When it comes to interior décor, it is the small things that are often as important as all the rest. It is this attention to detail that often makes a difference between a great interior and an ordinary one.
For example, you may spend time choosing just the right material, design, and features for external and other doors at home. These will be greatly enhanced if you also select the right door handles. After all, it is only with a door handle that a door is complete.
Door handle designs are also important when it comes to aesthetics. They can be classic or modern in style. They can complement your interiors, or they can provide a striking contrast.
As we shall go on to discuss in this blog, door handle designs come in a large variety of materials, types, and shapes. They can emphasise security, privacy and convenience. You should take care to choose just the right door handle design.
Interior and Exterior Door Handle Designs
The first thing to note is that there is often a clear difference between door handle designs for exterior doors and for doors that are inside the house.
Generally speaking, a door handle for an exterior door is stronger and more durable. It is also more secure in terms of locking mechanisms. Exterior door handles are also larger for ease of use.
Interior door handles can be more decorative and do not need extra security features. Very often, the designs match the décor of the interiors. They can be smaller, and they can also be in the form of doorknobs.
Interior door handles can also be chosen on the basis of practicality alone. They could be used only to open and shut doors, with locks being placed only on specific areas such as bathrooms.
Door Handle Types and Materials
The type of door handle designs you choose should depend on its main function. From this viewpoint, it can be helpful to classify door handle designs into three types:
- Lever with latch: These are among the most common. They have a lever that allows you to open the door. This is attached to a simple latch which keeps the door shut. They can also have a locking mechanism. In some designs, the lock is automatically activated when the door is shut, and in other cases, there is a keyhole.
- Pull handles: These are common in home interiors. They simply help you to open and shut the door.
- Recessed handles: Such handles are needed with sliding doors and glass doors. They are used to conveniently open and shut these types of doors and are flush with the surface.
There are many different types of material used in door handle designs. Consider the overall design and pros and cons before coming to a decision.
- Stainless steel and aluminium door handle designs are popular because they are cost effective, durable and easy to maintain.
- Door handles made from alloys such as brass or bronze have a vintage appeal. They can be treated to make them corrosion-resistant.
- Plastic and plastic-coated door handle designs are functional and attractive in various colours.
- Luxury door handle designs made from wood or glass are used in interiors to create accents that match the rest of the décor.
In general, it makes sense not to mix and match too many materials for interior and exterior door handles. Sticking to just a few will make the decor and the doors look like a seamless part of the whole.
Door Knobs Versus Door Handles
You can also opt for door knobs, which are circular in shape. These are smaller than door handles and can look more tasteful. They also come in a large variety of materials and designs.
Door knobs can be convenient and practical. Ceramic, glass and crystal door knobs add a dash of elegance to interiors.
When installing door knobs, care must be taken to place them in a position where they are easy to turn. If they are too close to the edge of the door, it becomes difficult to use them.
Often, door knobs require a grip that is firmer than door handles. As such may not be suitable for the elderly or infirm. Moreover, if your hands are moist or greasy, they can be difficult to use. Keep these aspects in mind when choosing the right type of door knob.
10 Stunning Door Handle Designs
Now, let’s turn to some classic and latest door handle designs. These will uplift the look of any door, be it internal, external, or sliding.
Vintage
Vintage and ornate door handle designs will always be classics. They can be crafted from a metal or metal alloy. In some of these door handle designs, there is also a sliding panel to protect the keyhole.
Professional
This type of smart and professional handle made from aluminum or steel will always look contemporary. This one is a good interior choice, as it comes without a key.
Unmissable
A doorknob and knocker are crafted to look like a lion’s head, which is both useful and distinctive. Many such door handle designs are fashioned to resemble similar animals.
Modern
Sleek and minimal interiors are well complemented with these types of door handle designs. They are generally crafted form aluminum or metal.
Recessed
Recessed door handle designs are just right for glass and sliding doors. For example, in balconies and passageways.
Blended
Some metallic door handles can be powder coated to match the colour of the doors or walls. These are example of door handle designs that are both robust and inobtrusive.
Distinctive
An utterly distinctive door handle that can become a talking point among guests and neighbours.
Intricate
Another beautiful example of a vintage design that complements interior styles. Such door handle designs can be crafted from light or dark metal.
Secure
For those who need extra security, a door handle is attached to a system of latches, without sacrificing style.
