A Complete Guide to Traditional Cottage Latches – Fitting, Finishes & Handing Explained

Author: Carl Benson

Carl is the founder of Suffolk Latch Company, with a background in engineering and over 20 years’ experience in home hardware. He works closely with suppliers and designers alike to develop quality ironmongery that stands the test of time. Read my full bio.

Table of Contents

1. What is a traditional cottage latch?
2. How does a cottage latch work?
3. How do you install a cottage latch on a door?
4. How do I choose between a left-hand and right-hand cottage latch?
5. Where in the home should I use a cottage latch?
6. Can cottage latches be used on exterior doors or gates?
7. How do I maintain and care for a cottage latch?
8. Can I lock a door with a cottage latch for privacy or security?
9. How does a cottage latch differ from a Suffolk thumb latch?

Introduction

Traditional cottage latches are a simple yet reliable form of door hardware that predate modern mortice and tubular latches. Still used today for their practicality and period charm, they remain a popular choice in cottages, barn conversions, and heritage properties. In this guide, we answer common questions about how cottage latches work, how to fit them, and how they compare to other traditional options such as the Suffolk latch.

If you’re restoring a period home or looking for authentic hardware for internal doors, browse our collection of Cottage Latches to find the right style and finish for your project. 

Explore our full range of traditional hand-forged door hardware to find matching hinges, bolts, and latches for your project.

What is a traditional cottage latch?

A cottage latch is a classic style of door latch that predates modern mortice sash locks and tubular latches. It consists of a single ring turn on one side of the door and a rectangular plate on the other, which also has a matching ring and latch bar configuration. Both rings are connected by an 8mm mortice bar. When either ring is turned, the bar lifts or lowers the latch arm into the keeper, securing the door in the closed position.

Because cottage latches are surface mounted and handed, their orientation depends on the side of the door on which they are fitted and the direction in which the door opens. They are generally made from cast iron, although a range of finishes are now available to complement other hand-forged door hardware and period fittings.

Pewter cottage latch in pewter finish left hand

Black beeswax cottage latch in pewter finish right hand

How does a cottage latch work?

A cottage latch works on the same simple mechanical principle as a Suffolk latch. On one side of the door is a ring turn, and on the other a rectangular plate with a matching ring turn and latch bar assembly. Both are connected by a mortice bar that passes through the door. When either ring is turned, the mortice bar rotates, lifting or lowering the latch bar into a simple keeper fixed to the door frame.

Because everything is surface mounted, only a single drilled hole is required to allow the mortice bar to pass through the door. This straightforward design makes cottage latches easy to fit and well suited to traditional wooden doors.

Hand forged 18 Inch Penny end T hinge Black

Penny End T Hinges Pewter 18 Inch (pair) - £25.00

How do you install a cottage latch on a door?

Installing a cottage latch is a relatively simple process that most people with basic DIY skills can manage.

1. Begin by deciding the height of the latch, which is usually around waist level.
2. Measure the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the mortice hole on the rectangular plate – this measurement is known as the backset.
3. Mark the position on the door and drill a hole large enough for the mortice bar to turn freely.
4. Insert the mortice bar through the hole, ensuring it sits centrally. Align the rectangular plate squarely using a set square, mark the fixing holes, drill pilot holes, and screw the plate into position.
5. On the opposite side, fit the ring turn over the mortice bar. You may need to shorten the bar slightly depending on the thickness of the door. Again, mark, drill, and fix the ring turn in place.
6. Close the door against the frame and mark with a pencil where the underside of the latch bar meets the jamb. This shows where to position the keeper so that the latch bar drops fully into place when the door is closed. Fix the keeper securely using the same process.

If this is a new door, the final step is to fit the door stops. When correctly installed, the latch bar should engage with the keeper just before the door makes contact with the stops.

How do I choose between a left-hand and right-hand cottage latch?

It’s important to select the correct handing for your cottage latch to ensure that the latch bar sits correctly on the door frame. The orientation depends on which side the door is hung and the way it opens.

