What Is an Escutcheon?

Table of Contents

• What Is an Escutcheon?
• Why Use an Escutcheon (Purpose & Benefits)
• Types of Door Escutcheons
• Open vs Covered Escutcheons
• Escutcheons for Rim Locks vs Mortice Locks
• Choosing the Right Escutcheon (Style & Finish)
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What Is an Escutcheon?

An escutcheon, also known as an escutcheon plate or keyhole cover, is a small flat piece of metal or wood that surrounds a keyhole on a door. It is essentially a decorative and protective plate fitted over or around the keyhole opening. The escutcheon hides the raw edges of the keyhole cutout and prevents wear and tear on the door’s surface from the key. In everyday terms, if you look at a door handle with lock, the escutcheon is the neat plate that frames the keyhole just below the handle.

The word "escutcheon" originally comes from a French term for a shield (from Latin scutum, meaning shield). Historically it referred to a coat of arms or shield, which is fitting since an escutcheon in door hardware serves as a "shield" for your keyhole. While the term can still mean a heraldic shield, today we mostly use it to mean the keyhole plate on door furniture. Escutcheons come in various shapes, sizes and finishes to match different door styles and locks.

Why Use an Escutcheon? (Purpose & Benefits)

Escutcheons are more than just decorative trim – they serve several practical purposes on your doors. Here are some key benefits of using an escutcheon plate:

• Protection for the door: The escutcheon shields the area around the keyhole, preventing the key from scratching or chipping the door’s surface when you insert and turn it.
• Neater appearance: It covers up the rough-cut edges of the keyhole and the lock mechanism, giving a clean, finished look to the door. An escutcheon makes your door hardware look complete and well-fitted.
• Draft reduction: Especially with a covered escutcheon, it can block unwanted draughts that would otherwise pass through the keyhole, helping to keep out cold air and even dust or insects.
• Privacy: A escutcheon cover (a keyhole cover with a flap) can provide privacy by preventing anyone from peeping through the keyhole into a room. This is useful for bedrooms, bathrooms, or any room where privacy matters.
• Coordination: From a design perspective, escutcheons add a touch of style. They can be chosen to complement the door handle or knob and other hardware creating a cohesive look. The right escutcheon plate can lift the overall appearance of your door furniture.

Types of Door Escutcheons

There are a few different types of escutcheons used in the UK, mainly distinguished by the shape of the keyhole they are designed to fit. Choosing the correct type is important to ensure the escutcheon fits your door’s lock. The three primary types are:

• Standard profile escutcheons: These are designed for the traditional British standard keyhole. They typically have a general keyhole shape that fits the common lever lock keys. Standard escutcheons are often used with internal mortice locks and come in open or covered designs.
• Euro profile escutcheons: These escutcheons have a distinct ovaloid shape hole that fits a Euro-profile cylinder lock (the type of cylinder commonly used in modern front doors and uPVC doors with multi-point locking systems). A Euro-profile escutcheon neatly frames the cylinder part of the lock that protrudes out of the door surface.
• Oval profile escutcheons: Less common today, oval escutcheons are made for older style oval cylinder locks. They have an oval-shaped keyhole opening. If your lock uses an oval-shaped cylinder (neither the standard mortice key nor the modern Euro cylinder), you would need this type of escutcheon.

When replacing or installing an escutcheon, it’s crucial to pick the type that matches your lock; otherwise, the key won’t fit through the cover properly. Always check whether you need a British Standard, Euro, or Oval profile escutcheon before purchasing.

Open vs Covered Escutcheons

When shopping for escutcheons, you’ll notice they come in two main styles: open escutcheons and covered escutcheons. An open escutcheon is a simple keyhole plate with a keyhole-shaped cut-out – the keyhole is visible all the time. In contrast, a covered escutcheon includes a little hinged lid or sliding cover that can be moved to conceal the keyhole when the lock isn’t in use.

Covered escutcheons offer a few extra benefits. The rotating or sliding cover keeps out draughts and dust and adds an extra layer of privacy. They also have an old-fashioned charm, often used in period-style homes or on exterior doors for a traditional look. On the other hand, open escutcheons provide quick access to the lock – you can insert the key without moving a cover first – and they have a simpler appearance which some prefer for modern or interior doors. If a room doesn’t require privacy or draught-proofing, an open escutcheon is a straightforward choice. Ultimately, the decision between open or covered comes down to function and style preference.

Escutcheons for Rim Locks vs Mortice Locks

The kind of lock you have will affect how you use escutcheons on your door. There are two common lock setups on traditional doors: rim locks and mortice locks. Escutcheons are used a bit differently with each:

Rim Locks: A rim lock is a surface-mounted lock that sits on one side of the door (often seen in older cottages or interior doors for a vintage look). With a rim lock, the keyhole is part of the lock body on the mounted side, but on the other side of the door you’ll see the end of the keyhole cut-through. In this case, you typically only need one escutcheon – and it is fitted on the opposite side of the door from the rim lock to cover the keyhole opening. (The side with the rim lock box already has an integrated plate around the keyhole as part of the lock.) For example, if you have a classic Victorian rim lock on your door, you will add an escutcheon on the reverse side of that door for a finished look. We recommend pairing traditional rim locks with matching rim lock door knobs and an appropriate escutcheon to maintain the period style.