Combination
An update on a classic style, this brass door handle will make a quiet yet distinctive statement. It is one of the latest door handle designs out there, combining modern and traditional.
Choosing the Right Door Handle
As you have seen by now, there are various types and styles of door handle designs. Here is a brief guide to help you choose which one is right for your home.
First of all, consider the overall décor of your home. Is it eclectic, modern or conventional? Are all the rooms in the same style, or are some of them different? This will help you decide on the interior and exterior door handles and whether they should be sleek or vintage, ornate or understated.
Next, consider the security aspects of an exterior handle. Is the latch protected, and is the material durable? Do you need a locking system, or will one lock do? These are factors to keep in mind for the main door handle designs.
Of course, you can also mix and match door knobs and door handles. In such cases, consider the function of the door, as well as how the knobs and handles across doors will blend together.
Door handles also come in various finishes. They can be matt, glossy or textured. Again, your choice should depend on the overall look that you are aiming for.
Installing Door Handles
Naturally, door handles should be installed by professionals with the right expertise. However, it is always good for you to know the basic steps so that you can be sure of a good job.
First, the height of the door handle should be estimated and marked on the door. It should not be too high or too low but conveniently reachable for all members of your family.
Then, holes are drilled, and the latch is installed. Finally, the lever is fitted on both sides if necessary.
When installing a new handle or replacing a new one, care should be taken not to misalign or misorient it. The measurements and height should be precise. The handle should operate without friction and seamlessly fit into the latch.
Maintaining Door Handles
Door handles should be looked after and maintained in the same way that you maintain other parts of your interiors. This is often overlooked, leading to a shabby appearance. This would be a pity when it comes to luxury door handles.
Door handles should be dusted and cleaned regularly. Every once in a while, you should also check to see whether they are firm or have become loose because of the screws or other joints. If so, this needs to be corrected before they become worse.
Door handles that have become sticky should be lubricated for ease of use. There are various types of sprays and oils for this purpose. Wooden door handle designs should be chosen on the basis of how well they can withstand extremes of temperature. Often, engineered wood is the best choice.
Brass door handle designs made from metal alloys should be cleaned and polished regularly. Otherwise, they will look tarnished and dilapidated. For other types of door handles, you can use multi-purpose cleansers to keep them sparkling and new. This is especially important when it comes to the designer door hardware.
Last but not least, the keyhole aperture of external door handle designs should not ever be blocked or damaged. If keys are sticking or otherwise obstructed, you should get them checked right away.
Door Handle Designs: Summing Up
Door handles are important for reasons of security, aesthetics, and practicality. They are one object that you and your family will use several times a day. So, it is important to make the right choice.
Door handle designs come in various styles, from vintage to modern. You can choose to complement your interiors or provide a striking contrast. Door handle designs come in various materials, too. These handles vary according to functionality and look.
Exterior door handles should be easy to use, solid and secure. Interior door handles can be smaller. They can come with or without locks. You can even consider door knobs for this purpose.
Door handles should always be installed by experts. The height of the handle should be such that it is can be conveniently used by all those in the house.
It’s simple to maintain door handles. The right care depends on the materials that they are made of. Simply clean and care for them in the same way that you do for the other parts of your home interior.
At HomeLane, we’re always ready to lend a helping hand to all aspects of interior décor. Now that you know enough to make an informed choice of door handle designs, we suggest you check out our other interior tips, such as bedroom designs. There’s a lot more to explore.
FAQs
1. Are all door handles the same size?
Door handles come in various sizes, depending on the nature of the door and the requirement. In general, they should not be so big as to protrude from the door and not so small that they are impractical.
2. How do you measure an exterior door handle?
Some basic tips to keep in mind are:
- Measure the door thickness.
- Measure the door backset. This is the distance between the edge and the borehole for the handle.
- Measure the distance between the bores, depending on the latch and lever mechanism.
3. What are modern door handles?
Modern door handles are distinguished by clean lines, simple styles and contemporary materials. They are often made from metals such as steel. They are sleek and functional.
4. What are some popular door handle finishes?
- Matte black
- Polished stainless steel
- Satin-finish stainless steel
- Copper
5. What are some different types of door handles?
Generally speaking, there are lever handles, pull handles and door knobs. The right one depends on the style of the door, whether it is interior or exterior, and whether it should be lockable or not.
