Handle It Right
Choosing the Perfect Type of Door Handle
Beyond simply opening and closing doors, handles are unsung heroes of architectural design. They speak volumes about a space's aesthetic and functionality, shaping how you use the room. They’re often the first point of contact as you enter a room, setting the tone and influencing how you perceive the rest of the space.
Designers and architects face a myriad of choices when it comes to selecting the right handles for homes. In this guide, we will explore the four main types of door handles, shedding light on their characteristics and suggesting suitable applications for each.
1. Lever door handles
Lever door handles are a popular type of door handle that operates by pushing down on a horizontal bar instead of turning a knob.
Minimalist
Minimalist lever door handles are characterised by the absence of a rose — the decorative plate that typically surrounds the base of the lever. They offer a clean and modern look that can be a great fit for contemporary or minimalist interiors.
Where they shine:
Tight spaces or narrow doorways where a bulky handle might feel intrusive.
In contemporary and minimalist home styles, as minimalist lever door handles boast a sleek and uncluttered design.
Spaces that are easy to clean also benefit from the simple, crevice-free design.
Things to consider:
The absence of a base plate can make these styles feel less sturdy compared to lever handles on roses or backplates.
Minimalist lever door handles typically offer fewer design options and grip variations compared to other lever handle styles.
On Rose
Lever door handles on rose are a popular type of door handle that consists of a lever handle mounted on a round or square-shaped base plate called a rose.
Where they shine:
They offer a good balance between the clean lines of minimalist handles and the improved grip of traditional door knobs.
They come in a wider variety of styles and finishes to match different design aesthetics.
Lever handles on rose offer a sleek and modern appearance, enhancing the overall look of interior spaces.
Things to consider:
The diameter of the rose should be proportional to the size of the door and handle.
Choose a finish that blends seamlessly with the rest of the door or creates a contrasting accent.
Lever handles can also be fixed to larger backplates, instead of roses, for a more traditional look.
On backplate
These handles are mounted on a backplate, which is a larger decorative plate that covers a greater area around the base of the lever.
Where they shine:
Lever door handles on backplate are ideal for traditional, classic, or elegant interior design styles.
The backplate can help protect the door from scratches and wear around the handle.
They can accommodate wider lever designs that might not be suitable for roses.
Things to consider:
Lever door handles on backplate are generally the most expensive option among the three types.
A large backplate might overwhelm smaller doors or busy interiors.
Installation might be slightly more complex compared to lever handles with roses or minimalist designs.
2. Door knobs
Door knobs are a classic and familiar type of door hardware that operates by turning a round knob to open or close the door.
Where they shine:
Door knobs offer a classic and timeless aesthetic that complements traditional, rustic, or vintage interiors.
Door knobs occupy less space than lever handles, making them suitable for narrow doorways or areas with limited clearance.
From simple and elegant to ornate and decorative, there's a door knob to match most style preferences.
Things to consider:
Door knobs might require more grip strength to turn compared to lever handles, which could be a challenge for some users.
It's inconvenient to open doors with knobs when your hands are full.
Door knobs can appear less modern or contemporary compared to lever handles. They might not be the best choice for very sleek and minimalist design styles.
3. Pull handles
Pull handles are a type of door hardware that opens a door by pulling on a bar instead of pushing down on a lever or turning a knob. They offer a clean and modern aesthetic, particularly well-suited for high-traffic areas.
Single pull handles
Single pull handles consist of a single bar mounted directly onto the door. They come in two main fixing options:
Bolt through: This method uses bolts that go through the door and are visible on the other side. It offers a strong and secure installation and is suitable for both timber and glass doors (with appropriate fixings for glass).
Secret fix: This method utilises hidden screws or brackets, creating a clean look with no visible fixings from the other side. However, it's generally less secure than bolt-through and is only suitable for timber doors.
Where they shine:
They provide a clean, streamlined look that complements modern and minimalist design styles.
They take up minimal space on the door, making them a good choice for narrow doors or crowded entryways.
Pulling is a natural and intuitive motion, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or users with limited hand strength.
Things to consider:
Ensure the handle is appropriate for your door thickness, especially for bolt-through installations.
It's important to consider the proportions of the door handle relative to the dimensions of the door.
Single pull handles may not suit all aesthetic preferences or interior styles, limiting design flexibility.
Back-to-back pull handles
This type consists of two pull handles mounted on opposite sides of the door. They are available for both timber and glass doors (with appropriate fixings for glass).
Where they shine:
They allow for opening the door from both sides, which can be convenient for double doors or high-traffic areas.
They create a clean and balanced aesthetic, especially for glass doors.
The back-to-back design provides a more robust feel compared to single pull handles.
Things to consider:
Installation might be slightly more complex as it involves fixing handles on both sides of the door.
Double handles require extra clearance on both sides of the door to avoid hitting walls or furniture.
Additionally, double doors may necessitate cranked pull handles to prevent interference with the adjacent door leaf.
4. Flush handles
Flush handles give doors a refined aesthetic, offering a minimalist style ideal for various interiors.
Where they shine:
Sliding doors for a completely hidden hardware look.
Minimalist and contemporary interiors for a clean and uncluttered aesthetic.
Large doors where a prominent handle would disrupt the visual flow.
Things to consider:
Choose a handle depth that allows for easy finger grip without protruding too far, while ensuring compatibility with the door thickness.
Ensure the flush handle aligns perfectly with the door surface for a seamless aesthetic.
Check that the chosen handle is a design with sufficient grip, if you are considering using a recessed handle on a hinged rather than sliding door.
Ultimately, the perfect door handle is a marriage of functionality and aesthetics. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each variety, architects and designers can make informed choices that elevate the look and feel of a home, transforming every door into a welcoming gateway.
Joseph Giles offers a wide range of door handles designed specifically for high-end residential interiors.
To see our full range of British-made hardware, simply click here or reach out to us for more information.