10 Types of Door Handles Explained

Door handles might seem like a small detail in home design, but they play a major role in both functionality and style. 

These often-overlooked components are indispensable in everyday life, not only facilitating movement between rooms but also improving the overall design and aesthetic of a home or building. 

The right door handle can add a finishing touch that ties a room’s decor together, while the wrong choice can disrupt the harmony of an interior space.

Whether you're beginning a renovation, building a new home, or simply updating your interiors, having a solid understanding of the different types of door handles available is expected. 

With the wide variety of styles, materials, and finishes to choose from, selecting the perfect door handle can be overwhelming.

This guide looks at ten types of door handles, focusing on their features, uses, benefits, and the distinctive charm each brings to various settings. 

From the classic elegance of knob handles to the sleek, modern appeal of bar handles, this article aims to equip homeowners, interior designers, architects, and DIY enthusiasts with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. 

By the end, you’ll be well-prepared to balance both functionality and style in your spaces.

1. Lever Handles

Lever handles are one of the most popular choices in both residential and commercial properties, thanks to their practicality and user-friendly design. 

Featuring a horizontal lever, these handles operate with a simple downward push, making them easy to use for people of all ages and abilities. 

This design is particularly beneficial for those with mobility challenges, arthritis, or limited hand strength, as it requires minimal effort to operate.

In addition to their functionality, lever handles offer a wide range of design options, making them versatile enough to complement various interior styles. 

Whether your preference is for a sleek, minimalist look or a more traditional design, there’s a lever handle to match your decor. 

These handles are available in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, brass, chrome, and glass, each providing unique aesthetic qualities and levels of durability. 

The range of finishes, from polished and reflective to subtle matte, allows for further personalisation, enabling you to choose a handle that perfectly suits your interior design scheme.

Lever handles are also a popular choice in commercial settings such as offices, public buildings, and healthcare facilities. 

Their ease of use and straightforward mechanism make them compliant with accessibility standards, meaning that they are practical for all users.

They are also low maintenance and easy to clean, which helps preserve their appearance and functionality over time, making them a reliable and long-lasting option for high-traffic areas.

2. Knob Handles

Knob handles bring a sense of nostalgia, often found in older homes and historical buildings. 

Door knobs round design requires a twisting motion to operate, which, while charming, can be challenging for some users, particularly children and the elderly. 

Despite this, their timeless appeal makes them a favourite among homeowners looking to add traditional elegance to their spaces.

Typically used on interior doors such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets, knob handles offer various design possibilities. 

Materials range from solid brass and bronze to delicate glass and ceramic options, each bringing a distinct texture and visual appeal. 

For those looking to restore a period property or recreate a vintage look, glass or porcelain knobs with intricate patterns can add an authentic touch.

However, it's worth considering the practical aspects. 

The spherical shape of knob handles requires a firm grip and wrist strength, which might not be suitable for all users. 

Additionally, in environments where quick exit is necessary, such as in commercial buildings, lever handles are often preferred due to their ease of operation. 

For those prioritising aesthetics over high-traffic functionality, knob handles remain an excellent choice.

3. Pull Handles

Pull handles are known for their simplicity and durability. 

Mainly used on doors that do not require a latch mechanism, such as sliding doors, wardrobes, and cabinets, their straightforward design focuses on ease of use. 

The user simply pulls the handle to open the door, without the need for complex mechanisms.

Pull handles offer a range of design variations. 

From long, sleek bars that complement modern interiors to more ornate designs suitable for traditional settings, pull handles cater to various aesthetic preferences. 

Common materials include stainless steel, aluminium, brass, and wood, each providing unique tactile and visual experiences. 

Finishes can range from high-gloss polished surfaces to textured matte options, allowing for further personalisation.

In high-traffic areas like kitchens and commercial spaces, pull handles are valued for their strength. 

They are built to withstand frequent use without losing their appearance or functionality. 

Additionally, their straightforward installation makes them a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts looking to upgrade home security hardware without professional help.

4. Bar Handles

In modern interior design, bar handles are a popular choice due to their clean lines and contemporary look. 

Featuring an elongated, cylindrical form, bar handles provide a comfortable grip and a streamlined appearance that complements minimalist decor.

Bar handles are commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms, improving the sleekness of cabinets and drawers. 

Their length varies, allowing them to fit doors and drawers of different sizes. 

Materials such as stainless steel and aluminium are popular, valued for their durability and resistance to corrosion, especially in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms.

The finishes available for bar handles are varied. Brushed nickel offers a subtle, elegant look, while polished chrome provides a reflective surface that adds brightness to the room. 

For those seeking a touch of warmth, bar handles in brass or with wood accents can introduce a contrast against monochromatic surfaces.

Adding bar handles to your home hardware not only boosts the visual appeal but also improves the feel of your fixtures, making daily interactions with your home’s features more enjoyable.

5. Thumb Latch Handles

Thumb latch handles offer historical charm and are often used in rustic settings. 

These handles work with a thumb press mechanism that lifts a latch, allowing the door to open. 

Commonly found in cottages, country homes, and gates, thumb latch handles add a touch of tradition and authenticity to spaces.

Usually made from wrought iron or cast iron, these handles are built to last. Their rugged appearance pairs well with wooden doors, particularly those with a distressed or natural finish. 

