Door Handles

Not sure which door handles are right for your doors? Start with how the door needs to work, then choose the style and finish. You can browse our complete range ...

Not sure which door handles are right for your doors? Start with how the door needs to work, then choose the style and finish. You can browse our complete range of door handles, but for most doors the first decision is whether you need a simple latch, a privacy function or a lock.

For bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms and hallways, standard internal door handles will usually operate a tubular latch, allowing the door to stay closed without locking. Bathrooms, cloakrooms and en-suites need privacy, so choose bathroom door handles designed to work with a bathroom lock or a separate turn and release. For entrance doors and other doors that need greater security, look at our external door handles and make sure the handle is suitable for the lock fitted to the door. If you are replacing handles on a uPVC or composite door, choose from our uPVC door handles and check important measurements such as the PZ centres, fixing centres and backplate length before ordering.

Once you know the function you need, consider the type of handle. Lever on rose door handles sit on a small round or square fixing plate and are a good choice when you want a clean, contemporary appearance. If the door needs to lock or you prefer a more traditional design, door handles on backplate are available in latch, lock and bathroom configurations; their larger backplate can also be useful when replacing older handles because it may help cover existing fixing marks. You can then choose a finish such as brass, chrome, black, bronze or nickel to complement the door and the other fittings in the room.

Types of Door Handles Explained

There are several types of door handles to choose from, and the best option depends on how the door needs to work, the hardware already fitted and the look you want to achieve. For a new internal door, you may have plenty of freedom to choose between a lever, knob or other design. When replacing existing handles, measurements and compatibility become more important.

Here are the main types of door handles and when you might choose each one.

Lever on Rose Door Handles

Lever on rose door handles have the lever mounted on a compact round or square plate called a rose. Because there is no long backplate, they create a neat, uncluttered appearance and are a popular choice for both modern and traditionally styled internal doors.

On a bedroom, living room or hallway door that does not need to lock, the handles can simply operate a suitable latch. If the door needs key-operated locking, a separate escutcheon can be fitted below the rose. For a bathroom or en-suite, a matching turn and release can be used with the appropriate bathroom lock.

Choose lever on rose handles if: you want a clean appearance and the flexibility to add separate locking or privacy furniture only where it is needed.

Lever on Backplate Door Handles

Door handles on backplate have the lever mounted on a longer plate that sits against the face of the door. They are available in a wide variety of contemporary and traditional designs and can combine the handle and its locking function within one coordinated fitting.

The important difference is the backplate configuration. Latch handles have a plain plate for doors that do not lock. Lock handles incorporate a keyhole for use with a suitable lock, while bathroom handles normally include a privacy turn and emergency release.

Backplate handles are also worth considering when replacing older door furniture. A larger new backplate may cover existing screw holes or marks that would remain visible with a smaller rose.

Choose backplate handles if: you prefer a longer plate, need an integrated latch, lock or bathroom configuration, or want to cover marks left by existing handles.

Door Knobs

Door knobs replace the conventional lever with a knob that is turned to retract the latch. They range from understated modern designs to traditional mortice, rim, porcelain, glass and period-style knobs, making them particularly useful when the character of the door is an important part of the interior.

One practical consideration is hand clearance. Because you grip and turn a knob rather than push a lever down, a knob fitted too close to the edge of the door can leave little room between your hand and the frame. Using an appropriate latch with a suitable backset can provide more comfortable clearance.

Choose door knobs if: you prefer their shape or traditional character and have enough clearance for the knob to be comfortably operated.

Pull Handles

Door pull handles are gripped and pulled rather than pushed down to operate a conventional latch. They are commonly used on entrance doors, commercial doors, double doors and other applications where a simple push-and-pull action is required.

Styles range from smaller traditional pull handles to long contemporary bar and back-to-back designs. When choosing a pull handle, consider the size and weight of the door, the length and projection of the handle, its fixing method and whether separate locking hardware is required.

Choose pull handles if: the door does not need a conventional lever-operated latch or you want a larger, more prominent handle for pushing and pulling the door.

