How To Pair Handles With Oak Doors
Never underestimate the power of a well-chosen door handle. Often relegated to an afterthought, this little detail can hold the key to design excellence. As Finnish architect Juhani Pallasmaa so eloquently put it in The Eyes of the Skin, door handles serve as the handshake of a building — the first tactile impression we receive from a space.
This philosophy rings particularly true when it comes to timber doors. With their inherent warmth and timeless elegance, they add character to any home. But their beauty deserves to be complemented by the perfect door handle.
Choosing the best handles for oak doors can be both a functional and aesthetic challenge. This guide delves into the art of matching styles, complementing finishes, and balancing functionality with aesthetics, empowering you to make informed decisions that enhance any living space.
Understanding the handle types: Door knobs, levers, and pulls
Before diving into materials and styles, let's explore the types of handles that you can choose from:
Door knobs, classic and versatile, work well in both traditional and modern settings, and perfectly complement the timeless aesthetic of a timber door.
Ergonomic and user-friendly, levers come in various shapes (straight, curved, L-shaped, etc) They can feel sleek or substantial, depending on the material and size.
For those seeking a clean and contemporary aesthetic, pulls are ideal. Bar pulls and D-pulls add a modern touch, while ring pulls can offer a certain rustic charm.
Material matters: Wood, metals, and more
Brass: Brass complements timber beautifully. Antique brass adds a classic touch, while polished brass brings a gleam of modernity.
Stainless steel: For a cool, contemporary look, satin stainless steel pairs well with light timber shades. Brushed finishes offer a subtle elegance, while polished finishes provide a sleek touch.
Wood: Matching the handle to the door's wood grain creates a seamless flow between materials. Darker woods like oak, walnut, and mahogany offer a sophisticated look, while lighter woods such as ash, maple, and birch provide a breezy ambience.
Glass: Glass pulls and door knobs add a light and airy feel, especially with lighter timber shades. These options are ideal for contemporary or minimalist settings.
No door handle is an island. Consider coordinating door handles with other decorative and functional hardware elements like hinges, latches, robe hooks, hanging rails, and shelf supports for a cohesive look.
Top tips for pairing handles with timber doors
Consider the style of your home: Timber doors can be traditional or contemporary, so choose handles that complement the overall aesthetic. For example, a country home will suit warm tones such as antique brass or dark bronze. A modern space will be complemented by nickel or chrome finishes.
Think about function: Is the door required to lock? There are several different options available, including privacy locking, euro cylinder locking, or traditional key locking. Consider the compatibility of the chosen handle with functional hardware such as locks and latches.
Don't forget the rose: The rose is the circular metal plate on which most door handles are mounted. Alternatively, it can be a simple square or rectangle, referred to as a backplate. These plates help protect the door from wear and tear and can also add a decorative touch.
Make sure the handles are comfortable to use: It's worth viewing samples before you or your client makes the final selection, to evaluate the size and feel of the handles.
Get inspired: There are endless possibilities for pairing handles with timber doors. Look at online resources like Pinterest, Houzz, and our very own case studies for more ideas.
Finishing touches
The subtle yet impactful detail of a handle's finish can elevate your design concept. Here's a breakdown of two key options:
Brushed finishes: Characterised by a refined texture, brushed finishes add depth and warmth to timber doors. This creates a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic, ideal for traditional or transitional spaces.
Polished finishes: With their ability to reflect light and exude a touch of glamour, polished finishes elevate modern interiors. They complement clean lines and contemporary hardware, creating a cohesive and visually striking effect.
The wide range of finishes available within each category, from brushed nickel to antique brass, allows you to further tailor the handle to your specific design scheme. This flexibility ensures a perfect match for the existing hardware, furniture and aesthetic vision.
Joseph Giles takes the headache out of hardware
Let Joseph Giles be your guide to selecting the best door handles for oak doors. We offer a curated selection of handcrafted British hardware, designed to enhance the natural beauty and character of wood.
Discover our full collection or reach out to us for expert advice.