The first impression is the last. Door handles are something that make it or break it for someone entering your living space. There are different types of door handles ranging from door levers to knobs.
With so many types available, you can easily match your home decor with attractive door handles. The variety is not limited to design. For example, the locking mechanism of door handles can be found in various styles, from dummy door handles to privacy door handles.
This guide proviqdes you with the 13 most common types to choose from. Plus, you will learn how and which one to choose for your home based on your requirements as well. Let’s unlock the Door handles today!
Types of Door Handles
It becomes too overwhelming to choose for various types of door knobs and handles, primarily when they serve one purpose. But we will help you choose wisely based on each door handle’s uses and benefits.
1. Keyed Entry Door Handle
Its built-in locking mechanism requires you to use the key for access. The locking mechanism is designed in the center of the nob or on the side of a lever handle.
This type of door handle is used for main entry doors, side and back doors, and bedrooms and bathrooms. It can also be used for home offices and storage rooms. Once locked, it can only be disengaged with a key.
2. Handleset
This type of door handle blends security and style. It is commonly used on main entry doors because it looks elegant while keeping your home safe.
A handset door chases a matching lock and deadbolt, providing extra security. Unlike a regular door handle, a handset has two handles—one on the inside and one on the outside.
3. Rustic Door Knobs and Handles
This type of door handle is a favorite among people who live in old-fashioned homes. Rustic door knobs and handles give the door a classic, vintage look.
Door Handles of this type come in bronze, matte black, or iron. Both locking and non-locking options are available to suit different needs. They are commonly used in barn doors, vintage homes, country cottages, and modern homes with a rustic touch.
4. Modern Door Handle
This type of handle is all about simplicity and elegance. Its clean shapes give your door a rich look, often with a straight or curved lever. It comes in stainless steel, matte black, or brushed nickel. It’s primarily suitable for both exterior and interior doors.
5. Dummy Door Handle: A Decorative and Functional Choice
They look like regular passage door handles but come without any moving parts. It’s designed for pulling or pushing a door open rather than turning a knob.
Dummy door handles are perfect for kitchen storage space, closets, wardrobes, or any other decorative door where aesthetics matter.
6. Antique Door Handle: A Timeless Classic
As the name indicates, this type of door handle revives a statement of history and craftsmanship. It comes in the form of intricate designs and age finishes.
Moreover, it comes with or without a locking mechanism. Your antique furniture at home will perfectly match the type of door handles and locks. For the door handle to match the correct type of door, you need to know these 10 Most Popular Types of Doors.
7. Smart Door Handle: The Future of Home Security
Bright rooms have smart doors, and being wise means no keys. An innovative door handle has a built-in keyless way to secure your home. This type of door handle reduces the risk of lost or stolen keys.
These handles can be unlocked through fingerprint scanners, keypads, or a remote app. Smart door handles offer convenience and high security.
8. Passage Door Handle: Simple for Everyday Use
Passage door handles are the perfect choice for interior doors. If your doors and windows are open most of the time or don’t need to be locked, choose this type of handle.
Such handles do not have any locking mechanism, thereby turning the knob is easy to open the door. It’s a suitable choice for closets, basements, or laundry rooms.
9. Fail-Safe Door Handle
This type of door handle is displayed in offices, businesses, and public buildings. It works on electricity for security. But when the power goes out, the door is automatically unlocked due to disruption in the power.
This type of door handle has a secondary manual lock to secure it, so you don’t have to worry about entry and exit during power outages.
10. Privacy Door Handle: Secure for Personal Spaces
This type of interior door handle is best for bathrooms, bedrooms, and offices. It features a simple locking mechanism that can be locked from the inside and adds comfort and security.
This one is special among the different types of door handles. A twist or a button lock on the inside of the door allows you to lock the door from within. In contrast, the exterior side doesn’t have a keyhole but a small pinhole, which can be used to unlock the door during an emergency.
11. Push Plate Door Handle
Why do you always pull when it says push? A push plate door handle has a rectangular, round plate shape. It is used for making doors.
These types of door handles are commonly found in offices, hospitals, restaurants, etc. Made from stainless steel and brass, these handles are famous for being large and having doors.
12. Barn Door Handle
This is one type of sliding door handle. The barn door handle is for those who own rustic farmhouse-style homes. It’s used with sliding doors, and it opens easily with the help of a metal bar or strap.
