Door handles and architectural ironmongery serve as the adornments of a home, adding an exquisite touch to its overall aesthetic. With careful consideration, door handles have the potential to elevate a space, offering a unique charm. With their diverse array of shapes, sizes, designs, and finishes, they seamlessly blend functionality with elegance, enriching the ambiance of any environment.
Three primary categories of door handles exist: lever handles, pull handles, and door knobs. Whether you aspire to enhance the aesthetic of your historically significant property with sleek black door handles or to invigorate your interiors by upgrading from mundane options to luxurious brass door handles, the decision lies in your hands. Elevate the ambiance of your residence and infuse it with warmth and personality through the selection of the perfect door handles.
Door Lever Handle
Lever handles, often referred to as door levers, commercial door lever set, stand as the prevalent choice for door handles across residential, commercial, and public structures. These interior door levers typically consist of a lever shaped bar affixed to either a rose or a backplate, commonly known as lever handles on rose and lever handles on backplate, respectively.
Lever Handles On Rose
Lever handles on rose present a contemporary option for door hardware, featuring a compact design that sits atop either a circular or square rose, contrasting with the larger backplates. Operated by a latch, these bathroom lever door handles can also be combined with separate locking mechanisms to enhance security. Common pairings include thumb turn locks or door locks with escutcheons (keyhole covers), ensuring a polished appearance.
Lever Handles On Backplate
Lever handles on backplates represent a classic option for door hardware, featuring handles mounted on a backplate. Initially tailored for traditional properties, their versatility shines through with a wide array of finishes and styles, making them adaptable to contemporary spaces as well.
Operating Mechanisms
These handles offer three distinct operating mechanisms: lever lock, lever bathroom, and lever latch.
Lever lock
This mechanism incorporates a keyhole for operating the door handle, providing both security and privacy. Often paired with a mortice lock, examples include the From the Anvil Beeswax Gothic Lever Euro Cylinder Lock Furniture and the Florentine Bronze Winchester Lever Euro Lock on Backplate.
Lever bathroom
Primarily installed on bathroom and bedroom doors to afford some privacy, this mechanism features a thumb turn lock. The lock can be easily operated from inside by turning the snib and from outside via the coin slot, offering emergency access.
Lever latch
Utilized for interior doors that do not necessitate locking, this mechanism is straightforward to operate. Merely pushing down the door handle is all it takes to open the door. Contemporary lever latch handles include the Polished Chrome Arundel Scroll Lever Latch on Backplate.
Pull Handles
Door pull handles are optimal for passage doors or any doors requiring pushing or pulling to open. They come in various types, including:
Pull handles on rose
These handles are typically installed onto a round rose, imparting a modern and refined appearance to any door. For those considering replacing kitchen door handles with pull handles on rose, the Antique Brass 158mm Knurled Pull Handle by Carlisle Brass stands out as an excellent choice. This door handle seamlessly enhances the aesthetic of any contemporary space.
Pull handles on a backplate
Featuring a more traditional design, this type of pull handle can be mounted on both internal and external single and double doors. Some models are particularly suitable for commercial settings, equipped with engraved "pull" and "push" plates, such as the 300mm SAA 19mm dia. Pull Handle on Plate Engraved Push. Additionally, pull handles on backplates without engraving are also available, catering to diverse preferences and needs.
Back to back pull handles
These handles are installed back-to-back on entrance and internal doors, making them well-suited for restaurants, offices, and other commercial establishments. Specifically designed for doors that swing in both directions, they offer convenience and functionality in high-traffic environments.
Bolt through pull handles
This style of pull handle incorporates a bolt that passes through the door and is secured by a nut on the opposite side. Known for their contemporary design, these handles are frequently employed for kitchen cabinet doors, cupboard doors, drawers, and wardrobe doors.
Face fix handles
These pull handles showcase visible screw fixings.
Sliding door handles
In addition to pull handles designed for single and double doors, there are also pull handles crafted specifically for sliding doors and pocket doors, which function by moving horizontally instead of swinging inwards or outwards. These door types serve as ideal solutions for rooms with restricted space, offering the choice between flush pull handles or ring pull handles for opening and closing.
Flush pull handles are embedded into sliding doors, allowing them to smoothly pass each other without obstruction, whereas ring pull handles are activated by pulling on the ring, subsequently opening the door. Both variations provide a secure and ergonomic grip for effortless operation of sliding doors.
Door Knobs
Door knobs typically consist of round handles that rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise to facilitate the opening of a door. Primarily employed for internal doors as an alternative to lever handles, they offer a functional and aesthetic touch. Additionally, centre door knobs serve as decorative and functional elements, allowing the pulling closed of entrance doors from the outside. Among the different types of door knobs are:
Dummy door knobs
These door knobs do not necessitate rotation for operation; instead, they only need to be pulled to open the door. They are commonly found on cabinet doors and wardrobe doors.
Passage door knobs
Passage door knobs are typically installed in hallways or rooms where privacy isn't a concern. Operating with a latch, these door knobs necessitate rotation of the handle to unlock and open the door.
Privacy door knobs
Privacy door knobs, also referred to as turn and release handles or thumbturn locks, are designed with a twist lock mechanism that operates solely from one side. These knobs are perfect for bathroom and bedroom doors where privacy is essential. In emergencies, they can be unlocked from the outside as well, ensuring safety and convenience.
Keyed entry door knobs
These door knobs are equipped with a lock and key mechanism on both sides of the door, making them suitable for any room where security is paramount. Available in a vast array of designs, styles, and finishes, door knobs offer versatility to complement various decor themes and preferences.
Door Levers VS Door Knobs
When contemplating door handles for your residence or workplace, it's common to ponder: "Should I opt for door levers or door knobs?" Each type of door handle contributes to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any space; however, they come with distinct advantages and disadvantages worth considering.
Door knobs are esteemed for their practicality as they allow rotation in either direction when equipped with suitable latches, irrespective of the door's position. Nonetheless, these handles may lack the gripping surface offered by lever handles, potentially posing challenges for the elderly and children when in use.
Door levers offer enhanced convenience for users, facilitating easy operation—even with one's elbow while carrying heavy bags of groceries. This type of door handle boasts a wider range of options, not only in terms of backplate choices but also in terms of technology, with some door handles incorporating digital lock systems.
However, there are a few drawbacks associated with lever handles. Their shape increases the likelihood of loose clothing becoming caught on the handle. Additionally, due to the presence of springs that hold the lever, these handles may require more maintenance compared to door knobs.
Nevertheless, door knobs and door levers can be harmoniously integrated throughout the house to introduce varied design elements to your overall decor scheme. Therefore, if you find yourself unsure about a specific door handle, consider mixing and matching to achieve a unique and personalized look.
Filta has a fantastic selection of interior door levers that cater to various entry systems. If you’re interested in our black lever door handles, check out Filta for a world of possibilities. Your future kitchen hardware is just a click away!
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