Let's be honest: whether you're one of those people who immediately run to the door because they love receiving unexpected visits or one of those who pretty much hide because they can't stand being disturbed when they're busy, a doorbell is an undeniable necessity… and useful either way!
There are now lots of options when it comes to their design, noise and features. Does this extensive choice make you feel like choosing doorbells & chimes that actually work for you is quite hard? Well, allow us to chime in with our expert tips!
How Loud Should My Doorbell Be?
To give you a general idea, an average doorbell chime makes a sound that's around 70/80 dB, which will work in most houses. However:
If you have a big house with more than one floor or live with someone who can't hear very well, you should look at a louder doorbell, between 80 and 90 dB;
If there's a particular room that's quite far from the main entrance and, when all doors are shut, you find it hard to hear your current doorbell, consider connecting two chimes to your push-button, perhaps a wireless option;
If you often spend time in your cellar or attic and are worried that you might not hear it when it rings, you could consider models that are even louder: chimes can be as loud as 140 dB, but bear in mind that they'll be rather unpleasant and irritating if you happen to be quite close to the door when they ring, so it's best to go for adjustable options.
What Does a Smart Doorbell Do?
A smart doorbell is connected to your smartphone, and usually includes a camera to let you see who's outside your door and even speak to them;
Many smart doorbells include a motion sensor that alerts you of your visitors' presence before they can even press the bell button;
These doorbells are a popular choice among modern professionals who value commodities and are used to connecting smart house appliances to their phones.
What Style of Doorbell or Chime Should I Get for my House?
As well as its obvious functionality, doorbells and chimes can also become conscious decorative statements by complementing the style of your house:
Consider your external wall before choosing a push button: is there an accent color that you can match, perhaps that of your house numbers? Are you already going for a specific theme (for example, with your external wall décor)?
As for the chime, look for one that would work well in your entryway (what colors and materials have you already got?), creating a light and dark contrast against the wall if you want it to stand out;
Wired doorbells and chimes are better suited for traditional décors;
For more modern vibes, you should go for a wireless doorbell or, even better, a smart model.
