Door Handles

Choosing the Right Type of Door Handle

Most internal lever door handles fall into two main groups: handles on a rose and handles on a backplate. The best option depends on the style you prefer, how the door needs to operate and whether separate lock or bathroom furniture is required.

• Door Handles on Round Rose use a compact circular rose around the lever. Where required, separate escutcheons or bathroom turns can be fitted alongside the handle.
• Door Handles on Square Rose use the same general lever-and-rose arrangement with a square plate, providing a more angular alternative.
• Door Handles on Backplate have a longer plate behind the lever. Depending on the product, options can include plain latch plates, keyholes, bathroom versions and Euro-profile openings.

Rose and backplate handles are not simply interchangeable styles. Dimensions, fixing positions, lock furniture and supplied components vary between ranges. If you are replacing existing handles, compare the new product specification with your existing door preparation before ordering.

Latch, Bathroom and Lock Door Handles

The next step is to decide how the door needs to work. A general internal door normally uses a latch, while bathrooms and locking rooms require the appropriate lock or privacy arrangement.

• Latch handles operate a compatible latch without a locking function and are commonly used for living rooms, kitchens, hallways and similar internal doors.
• Bathroom handles are used with a suitable bathroom lock and turn-and-release arrangement, either incorporated into the backplate or fitted separately with rose handles.
• Lock handles can be supplied with keyhole or Euro-profile arrangements depending on the handle and lock system.

Some ranges are available as handles only, while others offer matching latch, bathroom or lock set options. The contents of a set vary between products, so check exactly what is supplied with the selected variant. For more detail on choosing the mechanism behind the handle, read our guide to choosing the right lock or latch .

Internal Door Handles

For most internal doors, start with the room function and then choose the handle style and finish. Lever handles are suitable for a wide range of residential interiors and generally require less grip and twisting movement than a round door knob.

Our guide to choosing handles for an internal door explains room use, handle type, lock and latch requirements in more detail.

Door Handle Styles and Finishes

Door handles can be selected by shape, finish and the style of the property. The wider range includes traditional and contemporary designs in brass, black, bronze, pewter-effect, chrome, nickel and stainless steel finishes.

For more specific requirements, browse Black Door Handles , Antique & Vintage Door Handles , Pewter Door Handles or Unlacquered Door Handles .

Material and finish descriptions should always be checked at product level. A finish name does not necessarily describe the underlying base material, and care requirements can vary between finishes and manufacturers.

External and Specialist Door Handles

Handles intended only for internal use should not be assumed suitable for an entrance or exposed location. External doors may also require a different lock arrangement and additional compatibility checks.

For specialist applications, browse Exterior Door Handles , External Brass Door Handles , Multipoint Door Handles or Coastal Door Hardware .

Always check the individual product specification for material, dimensions, lock compatibility, supplied components and stated internal or external suitability.

Replacing Existing Door Handles

Door handles are not universal. Rose or backplate dimensions, fixing positions, spindle arrangements, door thickness and the existing latch or lock can all affect whether a replacement will fit.

If you are replacing existing hardware, our guide to measuring and replacing internal door handles covers the measurements and checks in more detail.