A door handle may seem like an unassuming yet essential detail. It is the first thing you touch when you come home and the last thing you use when you leave. The right handle makes your home safer, more functional, and more beautiful.
This guide will explain common types of door handles and popular door handle styles, helping you choose the most suitable one for every door in your house.
Types of Door Handles: What’s the Job?
The following are common types of door handles. Having a more comprehensive understanding of them will help you make the best choice.
Lever Handle
This is a popular and easy-to-use handle where you simply push the lever down to operate the latch. Its intuitive motion makes it an excellent choice for interior doors like bedrooms and bathrooms. It’s particularly helpful for people with arthritis, sore hands, or young children who may struggle with twisting a traditional knob. The design complies with accessibility standards and is available in a vast range of styles from classic to modern.
Doorknob
The classic round knob requires a twisting motion to retract the door latch. Doorknobs are a traditional fixture found on both interior and exterior doors in many homes. While they offer a timeless aesthetic, their operation can be challenging for those with limited hand strength or when hands are full. They remain a common, cost-effective choice but are often less accessible than lever alternatives.
Passage Door Handle
This is a non-locking handle used on doors where privacy or security is not needed, such as closets, hallways, or between living spaces. Its only job is to open and close the door smoothly. Passage sets can feature either a lever or a knob, as the internal mechanism lacks any locking function. They are a simple, functional solution for connecting rooms without creating barriers.
Privacy Door Handle
Designed for interior rooms like bathrooms and bedrooms, this handle features a simple, keyless locking mechanism for personal privacy. From inside, a button, twist, or turn-lock engages the bolt. It can be unlocked from the outside in an emergency using a small tool or coin inserted into a slot on the exterior knob. This provides personal privacy without the need for managing keys.
Keyed Entry Door Handle
This handle is designed for security on exterior doors, such as main entries. It integrates a keyed cylinder, requiring a physical key to unlock it from the outside. These handlesets often include or are paired with a separate deadbolt for enhanced protection. As the primary point of security for a home, they are robustly constructed and are essential for controlling access to the property.
Pull Handle
Commonly found on cabinets, drawers, and sliding doors, pull handles are also used on heavy interior or commercial doors. They operate through a straightforward pulling action rather than a twisting or pushing motion. Their design is typically sleek and minimalist, offering a clean, modern look that can be both stylish and highly functional, especially where a solid grip is needed.
Flush Handle
This is a minimalist and space-saving handle. You often see these on modern cabinets or shower doors. The handle is recessed into the door, creating a smooth, flat surface. To operate, you hook a finger into the recessed pull. Flush handles offer a very clean, streamlined look and are perfect for tight spaces.
Dummy Door Handle
A stationary handle which is purely for looks. It is mounted on a door that doesn’t latch, such as the fixed side of a double door. Dummy handles provide the desired aesthetic cohesion without any mechanical function.
Smart Door Handle
This is the handle of the future. A smart door handle offers keyless entry through methods like numeric keypads, fingerprint readers, or Bluetooth connectivity to a smartphone. They provide high-tech convenience, perfect for a contemporary home.
Door Handle Styles: What’s the Look?
Once you know the type, pick a style that matches your home’s personality.
Modern Door Handle
Modern door handles emphasize simplicity, clean lines, and functional design. Think long, smooth levers or geometric knobs. Common finishes include matte black, brushed nickel, satin chrome, and нержавеющая сталь. This style prioritizes a sleek and minimalist look.
Vintage Door Handle
Vintage or rustic door handles bring charm and a sense of history. They often showcase intricate detailing, classic shapes such as porcelain knobs, and finishes like aged brass, oil-rubbed bronze, or antique copper. These handles add warmth and timeless feel, great for adding character to a bedroom or front entry.
Decorative Door Handle
This is where the handle becomes art. A decorative handle is bold and eye-catching. It could feature handcrafted metalwork, crystal accents, or unique shapes. Designed to stand out, these handles complement a room’s decor and reflect personal style—perfect for adding elegance or drama.
How to Choose the Right Handle?
With countless options available, here’s a simple way to make your decisions:
- Function First. Is it a passage door inside, or a keyed entry for your front doors? The function comes first.
- Match Your Style. Does your home feel modern, rustic, or vintage? Choose a handle style that fits. A matte black lever looks great in a modern space; an ornate brass knob fits a vintage home.
- Consider the finish. The finish affects both aesthetics and durability. Chrome is shiny and easy to clean. Brass and bronze offer warm, classic tones. Matte black is a popular, on-trend choice that hides marks well.
- Think of the User. For children, the elderly, or anyone with limited hand strength, a lever handle is a more user-friendly choice.
- Don’t forget quality. A door handle is a high-use item. For exterior doors, a strong lock and solid handle are important for ensuring long-term safety and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of door handles?
Door handles primarily fall into several categories: knobs, lever handles, passage handles, privacy handles, keyed entry handles, pull handles, dummy handles, smart handles, flush handles and so on.
What are the different types of lever handles?
Lever handles are categorized by function and style. Key types include entry levers, privacy levers, and passage levers. Styles vary from traditional ornate designs to modern minimalist bars. D-shaped and back-to-back levers are also common, with options for left- or right-handed operation.
What is the new trend in door handles?
Current trends emphasize minimalism and tactile quality. Sleek, matte black finishes remain popular. Geometric, angular designs and ultra-slim lever profiles are key. There’s also a strong focus on sustainability, with handles made from recycled materials. Smart handles with integrated fingerprint or keypad entry are gaining traction for a seamless, keyless experience.