Heritage Brass Door Handles on Backplate

Matching the handle to the lock

Choosing Door Handles with a Lock

Most searches for door handles with a lock are really asking one question: which handle goes with the lock already in the door? A backplate handle makes that simple, because the keyhole or cylinder cut-out is built into the plate. Match the plate to the lock and the door is done.

Doors that lock with a key: choose lever lock handles on backplate and fit a York 3 lever sash lock for internal doors, or a BS3621 5 lever sash lock where your insurer asks for one. Older doors with a narrow oval keyhole take oval lock door handles.

Doors with a cylinder: euro lock door handles fit a York euro profile sash lock and a euro cylinder, so the door can be locked with a key on one side and a thumb turn on the other. Composite and timber front doors with a multipoint lock need multipoint door handles.

Bathrooms and en-suites: there are two options. Bathroom lock door handles work with a mortice York bathroom lock, which throws a solid deadbolt when you turn the snib. Privacy door handles, usually on a shorter plate, work with a standard tubular latch and simply stop the latch being drawn back. Doors that do not lock at all just need lever latch handles on backplate or short plate latch handles and a York tubular latch.

Not sure what is in your door? Send us a photo of the lock edge and the centres, and our team will tell you which plate fits.

Period and traditional styles

Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian Door Handles on Backplate

Backplate handles are the original period door handle. Victorian and Edwardian joiners fitted long brass plates to tall four and six panel doors, and the look is still the first choice for restoring a period home.

Georgian and Regency: simple scrolled levers on slim plates, such as the Georgian door handles on backplate and Georgian Short designs, or the Gainsborough.

Victorian and Edwardian: heavier shaped levers on long plates, such as the Edwardian door handles, Victoria, Windsor, Bedford and Buckingham designs. Short plate versions such as Victoria Short and Windsor Short suit doors with narrow stiles.

Art Deco and 1930s: stepped and reeded plates, such as Deco, Waldorf and the reeded door handles on backplate range.

Modern traditional: clean lines that suit new builds and renovated cottages, such as Bauhaus, Octave and Gio, or the textured hammered door handles on backplate.

For the most authentic look, pair period handles with antique brass door handles on backplate or polished brass, and finish the door with Heritage Brass hinges.

Backplate Door Handle Questions

What are lever lock door handles?

Lever lock door handles are lever handles on a backplate with a keyhole below the lever. They work with a sash lock, so the door latches with the handle and locks with a key. See our lever lock handles.

What is the difference between a standard and a euro backplate?

A standard (lever lock) backplate has a traditional keyhole for a mortice sash lock. A euro backplate has a cut-out for a euro cylinder, which you can rekey or swap without changing the lock body.

Can I use backplate handles on a front door?

Yes. Euro lock and multipoint backplates are made for external doors. Choose a hard-wearing finish such as antique brass or matt bronze for doors that face the weather.

What is the difference between bathroom lock and privacy door handles?

Bathroom lock handles need a mortice bathroom lock that throws a deadbolt. Privacy handles work with a standard tubular latch and lock the latch itself, so they are quicker to fit but less secure.

What door handles suit a Victorian or Georgian house?

Shaped levers on long backplates in antique or polished brass are the most authentic choice. The Edwardian, Victoria, Windsor and Georgian designs are all based on traditional patterns.

Can I see Heritage Brass backplate handles before I buy?

Yes. Our Kendal showroom and Carlisle trade counter both have a large Heritage Brass display, so you can compare designs, finishes and plate sizes in person.

Heritage Brass Door Handles on Backplate