Door Handles and Knobs

Selecting the right door handles and knobs for your property involves understanding the different types, finishes, and functions available. Our comprehensive collection includes seven specialist subcategories to help you find exactly what you need.

Door Handle Types for Every Application

Door handles on rose offer a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic with the lever mounted on a circular rose. This modern design works beautifully in new-build properties and contemporary renovations, requiring a separate keyhole escutcheon if locking is needed. Alternatively, door handles on backplates provide a traditional look with the lever and keyhole integrated into a single backplate, making them ideal for period properties and easier to align during installation.

For authentic period styling, mortice knobs and rim knobs deliver timeless elegance. Mortice knobs work with mortice locks recessed into the door, while rim knobs pair with surface-mounted rim locks. Both options are popular in Victorian, Georgian, and Edwardian properties where traditional door furniture is essential for maintaining architectural authenticity.

Door pull handles serve both functional and aesthetic purposes on entrance doors, French doors, and sliding doors. Available in various lengths and finishes, pull handles provide a substantial grip and create a striking visual statement. For modern entrance doors and composite doors, multipoint door handles integrate with multipoint locking systems, offering enhanced security with lift-lever operation.

Traditional properties benefit from thumb and ring latch sets, which provide rustic charm for cottage doors, garden gates, and stable doors. These hand-forged pieces add character and authenticity to period renovations. For complete door installation, our door hardware kits bundle handles with compatible latches, locks, and hinges, ensuring all components work together seamlessly.

Understanding Door Handle Functions

Door furniture comes in three primary functions. Passage sets are non-locking handles used for rooms requiring no privacy—hallways, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. The lever or knob operates a latch that holds the door closed but doesn't lock. Privacy sets include a locking mechanism, typically a thumb turn on the inside and an emergency release on the outside, making them essential for bathrooms and bedrooms. Dummy handles don't turn or operate a latch; they're fixed decorative handles used on one side of double doors, cupboards, or where a pull handle is needed without latching.

Fire doors in commercial properties and some domestic settings require CE-marked, fire-rated door furniture tested to maintain the door's fire resistance rating (FD30 or FD60). Our range clearly indicates which products meet these Building Regulations requirements, and our experienced team can advise on compliance for your specific project.

Choosing the Right Finish

Door handle finishes dramatically impact your interior aesthetic. Polished chrome delivers a bright, reflective finish that suits modern and contemporary interiors, offering excellent durability and easy maintenance. Satin chrome provides a softer, brushed appearance that hides fingerprints better while maintaining a contemporary feel.

Polished brass brings warmth and traditional elegance, developing a natural patina over time that adds character. Satin brass offers a softer, brushed brass finish that's currently trending in both modern and traditional settings. Antique brass features a deliberately aged appearance that complements period properties and heritage restorations.

Matt black has become increasingly popular for industrial, minimalist, and contemporary interiors, creating bold contrast against light-colored doors. Antique black and pewter finishes suit traditional and rustic properties, while beeswax finishes on hand-forged ironmongery provide authentic period character.

When selecting finishes, consider matching your door furniture to other fixtures throughout your property—light switches, plug sockets, radiator valves, and cabinet hardware—to create a cohesive design scheme.

Sprung vs Unsprung Handles

Sprung handles contain an internal spring mechanism that returns the lever to horizontal after use, working with tubular latches for modern convenience. Unsprung handles require a sprung latch mechanism (typically found in traditional mortice locks) to return the lever to position. Period properties often use unsprung handles for authenticity, while modern installations prefer sprung handles for ease of use.

Compatibility with Locks and Latches

Door handles must be compatible with your chosen locks and latches. The backset measurement (distance from door edge to spindle center) is typically 44mm or 57mm in the UK. Door thickness also matters—standard UK internal doors are 35-45mm thick, while external doors can be thicker. Our door furniture accessories collection includes spindles, escutcheons, and fixings to ensure proper installation.

Brand Quality and Value

We stock premium brands known for quality and reliability. Carlisle Brass offers excellent value with modern designs and reliable construction, perfect for rental properties or projects requiring multiple doors. Heritage Brass provides mid-range quality with extensive style options suitable for most domestic and commercial applications. From The Anvil represents premium, hand-forged ironmongery with beeswax finishes, ideal for statement entrances and period restorations. Frelan Hardware delivers quality architectural ironmongery across various price points.

Whether you're renovating a Victorian terrace, fitting out a new-build development, or upgrading a commercial property, our door handles and knobs collection provides solutions for every style, budget, and application. Browse by finish using our search by finish tool, or explore our complete architectural ironmongery range for coordinating hardware throughout your project.