Sliding and Flush Door Handles

Sliding and pocket doors usually need handles that project as little as possible from the face of the door. A standard lever can prevent the door sliding fully past another panel or into a pocket, so flush door handles and recessed pulls are often the better solution.

Flush pulls sit partly or completely within the door surface, providing a grip without creating a large obstruction. Some pocket doors also use an edge or finger pull so the door can be retrieved once it has slid fully into the opening.

Choose flush or sliding door handles if: the door needs to slide past another surface or disappear into a pocket without a projecting handle getting in the way.

uPVC Door Handles

uPVC door handles are designed to work with the multipoint locking systems commonly found on uPVC and many composite doors. Replacing them is more measurement-sensitive than changing a typical internal door handle, so choosing a replacement by appearance alone can easily result in the wrong fit.

Check the PZ measurement between the centre of the spindle and the centre of the cylinder, the fixing centres between the screw holes and the dimensions of the existing backplate. You should also establish whether the current arrangement is lever/lever or lever/pad.

Our guide to measuring uPVC door handles explains where to take these measurements before ordering.

Choose uPVC door handles if: you are fitting or replacing handles on a door with a compatible multipoint locking system—and always match the important measurements first.

Bathroom Door Handles

Bathroom door handles need to operate the door while also providing privacy from inside. One common option is a lever on a longer bathroom backplate, where the handle and privacy turn form part of the same fitting.

Alternatively, lever on rose handles can be paired with a separate turn and emergency release below the handle. In either arrangement, the handle, privacy furniture and bathroom lock need to be compatible with one another.

These setups are also commonly used on cloakrooms and en-suites where privacy is required without the need for a key.

Choose bathroom door handles if: the door needs a simple privacy-locking function that can be operated from inside and released from outside in an emergency.

Door Handle Packs

Door handle packs are not a separate style of handle, but they can be one of the easiest ways to specify the hardware for a new internal door. Instead of selecting every component individually, the pack brings together compatible items for a particular setup.

Our packs typically include the door handles, hinges, latch, strike plate and required fixings, making them particularly useful for new doors, renovations and multi-door projects where you want coordinated hardware without having to match each component separately.

Choose a door handle pack if: you are fitting new internal doors and want a convenient set of compatible hardware rather than purchasing the handles, latch and hinges individually.

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Lever on Rose Door Handles

Explore lever handles on round and square roses in a wide choice of modern, traditional and decorative designs. The collection includes numerous finishes, shapes and styles to suit different interiors, doors and overall room schemes.

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Lever on Backplate Door Handles

Browse lever handles mounted on longer backplates, with styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. The collection includes latch, lock and bathroom configurations, giving you practical options for different rooms, door functions and interior finishes.

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Door Knobs

Discover a broad selection of door knobs for both classic and contemporary interiors. Choose from different shapes, materials and finishes, with options suitable for internal doors, traditional settings and a variety of latch or lock arrangements.

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Pull Handles

Shop pull handles in a variety of lengths, profiles, materials and finishes for internal, entrance and commercial-style doors. The collection includes both understated and statement designs to suit different door sizes, styles and applications.

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uPVC Door Handles

Find replacement and new-fit handles for uPVC and compatible multipoint doors, with options covering different fixing centres, backplate sizes and finishes. The collection is designed to make it easier to match existing door hardware.

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Door Handle Packs

Choose complete door handle packs that combine the key components needed for installation in one convenient set. They are ideal for new doors, refurbishments and larger projects where matching hardware and straightforward purchasing are important.

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Bathroom Door Handles

Explore bathroom door handles designed for privacy and locking applications, with a range of styles, backplates and finishes available. The collection includes options suited to bathrooms, cloakrooms and en-suites across both modern and traditional interiors.

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Sliding Door Handles

Browse handles designed for sliding, pocket and other space-saving doors, including recessed and low-profile options. The collection offers a choice of shapes, finishes and styles for doors where a projecting lever handle may be unsuitable.

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Internal Door Handles

Browse our complete range of internal door handles in one place, including lever on rose, backplate, knob, bathroom and other styles. Ideal if you want to compare different types, finishes and functions before deciding what best suits each room.