Mortice Locks: A mortice lock is fitted inside the door itself. These are very common for interior and exterior doors. When using a mortice lock, you will usually need two escutcheons – one on each side of the door – because the keyhole goes straight through the door. If you are installing a new mortice lock with a separate knob or lever handle, remember to also fit escutcheon plates on both sides. Many door knob sets (such as our interior door knobs collection) include a knob on a rose without an integrated keyhole, so a separate escutcheon is required below the knob to cover the keyhole. By contrast, if you have a lever door handle with lock on a backplate, you won’t need separate escutcheons because the keyhole area is already finished by the handle’s backplate.

Choosing the Right Escutcheon (Style & Finish)

When it comes to choosing an escutcheon for your door, you’ll want to consider a few factors to ensure it complements your lock and overall door hardware. Here are the main points to keep in mind:

• Lock profile compatibility: First and foremost, select an escutcheon that matches your lock type. Check whether your lock uses a standard key, a Euro cylinder, or an oval cylinder, and choose the escutcheon profile accordingly.
• Material & finish: Escutcheons come in a variety of materials and finishes. Solid brass is a popular choice for its durability and classic look – for instance, you might opt for an antique brass finish escutcheon to match other antique brass hardware. There are also iron, chrome, nickel, and other finishes available. If you have a rustic or traditional interior, consider wooden escutcheons for a period feel. Always try to match the escutcheon’s finish with your door handle, knob, hinges, or other hardware for a coordinated look (e.g., black escutcheons with black ironmongery, chrome with chrome, etc.).
• Shape & style: Escutcheon plates generally come in either circular (round) or rectangular/square shapes. The choice usually depends on your door handle design and personal aesthetic. For example, if your door knobs have round roses or you prefer a classic look, a round escutcheon will look appropriate. If you have a more modern or geometrical style, or your handle backplates are square, you might choose a square escutcheon for a neat alignment.
• Open vs covered: As discussed, decide between an open escutcheon or one with a cover, based on whether you need to block draughts or want the traditional look of a keyhole cover. This will narrow down your options to the style that best suits the function of the room (e.g., a covered escutcheon for a bedroom or front door, and open for a cupboard or a room without privacy concerns).

Conclusion

In summary, an escutcheon is a small but important piece of door hardware: it’s the escutcheon plate or keyhole cover that protects your door and adds a finishing touch around the lock. While it might seem like a minor detail, choosing the right escutcheon can enhance your door’s appearance and provide practical benefits like reducing draughts and preventing damage. Whether you prefer an open escutcheon or a covered one, in brass, wood, or iron, there are plenty of options available to suit every style of home.

If you’re updating your door furniture or installing new locks, don’t overlook the escutcheons. They are inexpensive and easy to install, yet they make a significant difference in the look and longevity of your doors. The Suffolk Latch Company offers a wide range of escutcheons in various designs and finishes. Feel free to explore our escutcheons collection to find the perfect keyhole cover for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an escutcheon plate?

An escutcheon plate is another term for a keyhole cover – the decorative plate that surrounds a keyhole. It’s usually made of metal and is placed over the keyhole on a door. The escutcheon plate protects the door’s surface from being scratched by the key and provides a tidy, finished appearance around the lock opening.

What does escutcheon mean?

"Escutcheon" originally means a shield or a coat of arms. The term comes from heraldry, where an escutcheon is a shield displaying a family emblem. In the context of hardware, over time the word “escutcheon” came to refer to any protective or ornamental plate – in this case, the plate around a door’s keyhole or handle. Essentially, it’s the word we use for the keyhole covering plate on a door.

What are the different types of door escutcheons?

Door escutcheons generally come in three main types to match the lock type: standard profile, Euro profile, and oval profile. Standard profile escutcheons fit traditional British mortice locks (with the common lever keyhole shape). Euro-profile escutcheons are designed for euro cylinder locks (the kind often found in newer doors and patio doors). Oval profile escutcheons fit older oval-shaped lock cylinders. It’s important to choose the type that matches your door’s lock, so the keyhole lines up correctly with the escutcheon.

What is the purpose of an escutcheon?

An escutcheon serves both practical and decorative purposes on a door. Practically, it protects the area around the keyhole – preventing scratches and wear to the door when keys are used. It can also help reduce draughts if it’s a covered escutcheon and can discourage tampering by covering the lock mechanism. Decoratively, an escutcheon gives a neat finish around the keyhole and can be chosen to match the door handle or other hardware, enhancing the overall look of the door.

Why do keyholes have covers?

Keyhole covers (escutcheons with a flap or lid) are used for a few reasons. Firstly, they prevent draughts and cold air from whistling through the keyhole, which can be especially helpful on exterior doors. Secondly, they provide privacy by blocking the view through the keyhole, so no one can peek into a room. Additionally, a cover keeps dust and insects out of the lock. Lastly, a closed cover gives a door a cleaner look by hiding the keyhole when it’s not in use.

Is an escutcheon necessary?

Strictly speaking, a lock will function without an escutcheon – so it’s not necessary for the lock to work. However, using an escutcheon is highly recommended. Without one, the door around the keyhole can get scratched or damaged over time. An escutcheon (or keyhole cover) protects the door’s finish and makes the overall door hardware look complete. It’s a small detail that adds both protection and style. For most homeowners, the benefits in appearance and durability make fitting escutcheons well worth it, even if they aren’t “required.”