To determine the correct handing:

• Stand on the side of the door that opens towards you.
• If the door is hinged on the left, you will need a right-hand latch.
• If the door is hinged on the right, you will need a left-hand latch.

This method ensures the latch bar and keeper align properly for smooth operation. (For visual guidance, refer to the Suffolk Latch Company handing guide.)

Hand forged arrow end pull 6 inch in black beeswax

Hand forged penny end pull 6 inch in pewter

Where in the home should I use a cottage latch?

Cottage latches are most used on internal doors within period-style properties such as traditional cottages, barn conversions, and heritage homes built before the industrial era.

Our pewter and beeswax finishes are designed specifically for indoor use, as they offer little protection against oxidation caused by the damp conditions typical of the UK climate.

For external use, such as on sheds, gates, or outbuildings, we recommend our Tudor version. This is made from a different base material and coated to withstand outdoor exposure. While these latches may oxidise slightly at first, the surface will stabilise and darken over time, giving a naturally weathered appearance that suits rustic environments.

Can cottage latches be used on exterior doors or gates?

Traditional cottage latches, particularly those in beeswax or pewter finishes, are not suitable for exterior use. The coatings provide little resistance to moisture and will quickly oxidise if exposed to the elements. They may be used under a covered porch where no direct rain or moisture can reach them, but even then, humidity may still cause limited surface rusting over time.

For external doors and garden gates, choose our Tudor latch. It is made from an alternative metal and features a protective coating designed to better resist oxidation. This makes it far more appropriate for outdoor applications while maintaining the same traditional aesthetic.

How do I maintain and care for a cottage latch?

Once fitted, a cottage latch requires very little maintenance. The exception is the beeswax finish, which needs a small amount of care. Each beeswax latch arrives with a protective wax coating applied to prevent corrosion during storage and transport.

Before installation, remove any excess wax using a mild solvent such as WD-40 or white spirit — avoid stronger chemicals, as these can strip the base coating and expose the raw metal. After cleaning, buff the surface with a soft cloth to produce a subtle sheen.

If your latch is installed in a damp or humid area, you can maintain its appearance by occasionally applying a thin coat of clear beeswax. This will help preserve the finish and protect the metal from moisture over time.

Hand forged straight 4 inch bolt in black beeswax

Hand forged cranked 4 inch shepherds crook door bolt

Can I lock a door with a cottage latch for privacy or security?

A cottage latch does not include any built-in locking mechanism. It is designed to open freely from both sides of the door, without a key or privacy catch.

If you need privacy, for example in a bathroom or bedroom, there are a few practical options:

• Fit a simple door bolt, available in hand-forged styles that match the latch finish.
• Alternatively, install a small morticed deadbolt with a turn and release mechanism.

If your project falls under building control regulations, note that bathrooms must have a means of emergency access from outside. This is a safety requirement designed to prevent accidents, as otherwise the only way to gain entry in an emergency would be to force the door open.

We offer small 5 lever morticed deadlocks that comply with this requirement and are available in finishes that complement traditional cottage latches.

Pewter bathroom turn and release

Black bathroom turn and release

Bathroom dead bolt 3 inch in distressed silver finish

Bathroom dead bolt 3 inch in matt black finish

How does a cottage latch differ from a Suffolk thumb latch?

Both cottage latches and Suffolk latches belong to the same family of traditional door furniture designed to keep a door closed using a simple mechanical catch. They share similar principles, with their installation and handing depending on how the door is hung and the direction in which it opens.

The main difference lies in their operation:

• A cottage latch uses two ring turns connected by a mortice bar. Turning either ring lifts or lowers the latch bar into the keeper.
• A Suffolk latch operates via a thumb catch on the handle side, which when pressed, lifts the latch bar from its keeper to open the door.

Both styles offer a reliable and traditional way to secure internal doors, with the choice often coming down to aesthetic preference or historical accuracy for the property.

Conclusion

Cottage latches combine traditional design with everyday functionality. Whether you choose a beeswax or pewter finish, these latches bring authentic detail to plank and ledge doors and are easy to fit and maintain. By understanding how they work and where to use them, you can ensure your choice of hardware complements both the look and integrity of your property.