The dark patina of wrought iron provides a striking contrast against lighter wood tones, improving the door’s visual interest.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, thumb latch handles are also practical. Their simple mechanism is less prone to mechanical failures than more complex systems. 

Additionally, the visible latch and hardware can offer extra security, making them suitable for gates and external doors where style and safety are both considerations.

For homeowners looking to recreate a rustic ambiance or preserve the historical integrity of a property, thumb latch handles are a great option, combining practicality with timeless design.

6. Flush Handles

These are the choices for spaces where minimalism and practicality come together. 

Designed to sit level with the door surface, these handles offer a sleek, unobtrusive look that aligns with modern design principles. 

They are especially useful in areas where space is limited, as they do not protrude and do not interfere with movement.

Flush pull handles are typically used on sliding doors, bi-fold doors, and cabinets. 

Their recessed design means that doors can slide past each other without obstruction. 

Materials such as stainless steel, brass, and aluminium are commonly used, providing durability and a contemporary aesthetic. 

Finishes range from brushed and matte to polished, allowing them to match other hardware in the space.

Installing flush handles requires precision, as they need to be embedded into the door surface. 

However, the result is a look that improves the sophistication of the room. 

For homeowners and designers seeking a clutter-free, streamlined appearance, flush handles are essential.

7. Mortise Handles

When security is a primary concern, mortise handles are an excellent choice. 

These handles are part of mortise lock systems, where the lock mechanism is embedded within the door, offering a high level of security. 

Commonly used on exterior doors like main entrances, mortise handles provide safety without sacrificing style.

Mortise handles are made from robust materials such as solid brass, stainless steel, and bronze, chosen for their strength and resistance to tampering. 

Designs vary from traditional to modern, with options featuring intricate detailing or clean, simple lines. 

Finishes such as oil-rubbed bronze, antique brass, and polished chrome offer versatility to match different architectural styles.

One of the key features of mortise handles is their durability. 

The internal mechanism is designed to last, capable of withstanding frequent use without wearing out. 

Additionally, the complex locking system provides strong protection against unauthorised entry, giving homeowners peace of mind.

Using mortise handles on your home’s entry points not only increases security but also adds a touch of elegance, making a strong first impression on visitors.

8. Privacy Handles

Privacy is an essential aspect of comfortable living, and privacy handles are designed to support this need. 

Equipped with a built-in locking mechanism that can be engaged from the inside, these handles are ideal for rooms like bathrooms and bedrooms where discretion is necessary.

The locking mechanisms in privacy handles are usually simple, featuring a push-button or thumb-turn lock. 

This simplicity makes them easy to use, allowing occupants to secure the room quickly. 

Many privacy handles also include an emergency release feature on the outside, enabling access in case of emergencies, which is particularly required in households with children or elderly individuals.

In terms of design, privacy handles come in various styles, from modern lever designs to traditional knob forms. 

Materials and finishes are diverse, including satin nickel, polished brass, and matte black, meaning they match the overall interior design. 

By choosing privacy handles that suit the room’s decor, homeowners can maintain a cohesive look throughout their spaces.

9. Passage Handles

Passage handles serve a fundamental role in allowing movement within a home. 

Unlike privacy handles, passage handles do not have a locking mechanism, making them suitable for areas where privacy is not required, such as hallways, closets, and connecting rooms.

These handles are designed for ease of use, allowing doors to open and close smoothly. 

They are available in both lever and knob styles, providing flexibility to match existing door locks. 

Materials range from durable stainless steel and brass to more decorative options like glass and ceramic.

The lack of a lock does not mean a compromise on design. 

Passage handles can be as ornate or as minimalist as desired, contributing to the overall aesthetic of the space. 

Finishes such as aged bronze, polished chrome, and satin nickel offer further customisation, enabling homeowners to create a consistent look throughout their home.

When selecting passage handles, consider how often they will be used and the style of adjacent rooms to allow for a good fit and functionality.

10. Dummy Handles

Dummy handles are unique in that they do not function in the same way as other handles. 

These handles are purely decorative, installed on doors that do not require operational hardware, such as fixed panels, wardrobe doors, or bi-fold doors. 

Despite not being functional, dummy handles play a significant role in completing the visual balance and design consistency of a space.

Available in both knob and lever styles, dummy handles can match the operational handles used elsewhere in the home, providing a uniform appearance. 

Materials and finishes are just as varied, with options in brass, stainless steel, glass, and more, allowing for easy integration with existing hardware.

Installing dummy handles is straightforward, often involving simple surface mounting without the need for complex cutouts or mechanisms. 

This ease of installation makes them a popular choice for quick aesthetic updates.

Using dummy handles means that every door, whether functional or not, contributes to the overall design theme of the home, maintaining balance and style consistency.

Door handles may seem like a small detail, but they have a significant impact on both the functionality and appearance of your home. 

From the user-friendly lever handles to the decorative charm of dummy handles, each type serves a specific purpose while improving the look and utility of a space. 

 

Understanding the different features and applications of these handles allows homeowners, designers, and architects to make decisions that align with both practical needs and design goals.

When choosing door handle features, think about the intended use of the door, the needs of the users, the existing design elements, and the level of security required. 

Considering these factors will help you select handles that not only work well but also add to the beauty and harmony of your home.

If you need help or want to take a closer look at a curated selection of high-quality door handles, feel free to contact us. 

Our experts are ready to guide you in finding the perfect hardware solutions for your home.