These door handles come in different materials, including black iron, brass, or nickel. It is one of the best designs because it brings a vintage look to living rooms, kitchens, and farmhouses.
If you also want to match the vibe of your cabinet sheen with the door handles, here is a comprehensive blog on choosing the best sheen for cabinets.
13. Lever Bathroom Door Handle
Bathrooms without privacy? No way! The Lever bathroom door handle is designed to provide privacy to your retirement space. It has a thumb-turn lock. It provides you with more privacy because you can lock the door from inside.
Only one person inside can lock or unlock the door. In an emergency, the coin slot outside the door handle can be used. This type of door handle is used in bathrooms, guest rooms, and personal spaces. After selecting the door handle, you can also read how to fit a door handle.
Choosing the Right Type of Door Handle: Key Considerations for Style and Functionality
Is picking the first option the right decision? It is not! Door handles aren’t just for opening doors – they affect how a room or your whole house feels.
So, picking the right ones is essential! You need to know what kinds are out there and what you need before you buy. Here’s how to figure it out:
Determine the Purpose and Functionality
So, where are you installing the door handle? Is it outdoor or indoor? You must first consider whether the door needs to be locked or just for opening and closing. This will help you narrow down your choices.
A privacy door handle is a good choice for interior doors. For spaces like closets or laundry rooms, use the passage door handle. Use the keyed entry door for front doors or any other entry point to your living space,
The Aesthetic Style
The functionality and style of both door handles are equally important. Just like matching the right pants to match the shirt, a door handle’s role in a room’s overall design cannot be understated.
Select handles that complement the room’s aesthetic. For example, rustic bronze door handles enhance the space’s charm if you own a vintage house.
Locking Mechanisms
When it comes to doors, privacy should be your foremost concern. Choose keyed entry door handles for the front doors. Always choose privacy door handles for bathrooms, as the lock can be turned from the inside.
Durability and Material Choice
The material can compromise the durability of a door handle. A more durable handle is needed for heavier use.
If the use is exterior, bronze or brass are durable and water-resistant. On the other hand, stainless steel is the better option for modern interiors.
Choosing Between Traditional or Smart Technology
You should use traditional handles if you prefer a classic, simple taste. Plus, they are affordable and easy to install. You do not need batteries or complex wiring for these handles.
Smart handles, on the other hand, help you enter without keys. Both are good choices depending on your liking and requirements.
Maintenance and Cost Considerations
Are you a savvy investor? If so, consider investing in high-quality handles. Although they may initially cost more, their durability and low repair costs will save you money.
But if you don’t want to spend extravagantly, then passage door handles or dummy handles are a good choice. They are both affordable and stylish.
Considering these factors will help you find the most suitable handle for any type of door. But before buying a door handle, ensure the door swing or its handedness is right. If you don’t know yet, here’s how to Determine a Door Swing.
Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Door Handle
Here are some valuable tips while choosing the door handle in terms of their style and how to use them:
- Levers: These are best for Heavy exterior and interior doors. This shape requires a simple up-and-down motion to operate the door. It’s an excellent choice for heavy doors or doors requiring frequent use.
- Knobs: These are best for Cabinets, drawers, and light doors. Knobs are usually circular or spherical. It’s one of the most traditional and classic types of door handles. Knobs are designed to be gripped by hand and make them ideal for smaller doors that don’t require significant effort to open.
- Pull Handles are best for Pantry doors, closet doors, and light drawers. Operating pull handles is very easy: Simply grip and pull the handle to open the door. They are ideal for modern interiors and frequently used doors.
- Thumb Turn Handles: These are ideal for bathrooms and bedrooms. A simple twist of the thumb locks or unlocks the door without needing a key. This makes it a practical choice for personal spaces.
If you are unsure which door handle to choose for your glass doors, explore this complete guide on Types of Glass Doors.
Conclusion
Choose the type of door handle that enhances the vibe and style of your living space. A door handle can provide beauty, convenience, and a decorative touch.
This guide has pictures of all the door handles and locks, whether you are choosing one for your newly built house or replacing one for your renovated house. After all, a door handle may not be the first thing people notice, but they will notice it’s missing.
So, pick the correct one, and you will open doors to more than just rooms – maybe even compliments!
