A Renovator's Guide to Dummy Door Handles
Ever stood in front of a pair of wardrobe doors and thought, "Why do I need two fully working handles here?" You're not alone. It’s a common little design puzzle in home renos. You need a handle to pull, but you don't need a latch. This is exactly where the dummy handle steps in. It's one of those small details that we at The Blue Space know makes a massive difference, turning a good finish into a great one.
So, What on Earth is a Dummy Handle?
Let's just get right to it. A dummy door handle is a handle that doesn't... well, handle anything. It doesn't turn, it doesn't latch, it doesn't lock. Think of it as a fixed, stationary handle that's there for two simple reasons: to give you something to pull a door open with, and to look fantastic.
It’s all for show and for pull.
Your regular door handle, what we'd call a 'passage set', has all the interior bits and pieces that make the latch move in and out. A dummy handle skips all that. It just screws directly onto the face of the door. This makes it perfect for doors that stay shut with a magnet or a roller catch, or for the second, less-used door in a double-door setup.
Where Do These Things Actually Go? Common Uses in Your Home
Once you know what to look for, you'll see dummy handles are a clever choice in lots of places. They’re the simple fix for any door that doesn’t need to latch shut.
Here are the usual suspects:
Double Doors
This is their classic role. Picture a set of French doors. One door is the main one you use all the time, and it has a normal latching handle. The other door? It stays put with bolts at the top and bottom. A dummy handle on this second door makes everything look symmetrical and gives you a handhold for the odd occasion you open it fully.
Wardrobes and Cupboards
Many wardrobe doors, especially larger built-in ones, don't have latches. They just click shut. A dummy handle is the perfect thing here. It gives you a solid grip and looks much cleaner than an unnecessary, functioning handle.
Pantry Doors
Your pantry door likely has a roller catch or magnet to keep it closed. All you need is something to pull it open. A single dummy knob or lever is a simple, elegant choice.
Sliding Doors
While many sliders use flush pulls, some styles, especially barn doors, look great and get a better grip with surface-mounted hardware. A sturdy pull handle or one of our specific sliding door handles works as a dummy handle here.
The Different Flavours of Dummy Handles
A dummy handle isn't just one thing. The great news is they come in all the same styles as their working cousins, so you never have to mess up your home's aesthetic. You can get the exact look you want, just without the moving parts.
Dummy Door Levers
Levers give you that sharp, modern feel. They have clean lines and can bring a touch of architectural style to a simple door. We've got a huge range of levers to choose from. A brilliant thing about most dummy levers is that they are 'non-handed'. This just means you can fit it on a left or right swinging door, no problem. If you find a style you love, you can get the matching interior door levers for the rest of your home too.
Dummy Door Knobs
The classic for a reason. Door knobs can feel traditional and comforting, but there are also tons of modern, minimalist designs. A simple round knob can soften the hard lines of a room. Whether you're going for a Hamptons vibe or something more old-world, a dummy interior door knob on a cupboard can be a beautiful little detail.
Pull Handles
Sometimes you need a bit more heft. Pull handles are basically dummy handles on a bigger scale. They're perfect for large doors, entryways, or heavy barn doors where you need a really solid grip. They can be a real design statement, transforming a plain door into a feature.
The Real Wins: Why Bother With a Dummy Handle?
It's a small bit of hardware, but using one shows you're thinking smartly about your renovation. It’s not just about saving a few bucks; it’s about a better result.
1. Getting That Consistent Look
This is the big one. A home feels so much more polished when the hardware flows. You can pick one style of interior door handles and use it everywhere: the locking version for the toilet, the standard passage version for the living room, and the dummy version for the linen press. It's a subtle trick that designers use to make a space feel complete.
2. No Unnecessary Bits and Pieces
Why install a latch if there's nothing for it to latch into? A dummy handle is purpose-built for the job. It saves you from having a wobbly, pointless handle and from having to cut a big hole into the edge of your door for no good reason.
3. Way Easier to Install
Seriously, this is a job you can do. There's no complex machinery to wrestle with. You just measure where you want it to go, drill a couple of small holes for the screws, and attach it. It's quicker, cleaner, and needs fewer tools than fitting a standard handle.
Picking The One: How to Choose Your Dummy Handle
Right, you're on board. But how do you choose? It boils down to matching your home's personality, picking a finish you love, and getting the size right.
Find Your Home's Style
Your hardware should feel like it belongs. Is your house breezy and coastal, or more moody and industrial?
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Modern & Clean: You want simple shapes and zero fuss. Think sleek levers in a strong finish.
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Classic & Timeless: For a more traditional or Hamptons look, go for elegant shapes. A polished finish or a soft brushed metal works beautifully.
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Heritage Charm: If you have an older home or want that vibe, you need details. Look for ornate backplates and warm metals. Our Heritage collection is full of pieces that add instant character.
Let's Talk Finishes
The finish is more than just a colour; it’s about texture and feel. This is where you can really define your style.
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Matte Black: The little black dress of door hardware. Matte black is a modern classic that goes with pretty much anything. It’s bold and makes a statement.
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The Brass Family: Brass is back in a big way, and for good reason. It adds instant warmth and a touch of luxury. You can get a bright, shiny polished brass, or go for the softer, more contemporary feel of brushed brass. For something in between, satin brass is a beautiful, muted option.
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Chrome: You can't go wrong with chrome. It’s the definition of timeless, it’s durable, and it’s easy to keep clean. A safe bet that always looks good.
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Brushed Nickel: Think of brushed nickel as chrome's softer, more understated cousin. Its brushed finish is brilliant at hiding fingerprints and water spots.
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Gun Metal: A fantastic choice for a moody, sophisticated look. Gun metal is a deep grey that's less harsh than black and has a beautiful industrial feel.
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Stainless Steel: Need something tough? Stainless steel is prized for its strength and ability to resist rust, making it a smart pick for coastal homes.
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Bronze: For a warm, earthy, and traditional feel, bronze is perfect. It often has a living finish, meaning it will age and develop a beautiful patina over time.
Size and Scale
Size matters. Really. A giant handle on a tiny door looks silly, and a tiny knob on a big door looks lost. Check the specs. Look at the size of the backplate (the 'rose') and how far the handle sticks out ('projection'). Make sure it looks balanced and feels right in your hand.
A Few Brands We Trust
When you're buying hardware, you want stuff that lasts. We stand by these brands for their quality and design.
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Lockwood: A true blue Aussie icon. Lockwood means reliability. They’ve been around forever and make gear that’s built to last.
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Lane: A great choice for getting a fashionable look that’s also really good value. Perfect for first-time renovators.
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Nidus: If you want your hardware to be a real feature, Nidus delivers with their premium, architectural designs.
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Zanda: Zanda is all about high-end quality. Their stuff feels solid, looks beautiful, and is made for the long haul.
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Momo Handles: For those who want something a bit different, Momo offers design-led handles with unique shapes and on-trend finishes.
So there you have it. The dummy handle. Not so 'dummy' after all, is it? It’s a smart, simple bit of kit that brings a whole lot of polish and sense to your home's design. If you're ready to find that perfect finishing touch, have a browse of our full collection of door hardware and door handles.