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External / Front Door Handles

Explore our full range of external and front door handles, including lever, pull, multipoint and replacement options. A useful starting point if you want to compare different styles, finishes and locking arrangements before narrowing down the right handle for your door.

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Shop Door Handles by Finish

The finish can completely change the look of your door handles, so browse by colour and surface style to find options that complement your doors, furniture and wider interior.

Antique Brass

Antique brass door handles combine warm, aged golden-brown tones with plenty of character. A popular choice for both period and modern interiors, they pair especially well with natural timber, deep paint colours and other heritage-inspired door furniture.

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Polished Brass

Polished brass door handles have a bright, reflective golden finish that feels classic yet works equally well in considered modern schemes. Choose them to add warmth, especially alongside timber doors, warm colours and coordinating polished brass fittings.

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Satin Brass

Satin brass door handles offer the warmth of brass with a softer, low-sheen surface. They suit contemporary and transitional interiors particularly well, pairing beautifully with neutral colours, dark cabinetry, natural timber and other satin brass hardware.

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Polished Chrome

Polished chrome door handles have a bright, mirror-like silver finish that creates a crisp, clean look. They are ideal for modern interiors and make coordinating with chrome taps, lighting, bathroom fittings and other polished hardware straightforward.

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Satin Chrome

Satin chrome door handles have a softer, brushed silver appearance with less reflection than polished chrome. Choose them for an understated modern look that coordinates easily with brushed metal fittings and is more forgiving of everyday marks.

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Black

Black door handles create strong contrast and work across modern, industrial and traditional interiors. They are particularly effective on white, neutral, coloured and natural timber doors, making black a versatile choice when you want the hardware to stand out.

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Matt Black

Matt black door handles are a particularly popular contemporary choice, combining bold contrast with a smooth, low-sheen finish. They work especially well with neutral rooms, oak or painted doors, dark cabinetry and black-framed glazing.

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Antique Black

Antique black door handles offer a softer, more traditional character than smooth matt black. Their aged appearance suits cottages, farmhouses and period interiors especially well, where they pair naturally with timber doors and heritage-style hinges and fittings.

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Bronze

Bronze door handles bring deeper brown and metallic tones to the door, offering a warmer alternative to black. They complement natural timber, earthy colour schemes and richer interiors, and can work equally well in traditional or contemporary settings.

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Nickel

Nickel door handles offer two distinct looks: polished nickel for a brighter, warmer shine, or satin nickel for a softer brushed appearance. Both are versatile choices that coordinate particularly well with painted doors, natural timber and modern interiors.

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Aluminium

Aluminium door handles have a clean, understated metallic appearance that suits modern homes, offices and commercial-style interiors. Choose them where you want simple, functional-looking door furniture that coordinates easily with neutral colours and contemporary fittings.

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Stainless Steel

Stainless steel door handles offer a crisp, contemporary metallic look and suit modern homes, offices and higher-use settings. They are a strong choice where clean styling, practical design and easy coordination with other modern hardware are priorities.

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Door Handles FAQs

Choosing door handles is much easier once you know the type of door, how it needs to operate and whether you are fitting new hardware or replacing existing handles. These answers cover the most important things to check before ordering.

Start by deciding what the door needs to do. A standard internal door that does not need to lock will usually use a latch handle, while bathrooms require a privacy function and lockable rooms need handles that work with a suitable lock. uPVC and multipoint doors require more specific replacement handles. Once you know the function, choose the format you prefer, such as lever on rose, lever on backplate, door knobs or pull handles, followed by the style and finish.

No. Door handles vary in lever length, rose or backplate size, fixing positions, projection and the dimensions required to work with different latches and locks. This is particularly important when replacing existing handles, as the new fittings may need to line up with existing holes and hardware. If you are fitting handles to a new door you usually have more flexibility, but the handles, spindle, latch or lock and door thickness must still be compatible.

Lever on rose handles have a small round or square plate where the lever meets the door, creating a neat, minimal appearance. If the door needs to lock, separate escutcheons or a turn and release can be fitted below the rose. Lever on backplate handles use a longer plate and are commonly available in latch, key-locking and bathroom versions. Backplates can also be useful when replacing older handles because their larger surface may cover existing fixing holes or marks.

