joinery Buying Guides

Door Handle Buying Guide

When selected carefully, the right door handle will emphasise the look of an interior, whilst adding functionality to a scheme. In this guide, we explore all the best styles, colours and finishes available, along with important planning considerations to help you choose the best internal door handles for your home.

What are the different types?

Door handles

With a horizontal lever fixed onto a backplate, door handles can be pulled up and down to open or close an entranceway to a room. This easy-to-use design is good for domestic and commercial premises alike, whilst the bigger size makes can create a style statement in any interior design.

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Door knobs

The simple, circular design of a door knob offers a more discreet and compact accessory best used for an understated look. The twist mechanism that opens and closes the doorway can be fitted on either the left or right side for added flexibility. This style is also often found in heritage schemes, thanks to its timeless appeal.

Look for door knobs

What are the different styles?

Lever on rose

Featuring a metal bar that is attached horizontally to a small backplate, lever on rose designs have a compact style that is easy to use and best used in minimal and modern interiors. A choice of round or square backplates also makes it easy to create a custom look.

Explore lever on rose door handles

Lever on backplate

The large, vertical panel used to fix lever on backplate handles to a door can easily hide marks and scuffs from previous hardware, making it a great option for refresh jobs. The bigger size also offers extra grip when in use - a good choice for multi-generational homes.

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Bathroom handles

Bathroom handgrips operate a deadbolt system that can securely close rooms to unwanted visitors for added privacy. A door handle with lock is particularly useful for creating secluded areas, where showers and baths can be enjoyed in peace.

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Pull handles

Helping to spread the weight over a larger area, pull designs are commonly used on heavier doorways, making them effortless to open or close. The simple, robust design is easy to grip and clean, making it a practical option for commercial or public settings.

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What colours are available?

Chrome

With a polished, cool-toned hue, chrome fixtures are a firm favourite among households because of their versatility and long-lasting style. The popularity of this colour also means there are plenty of matching accessories to create a co-ordinated look.

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Stainless Steel Roundbar 19mm Rose Handle

Aluminium

A darker metallic tone often found in industrial looks, aluminium is a great way to introduce engineered style to a space. This colour works well in a brushed finish, which creates a tactile feature that can be used to soften a design.

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Brass

With a gold-like appearance, brass handgrips are an easy way to add a luxe look to an entranceway and are often found in classic or heritage-inspired schemes. The yellow-toned metal will also add warmth to a room to brighten up a space.

Browse brass door handles

Stainless steel

Like chrome, stainless steel handles will span the changing trends, making it a practical choice for those looking for an enduring style. The understated shade also means it can complement a variety of decors and add a subtle finishing touch to a room.

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Black

The trend for black accessories shows no signs of ebbing and this carries through to door furniture too. This bold hue can be used to punctuate a pale scheme for a monochrome look, or add to a wooden doorway for plenty of rustic charm.

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Nickel

Replicating the appearance of sterling silver, nickel fixings will add a premium look to any doorway for a home inspired by the finer things. This colour also has a yellow undertone that makes it warmer than other silvery metals in our collection.

Look at nickel door handles

What finishes are available?

Brushed

Brushed fixtures have a soft, subtle finish that is best used in minimal interiors or homes that want to play with texture. This style also shows fewer marks and imperfections, making it a low maintenance option.

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Polished

Thanks to the reflective surface, polished designs will bounce light around a room to create a bright and open feel. This shiny finish also works well with dark interiors, helping to lift deeper tones.

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Antique

With a tarnished finish, antique fixtures re-create the look of handcrafted metals, making them a sound choice for heritage decors or engineered looks. It also has a matt texture to emphasise the aged appearance.

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Satin

Offering a frosted look, satin handgrips have a muted finish that can disguise unsightly fingerprints and complement a pared-scheme. Easy to keep clean, they are best used in high-traffic areas, like hallways.

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What designs are available?

Contemporary

Sporting clean lines and geometric shapes, contemporary handles are often found in modern decors. They also work well in homes inspired by linear design, adding an architectural feature to a doorway.

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Traditional

Incorporating period details, traditional fixtures are great for households influenced by bygone interiors or looking for a classic look within a home. Pair with aged metal finishes for added charm.

Peruse traditional door handles

Victorian

Taking cues from the era of opulence, Victorian designs are ornate, making them a stand-out feature on any doorway. Available in rich colours, like brass, this design offers a simple way to add refined appeal to a room.

Pick Victorian door handles

Modern

Minimal in design, modern handgrips are good for those inspired by simple living. They have an unfussy appearance and come in cool hues, such as chrome, to emphasise their modest look.

Browse modern door handles

Things to consider when planning a door handle

New 2019 External Dordogne Oak Glazed_RT1

Location

Where your handles are fitted will play a big role in what type you choose. External door handles, for example, need to be durable to stand up to the elements. They also need to be secure, and comply with industry standards to prevent unlawful access.

Installation

When fitting furniture for multiple doorways, specialist handle packs will save valuable time. These include handy accessories that speed up installation, such as latch spacers, which help to position the fixings quickly and accurately.

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Latch packs

Door handle packs or latch packs are also convenient when refitting a full doorway, as they include all the necessary parts for getting a professional and secure fit every time. Besides saving time on the job, it can also save money.

Fire Door DFM2240_06 closed 5k Metro Smooth

Fire rated

In order to comply with fire-safety regulations in commercial or residential premises, a fire-safety fixture needs to be installed on a fire-resistant doorway. It also must be fitted with other fire-rated products, like hinges or door closers, for be full compliant.

See our fire door safety guide

Guarantee

Handles are used regularly throughout the day, so getting an option that will stand up to daily use is important, especially in high-traffic areas or commercial settings. Our own brand of handles come with a 10-year guarantee for total peace of mind.

Backplate size

When updating a handle, it is important to measure the backplate size of the previous fitting, so unsightly scuffs are concealed from view. Likewise, when choosing a handle in a rented property, choosing a size that is easily replaced can save money later.