trendy. Houseofchaise elevated their bathroom with stylish accessories and popular wave-like tiles for a swanky look. But those rattan baskets with a fox face have a kid’s touch all over them. It’s all about balance.

Take them shopping

Even if you have final say in which couch you buy, take the kids with you to showrooms and stores, or sit with them while you browse online together. It’s good to include them in every step of the interior design process – you never know what lessons they’ll pick up – plus they might make observations you hadn’t thought of. That couch you thought was comfortable? They’re the ones who will notice the pattern it leaves on your cheek after a nap.

Put them to work

Depending on how old your kids are, some tasks will be more appropriate than others. Younger kids might be able to help you sand a side table before repainting – make sure they have proper goggles, mask and other safety equipment first – while the older set could help with retiling or replacing door hardware. Participating in these manual tasks can help develop hand-eye coordination, attention to detail and important safety lessons.

Tailor the task not only to their skillset and age level, but to their interests as well. If you have a little builder on your hands, let them help install cabinet hardware. Do they love books? They might love to refinish or decorate their very own bookshelf. Or maybe they’re more into sewing and can make new curtains or pillowcases. Making it special to them could encourage them to help today and in the future.

Outsource the accessories

As you put the finishing touches on the room, recruit the kids to showcase their own artistic flair. Let them buy whatever pieces they think will tie the room together – this is also a great chance to teach them about budgeting – or have them create their own one-of-a-kind art pieces to display. Older kids might like to flex their DIY skills when you give them a piece of secondhand furniture and the freedom to upcycle it for your new space.

Give them room to groove

Let kids design a room from start to finish. You can give some constraints, but also grant them as much leeway as possible. You might give them free reign over be their own bedroom, the basement play area or, if you’re feeling really trusting, somewhere like the powder room. Not only can you teach important lessons like budgeting, collaboration and compromise, but you’ll be giving their emotional development a boost, too. According to many child psychologists, letting your kids decorate their own room helps them feel more comfortable in their space, lets them know that you trust their decision-making skills and gives them the chance to express their personality creatively.

Get outside

If redoing your home’s interior isn’t of interest to your child, maybe they’d more enthusiastic about an outdoor project. Gardening is a great activity for people of any age, and the kiddos might love to get their hands dirty. Now might be the time to finally plant that children’s patch or sensory garden. Maybe they can build a birdhouse or help install a water feature.

Not ready to hand over power tools to the kids just yet? We don’t blame you. Instead, try these DIY projects for kids of any age. They’re the perfect opportunity to teach them home improvement skills and safety so they’ll be ready for your next family project.

DIY dutch door

Taking an existing interior door and adding a little DIY sweat and skill is a great way to save several hundred dollars. HGTV put together a thorough tutorial for this interior upgrade to help you get the look and functionality for way less.

Exterior dutch door

Just like with interior doors, you can take an existing front door and give it new life as a dutch door. Would you believe this project from This Old House only cost $63 to complete?! By adding a few details where the door is halved, you can keep this project from looking like you just...you know...sliced a door in half.

Juniper Home turned a standard door into a beautiful backyard feature. It’s as stunning from the kitchen inside as it is from the patio outside. We’re probably a bit biased, but those Schlage® Siena door knobs really help complete the look, too.

Split doors for sheds

A gardening shed, backyard office or other ADU could be the perfect place for you to install a dutch door. Because these sheds often don’t have A/C, natural air flow is important. Nitty Gritty Dirt Man now has somewhere he can store his tools and work in comfort.

When Twelve on Main built their own greenhouse, they included a dutch door for the same reasons.

Dutch ... or French? ...  Doors

If one is nice, two must be even better, right? Double dutch doors make a striking entrance. With these examples from Rasmusen Painting and Design and Houzz, you can easily see how a pair of dutch doors works for different styles of homes, from modern farmhouse to coastal cool.

DIY dutch barn door

Feeling like putting your carpentry skills to use? Check out this DIY from Remodelaholic and get all the steps you need to create your own rustic, dutch barn door.

Dutch doors with details

Don't forget the charming shelf on the lower half of your dutch door. Get all the tips and tricks from Skaie of HomeJelly. If this is a project you'd rather not DIY, she has wonderful advice for working with a professional (and still saving a little dough!).

Screens with style

If the fear of bugs and other unwanted pests are keeping you from your dutch door dreams, consider adding a retractable screen. They are often secured by magnets and can retract from top to bottom or side-to-side for taller doors. When not in use, they are inconspicuous enough to not detract from the look of your dutch door, unlike most bulky screen doors.

This next one might not be the kind of screen you were expecting, but if you’re a pet owner, you know it’s a great dutch door design idea. Try installing a screen on the bottom half of your door like Better Homes & Gardens. That way, dogs can still see you through the pet screen even if you’ve had to put them in a mudroom or other area while you’re busy. Now you can make dinner without your pup getting underfoot or stressing out because you aren’t together.

Creative Paint Jobs

Don't be afraid to get a little creative with your paint choice for your dutch doors. Consider painting the exterior a different color to add an interesting pop when the door swings inward. This can be a great way to create a cohesive look between two spaces as you consider a shade that complements both.

Dutch Door Hardware

The split nature of the door is usually the main attraction when you decide to make your own dutch door. Even though you can open the top to let in the light and breeze, you still need to be able to secure your home. Choosing the right door hardware for your dutch door is vital. In Home Depot’s DIY dutch door tutorial, they installed the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt (and then apparently had pie). What’s not to love!

There are so many great reasons to consider dutch doors for your home. Find everything you need for these DIY projects and more at the Schlage blog and Pinterest.