How to Choose the Correct Cottage Latch for Your Door

Introduction

Cottage latches provide a traditional, rustic finish for internal timber doors. They usually feature a pair of ring turns, with a latch bar mounted on a rectangular backplate on one side of the door.

Unlike a Suffolk latch, a cottage latch is handed. This means you must choose either a left-hand or right-hand version to suit the direction in which your door is hung.

This guide explains how to view the door correctly and determine which handing you need before ordering. You can also browse our current collection of traditional cottage latches.

Table of Contents

1. How Cottage Latch Handing Works
2. When to Choose a Right-Hand Cottage Latch
3. When to Choose a Left-Hand Cottage Latch
4. What to Check Before Ordering
5. Download the Handing Guide
6. FAQ

How Cottage Latch Handing Works

Stand on the side of the door that opens towards you. This is the viewpoint you must use when identifying whether you need a left-hand or right-hand cottage latch.

The latch-bar assembly is fitted to this side of the door. The single ring turn is fitted to the opposite side and operates the latch through the door.

When to Choose a Right-Hand Cottage Latch

Choose a right-hand cottage latch when:

• You are standing on the side of the door that opens towards you.
• The hinges are positioned on the left-hand side.
• The opening edge of the door is on your right.
• The latch bar needs to sit beside the right-hand edge of the door.

Hinges on the left when viewed from the opening side = right-hand cottage latch.

When to Choose a Left-Hand Cottage Latch

Choose a left-hand cottage latch when:

• You are standing on the side of the door that opens towards you.
• The hinges are positioned on the right-hand side.
• The opening edge of the door is on your left.
• The latch bar needs to sit beside the left-hand edge of the door.

Hinges on the right when viewed from the opening side = left-hand cottage latch.

What to Check Before Ordering

Before choosing your latch, open the door and stand on the side towards which it opens. Do not determine the handing while looking at the opposite side, as this will reverse the result.

• Confirm which side of the door opens towards you.
• Check whether the hinges are on your left or right.
• Make sure there is enough room for the latch bar and keeper.
• Check the door thickness against the product specification.
• Consider the position of architrave, door stops and nearby hardware.

If you are still unsure, take a photograph while standing on the side of the door that opens towards you. Our team can then help identify the correct handing.

Download the Handing Guide

For a larger version of the illustration, download our cottage latch handing PDF guide.

Once you know the required handing, explore our cottage latch collection for current styles and finishes.

FAQ

How do I know whether I need a left-hand or right-hand cottage latch?

Stand on the side of the door that opens towards you. If the hinges are on the left, choose a right-hand latch. If the hinges are on the right, choose a left-hand latch.

Which side of the door does the latch bar go on?

The latch-bar assembly is fitted to the side of the door that opens towards you. The single ring turn is fitted to the opposite side.

Are all cottage latches handed?

Traditional cottage latches are commonly sold in left-hand and right-hand configurations. Always check the individual product description before ordering.

Is the handing viewed from inside or outside the room?

Do not use “inside” or “outside” as the reference, as this can vary between rooms. Always stand on the side towards which the door opens.