The difference is what the door needs to do. Latch handles simply operate a latch so the door opens and stays closed without locking. Lock handles are used with a suitable lock where key-operated security is required. Bathroom handles work with a bathroom lock to provide privacy, normally using a thumbturn inside and an emergency release outside. Lever-on-rose handles can perform the same functions using separate keyhole escutcheons or turn-and-release furniture. Our latch, lock and bathroom handle guide explains each setup in more detail.

Often, yes. If the existing latch or lock operates correctly and is compatible with the new handles, there is usually no need to replace it. Check the spindle, fixing positions and, for lock or bathroom handles, the centres between the handle and keyhole or turn. Also consider whether the new rose or backplate will cover marks left by the old handles. If you are changing the type or function of the handle, a different latch or lock may be required.

Start by measuring the existing handle rather than relying on its appearance. For backplate handles, check the plate length and width, fixing centres and the position of the spindle. If there is a keyhole or bathroom turn, measure from the centre of the spindle to the centre of that opening. Also check the door thickness and whether a smaller replacement plate would expose old screw holes or marks. For uPVC handles, additional PZ and fixing-centre measurements are essential.

Many lever door handles are supplied as a pair, giving you one handle for each side of the door, normally with a connecting spindle and appropriate fixings. However, this is not universal. Pull handles, specialist handles, some knobs and replacement components may be sold individually or in different configurations. Always check the product description and the stated price unit before ordering, particularly if you are buying handles for several doors.

Usually, standard door handles and the latch or lock are sold separately. This allows you to choose the correct mechanism for the door rather than being restricted to one size or function. What is included varies between products, so always check the individual specification. If you are fitting a new door and want compatible components together, door handle packs can be a convenient option and may include handles, a latch and other essential fittings.

For a normal internal door that only needs to stay closed, you will usually need a tubular or mortice latch. If the door needs to lock with a key, choose a compatible mortice lock or sashlock. Bathrooms normally require a bathroom lock that can be operated by a thumbturn and emergency release. The correct size also matters: check the backset, handle centres and door setup so the handle sits comfortably away from the frame and aligns correctly with the mechanism.

Measure before buying, as uPVC door handles that look almost identical can have different dimensions. The key measurements are the PZ centres between the spindle and cylinder, the fixing centres between the screw holes and the overall backplate size. You should also check whether your existing setup is lever/lever or lever/pad. Never assume a common size will fit your door. Our uPVC door handle measuring guide shows exactly where each measurement should be taken.

Only if the manufacturer states that the handles are suitable for external use. An external door exposes its hardware to greater changes in temperature, moisture and, depending on its position, direct weathering. The handle must also be compatible with the door's locking arrangement and security requirements. A finish that performs well indoors is not automatically suitable outside, so check the product specification rather than choosing an internal handle purely because the design matches.

Consider the door colour, surrounding interior and other visible metal fittings. Black and matt black create strong contrast and work particularly well in modern schemes, while antique brass adds warmth and character. Satin brass offers a softer contemporary gold tone, chrome provides a clean silver appearance, and nickel is available in both bright and brushed looks. Bronze works especially well with timber and warmer interiors. Coordinating handles with hinges, locks, lighting or nearby fittings usually creates the most considered result.

Lever handles are easy to operate and are the most versatile choice for everyday doors, with styles available for contemporary and traditional interiors. Door knobs offer a more distinctive, often more traditional appearance and work particularly well in period schemes. Knobs require a turning action rather than pushing down a lever, and sufficient clearance from the door frame is important. A latch or lock with a longer backset may therefore be preferable when fitting some door knob designs.

Use door handles and associated hardware that are suitable for the particular fire-door application. A handle simply fitting the door does not mean it is appropriate for use on a fire-rated doorset. Check the manufacturer's fire-test or certification information, the required fire rating and compatibility with the latch, lock and other door hardware. The complete doorset needs to perform correctly, so never assume that fitting one fire-rated component by itself makes the entire door compliant.