No—Door Hinges do not have to match door knobs.
Matching is a design choice, not a requirement. That said, there are situations where matching (or deliberately not matching) makes sense.

When Matching Is Recommended

1. When Hinges Are Visible

If the hinges are exposed (not concealed in the door frame):

• Matching finishes creates a clean, coordinated look

• Common in:

• Interior residential doors

• Traditional or classic designs

• High-end homes where details matter

Example:
Brushed nickel knob + brushed nickel hinges

2. For Consistent Design Themes

Matching works well when:

• You want a uniform hardware finish throughout the room or house

• The Door Hardware is a visual feature, not something to hide

When Matching Is NOT Necessary (Very Common)

1. When Hinges Are Hidden or Recessed

• Many modern doors hide most of the hinge

• Finish differences are barely noticeable

2. For Exterior Doors (Very Common Practice)

It’s normal to mix finishes:

• Hinges: stainless steel or satin chrome (for durability)

• Knobs/handles: decorative finish (black, bronze, brass)

Function and corrosion resistance matter more than appearance.

3. For Fire-Rated or Commercial Doors

• Hinges must meet code and certification requirements

• Finish is secondary to:

• Fire rating

• Load capacity

• Compliance

Matching is optional and often ignored.

4. For Budget or Practical Reasons

• Hinges are often replaced less frequently

• Existing hinge finish doesn’t need to dictate knob choice

Common Finish Combinations (All Acceptable)

What Matters More Than Matching

1. Correct hinge size and load rating

2. Door type compatibility (interior, exterior, fire-rated)

3. Corrosion resistance (especially outdoors)

4. Proper installation and alignment

Appearance comes after function.

Design Tips (If You’re Unsure)

• Match hinges to the door if you want them to blend in

• Match knobs to the room hardware (lighting, faucets, pulls)

• Intentional contrast looks better than accidental mismatch

• Consistency within the same room matters more than the whole house

Summary

✔ Door hinges do not have to match door knobs
✔ Matching is a style preference, not a rule
✔ Mixing finishes is common and acceptable
✔ Function, durability, and code compliance come first