Whether you're renovating your home or just looking to make a few minor adjustments here and there, your door handles should not be overlooked.
In fact, door handles are just another extension of your home's overall style and are the perfect product to help tie a space together.
So how do you choose a door handle for your home? We explore the 4 key steps in choosing door handles!
Or simply discover our new range of door handles here.
Whether you're renovating your home or just looking to make a few minor adjustments here and there, your door handles should not be overlooked.
In fact, door handles are just another extension of your home's overall style and are the perfect product to help tie a space together.
So how do you choose a door handle for your home? We explore the 4 key steps in choosing door handles!
Or simply discover our new range of door handles here.
When it comes to choosing door handles, you should first determine where and how the handle will be used. Door handles fall into two categories; exterior and interior. From here there are four types of functions to choose from - entrance, privacy, passage and dummy.
Entrance Handles are for external doors that need a lock. For example front, back and garage doors.
Privacy Handles are for internal doors that require door handles with locks. For example, bedrooms and bathrooms.
Passage Handles are for internal doors that you don’t want a lock for. For example, laundry or living rooms.
Dummy Handles are for internal doors that don’t need to operate or are only needed on the one side. For example, these are door handles for cupboards and wardrobes.
When shopping for your door handles we suggest filtering by exterior/interior and function first!
Entrance Handles are for external doors that need a lock. For example front, back and garage doors.
Privacy Handles are for internal doors that require door handles with locks. For example, bedrooms and bathrooms.
Passage Handles are for internal doors that you don’t want a lock for. For example, laundry or living rooms.
Dummy Handles are for internal doors that don’t need to operate or are only needed on the one side. For example, these are door handles for cupboards and wardrobes.
When shopping for your door handles we suggest filtering by exterior/interior and function first!
Entrance Handles are for external doors that need a lock. For example front, back and garage doors.
Privacy Handles are for internal doors that require door handles with locks. For example, bedrooms and bathrooms.
Passage Handles are for internal doors that you don’t want a lock for. For example, laundry or living rooms.
Dummy Handles are for internal doors that don’t need to operate or are only needed on the one side. For example, these are door handles for cupboards and wardrobes.
When shopping for your door handles we suggest filtering by exterior/interior and function first!
Once you’ve determined how your door handle will function, the next step is to consider the type of handle your door needs.
Below is a description of the 8 different types of door handles we have available to help you find the right handle with ease.
These are used as door handles for sliding doors.
Generally these will sit flush against the door in order to allow the door to slide into a cavity if needed.
Shop flush pull handles here.
These are used as door handles for sliding doors.
Generally these will sit flush against the door in order to allow the door to slide into a cavity if needed.
Shop flush pull handles here.
These are the elongated, horizontal handles typically used on doors. These door handles lock for privacy or come with no lock for passage options.
Shop lever handles here.
These are used for locking doors and require a key or fastening mechanism (snib) to secure the bolt. Deadbolts offer high security and are generally only used on exterior doors.
Shop deadbolts here.
These handles are commonly only used for front doors and come in a range of sizes.
Nowadays these handles can also be digital!
Shop pull handles here.
These types of handles are round in shape and can be used for door handles internal or external.
Shop door knobs here.
These types of handles are round in shape and can be used for door handles internal or external.
Shop door knobs here.
Digital door handles use internal electronics to operate.
They usually require a code and come with spare keys and swipe cards for additional access options.
Shop digital handles here.
Digital door handles use internal electronics to operate.
They usually require a code and come with spare keys and swipe cards for additional access options.
Shop digital handles here.
Double cylinder door locks require a key to unlock/lock your door from inside and out. The double cylinder function is an option for door locks like deadbolts and entry sets.
Be aware while double cylinder locks are more secure, they also make it more difficult to exit your home in case of an emergency if you misplaced your key.
Double cylinder door locks require a key to unlock or lock your door from both the outside and inside. The double cylinder function is an option for door locks like deadbolts and entry sets.
Be aware while double cylinder locks are more secure, they also make it more difficult to exit your home in case of an emergency if you misplaced your key.
Single-cylinder door locks require a key to lock/unlock your door from the outside; with a thumbturn mechanism on the inside to lock/unlock your door.
The single-cylinder function is an option for locks such as deadbolts and entry sets. The thumbturn on the inside allows for an easy exit in case of an emergency.
Single-cylinder door locks require a key to lock/unlock your door from the outside; and have a thumbturn mechanism on the inside to lock/unlock your door.
The single-cylinder function is an option for locks such as deadbolts and entry sets. The thumbturn on the inside allows for an easy exit in case of an emergency.
When choosing a door handle, you should consider the style and design, just as you would with any other feature in your home. Think about the overall style and theme you are trying to achieve and choose a handle that fits within that theme.
If you’re not exactly sure which of these styles is right for your home, don't worry! As a general rule, we suggest choosing a handle that complements the other colours and shapes within your home. What door handles are in style you might ask? A range of colours and styles are currently on trend, including brushed brass and matte black! Not sure which colour screams you? Check out our helpful online Shop by Colour tool to find the perfect finish for your home!
For example, if your home features matte black tapware and accessories, then make your door handle set black.
Matching the colour of your door handles with other hardware in the house is such a simple and effective way to create consistency in the home.
So turn your door handles black or brushed nickel if that’s what you have throughout the home!
For example, if your home features matte black tapware and accessories, then make your door handle set black.
Matching the colour of your door handles with other hardware in the house is such a simple and effective way to create consistency in the home.
So turn your door handles black or brushed nickel if that’s what you have throughout the home!
More than this, if your home features round accents, then choosing a door handle with curved edges will create unity within your space.
Just as choosing a door handles lever set with straight or square edges, will complement a home that features straight lines and finishes.
Lastly, when purchasing a door handle you can not forget to consider the door it's going onto.
For example, if you're renovating your home, you must ensure you are replacing your door handles with similar handles/locks. That is, the new handle must fit exactly into the existing hole in the door.
With new builds, you have the freedom of choosing any handle you like! In this case, just ensure your handle is proportionate to the door it's going onto e.g. not too small or too big.
Whether you're renovating or building, don't forget to add matching door stoppers and hinges to complete the look!
Unfortunately not all door handles are a universal size. There are a few industry standards, however, it is best to measure the diameter of the circle within your door.
There are a few industry standards, however, it is best to measure the diameter of the circle within your door. The most common sizes include:
44 mm/ 57mm / 82mm / 107mm / 130mm
While it is not imperative that hinges and handles match, we definitely recommend it! Keeping cohesion throughout the house is a top tip and is easily achieved when matching your door hardware. Mixing and matching colours, even different variations can create a sense of disconnect throughout the home.
Referring to the above, firstly you need to determine what functionality you require. Will you need a lock or will a simple push/pull function suffice? Once you determine this, you can begin looking at different types of door handles.
Feeling inspired? Check out our new range of paint by Tint available online today! Tint offer a range of wall paints, ceiling paints, trim paints & exterior paints in a range of unique colours to help finish your next home improvement project or renovation!
