The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Door Handles for Your Home
Whether you’re renovating your home or want to update and refresh a few interior details, selecting the right door handles is an essential yet often overlooked decision. This guide will walk you through every consideration to help you make an informed choice.
Introduction to Door Handles
Door handles are more than functional accessories, they contribute to your interior aesthetic and usability. Whether it’s door knobs or lever handles, the choices you make can complete alter a feel to any interior space.
The Role of Door Handles in Home Design
A door handle can complement and enhance your interior design, and can either act as a subtle addition or a bold statement piece. The right handle ties together your decor, reflecting on style and personality.
The Functional Importance of Door Handles
Beyond aesthetics, door handles must be durable, easy to operate and functional. They play a crucial role in security and accessibility, impacting the everyday convenience of your home.
Types of Door Handles
Lever Handles: Functionality and Style
Lever Handles are popular for their ease of use and designs. Available in a variety of styles, finishes and textures, they suit modern and traditional homes alike.
Mortice Knobs: Traditional Charm
Mortice Knobs are currently seeing a comeback and are set to be big in 2025. They bring a timeless appeal, and are ideal for vintage or classic interiors. However, they may not be the best choice for everyone due to the twisting motion and grip required to operate them.
Pull Handles: Simplicity and Ease
Pull Handles are often seen in more commercial settings, and are a sleek and minimalist choice. They combine functionality with a streamlined design.
Material and Finishes
Stainless Steel: Durability and Shine
Known for resistance, stainless steel offers a modern look, whether it’s polished or satin.
Brass: Timeless Elegance
Brass handles bring a warm, classic touch, but can often be plated in many other finishes, offering a versatile choice.
Bronze: Distinctive Character
With it’s unique patina, whether it’s real bronze or imitation - these finishes add a vintage, artisanal quality that can age beautifully over time.
Choosing the Right Style
Contemporary Designs for Modern Homes
Sleek lines, geometric shapes, and neutral tones combine all the elements for contemporary handles, ideal for minimalist interiors.
Classic Designs: Timeless Elegance
Traditional or Victorian style interiors, opt for more intricate details, textures and are generally more rounded.
Rustic Designs: Adding Character
Rustic handles, often in black japanned or aged finishes, add a cozy, farmhouse vibe to your space.
Functionality Considerations
Ease of Use: Comfort and Convenience
Ensure the handle is comfortable to grip and operate, especially for young children or older adults.
Accessibility Features in Door Handles
Lever handles are excellent for accessibility, catering to those with limited mobility.
Security Features: Safety First
Some door handles are available on backplates, where cylinder cut outs for locks are already in place. These make it super easy to operate doors that are locking.
Matching turn & releases are also often available for toilet and bathroom doors - ensuring safety and privacy when needed. These also have an emergency coin release - meaning that access is optional in an emergency.
Size and Proportion
Standard Sizes: Common Applications
Most door handles are designed to fit all doors, but you may want to bear in mind the aesthetic appearance if internal doors have stiles or are panelled. Mortice knobs can vary in size, so ensure your choice matches the door dimensions for a seamless finish.
Choosing the Right Size: Guidelines and Tips
Oversized handles can make a statement, also if they are chunky. Smaller ones work best in compact spaces - keep scale and proportion in mind.
Installation and Maintenance
DIY Installation Tips
If you’re a DIY enthusiast, ensure you have the right tools and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully.
Professional Installation: When to call an Expert
For complex mechanisms or specialist handles, hiring a professional installer ensures proper alignment and functionality.
Maintenance and Care for Longevity
Make sure to refer to manufacturers guidelines and best practices for the chosen finish when it comes to cleaning. This will keep your handles looking and working their best.
Cost Considerations
Budget Friendly Options: Affordable Quality
There are numerous options available that balance quality with affordability. In recent years, many manufacturers have explored multiple finish options and designs, to make high end designs a lot more affordable.
Luxury Door Handles: Premium Choices
Many British Manufacturers offer luxury choices of door handles, where the material is often solid brass and then finishes are applied over it. High end handles often feature exquisite designs and craftsmanship. These will definitely add a touch of luxury to your home.
Where to Buy
Online Retailers: Convenience and Variety
Our online store offers a wide range of designs and finishes, with many options in stock and available for next day delivery. The images are normally available in different finishes, enabling you to make an informed decision on what best suits your interior space.
Hardware Showroom: Personalised Service
Visiting our Showroom in Wimbledon allows you to see and feel the handles, and always with expert advice tailored to your needs.
Making the Final Decision
Checklist for Choosing the Perfect Door Handles
Match the style to your home decor
Consider functionality and accessibility
Select the best material and finish suited to your requirements
Stay within your budget
Conclusion
Choosing the right door handles combines style, functionality, and practicality. With this guide, you’re well-equipped to make a decision that enhances your home’s design and everyday comfort. Explore SDS London’s extensive range of door handles for inspiration, and let our experts assist you in finding the perfect match.
Visit our Wimbledon showroom or shop online today to transform your doors into design statements.
