No door is ever complete without a beautiful handle. Cupboards, front doors, sliding doors, and standard interior doors all have their own unique door handles. There are many doors handles available, and the market is stocked with a wide selection of door handles. In this article, we have listed different types of door handles that can be used in your home.
Before we start, let’s understand the door handle function.
What is the Purpose of Door Handle?
The door handle mainly serves two purposes:
(i) It allows you to open and close the door.
(ii) It makes the door look more polished.
(iii) It also provides security and privacy to your home.
Different Types of Door Handles
Some of the most popular types of door handles are as follows:
01. Lever Handles
Popularly known as door levers, lever handles are the most popular door handle type. It comprises a handlebar attached to a rose or backplate. Lever rose handles have a circular or square rose that conceals the screw or bolt that holds it to the door. Lever handles on the backplate are traditional door handles that sit on the backplate. This lever handle has a lever on the backplate that turns a spindle. To use a lever handle, press down on it with your hand or elbow. When you push the grip, the spindle forces itself into the latch.
02. Pull Handles
A door pull handle is the best option for a door that can only be opened by pushing or pulling. These door handles are further categorised into the following types:
Pull Handles on the Backplate and Rose
These pull handles are used in both interior and exterior doors. Pull handles on the backplate are specifically designed to support a pulling action; you can grip them with one or both hands, making them suitable for various applications.
Back-to-Back Pull Handles
Back-to-back pull handles are fitted on the entrance and interior doors. These door handles are for doors that swing in both directions.
Bolt Through Pull Handles
The bolt-through pull handle stands out among similar door handles because the bolt goes through the attached door and is subsequently fastened on the other side. Nowadays, these sleek handles can be seen on bedroom and bathroom closet doors, as well as on kitchen cabinetry.
03. Sliding Door Handles
Sliding doors need sliding door handles, and such handles are typically entry pulls or flush pulls. These door handles operate from side to side instead of outward and inward. Sliding door handles are the perfect option for limited space.
04. Entrance Handles
When opening huge doors, the door handles installed at the entrance are often long and hefty to make a grand first impression. This adds class to the entrance and elevates the whole look. For instance, if you’re getting egg-shaped doorknobs for every door in your house, you can specify that the interior knob on your front door handle set is egg-shaped. With this, your front door will stand out from the rest of the house’s doors without feeling out of place.
Also Read: Basic Guide to Oversized Doors for Your Home
05. Door Knob
Door knobs are usually round handles that rotate clockwise or anti-clockwise to open a door. They are mostly used on interior doors as an alternative to lever handles.
06. C – Type Door Handle
As the name suggests, the C-type door handle is shaped like a capital letter C and is used as a pull handle. You need to pull or push the gate to open or close it. Because they have to support the gate’s weight when it’s pulled, they’re built to last.
07. D-Type Door Handle
Unlike the above type, the D-type door handle resembles the letter D and is commonly found in apartments. They are simple to grip and move with minimal effort. They are typically found on interior doors that do not have to be latched.
08. H-Type Door Handle
For glass doors, the H-shaped door handle is typically used. They are shaped like the letter H and mounted on either side of the gate. Furthermore, they come in various styles and are easy to operate. They are installed in the main entrances.
09. Smart Door Handles
Smart door handles are also known as smart door locks. They can be operated manually as well as digitally. Smart door handles have different functions; some handles have a fingerprint scanner, while others may have a keypad or remote app that allows you to open the door. They may also allow you to reset the security code regularly or to provide guest codes for friends and family. Investing in smart door handles gives you security and privacy for your home.
10. Concealed Door Handles
Concealed door handles are the same as traditional handles, but they hide or conceal a portion of their latch inside their handle. These door handles give you sleek and modern look and protection from outside elements. They are available in different designs and styles such as single and double pulls that use opposing latches allowing you to push on one side or pull from either side of your door.
11. Keyed Door Handles
Keyed door handles are a type of door handle that combines lock with handle, providing security to your home with one device. They are available in variety of finishes and styles, including modern and traditional. Also, keyed door handles are made up of various materials, such as aluminium, steel and brass. These door handles are long-lasting and durable.
12. Glass Door Handles
Glass door handles are used on glass door. They are arranged vertically to make them simple to open and close. They are used in entrance doors, shower cabins, workplaces, etc. They are available in variety of colours and designs to enhance the look of your home.
Finishes of Door Handle
01. Polished Finish Door Handle
A polished finish is the most popular among door handle finishes.This door handle finish has a reflective surface, which creates light around your room to create a bright and open feel.
02. Antique Door Handle
With its pale finish, the antique door handle finish recreates the look of handcrafted metal, making it the choice for heritage decor. It has a matt texture to define the aged appearance.
03. Brushed Finish Door Handle
Brushed finish door handles have a soft finish that is best for homes that want to play with texture. This style shows some imperfection marks, making it low-maintenance option.
04. Satin Finish Door Handle
The satin finish is a new and trending door handle finish. This finish is used in high-traffic areas like hallways. Satin has muted finish that can disguise unsightly fingerprints and complement a pared scheme. It is easy to clean.
Door Handle Materials
01. Chrome Door Handle
Chrome door handles are a firm favourite among homeowners because of their versatility and long-lasting style.
02. Aluminium Door Handle
Aluminium door handles are light and corrosion-resistant.
03. Brass Door Handle
Brass door handles are made from copper alloys, and they are popular for traditional designs.
04. Nickel Door Handle
Nickel will add a premium look to any doorway. This has a yellow undertone that makes it warmer than other silvery metals.
05. Stainless Steel Door Handle
Stainless steel door handles are very common. This material is durable and long-lasting and can also be a cost-efficient.
Conclusion
Different types of door handles are designed for various tasks, so choosing the perfect one is a matter of taste and individual preference. When equipped with the proper latches, handles allow for bi-directional rotation, making them a more practical option. Ultimately, it is up to you which you to choose. You can also contact interior designers and consult with them regarding matching it with walls, furniture, cabinets, and so on. Make sure you get the most out of the information provided here and choose the best.
Apart from this, we have also written an article on door hinges, you may refer the following article:
Everything You Need to Know About Door Hinges
Author Bio
Nafisa Nazneen Choudhury – Nafisa Nazneen Choudhury is a Civil Engineer (completed B.E. from Assam Engineering College) and is currently pursuing M.Tech in Structural Engineering at National Institute of Technology, Silchar. She is a Technical Content Writer, having over 3 years of experience and has wrote many articles related to Civil Engineering. She is also a Book Author (Authored – “Dream Tales of NNC: Revenge By Murder”) and her book can be found on Amazon. She is also a Guest Author at Gharpedia. Moreover, she is a certified member at Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). She writes her blogs at her website – nnc2017.wordpress.com. She can be reached on LinkedIn.