Door Handle Buying Guide: Types, Materials, and Installation Tips

Discover the perfect door handle for your home. Compare types, explore durable materials, and get easy installation tips for style, security, and comfort.

Door handles serve more than a simple function of opening and closing doors, as they are essential for your home's security, usability, and overall design. Selecting the right door handle can unify a room’s style, while the wrong choice may cause ongoing frustration.

With countless styles and finishes available, choosing the ideal door handle can feel overwhelming. This thorough guide will cover all the important factors to help you make an informed decision, ensuring you pick door handles that combine beauty and practicality.

Understanding Different Types of Door Handles for Your Home

Before selecting door hardware, it’s essential to understand the various types of door handles and their specific functions. Choosing the wrong type can affect usability and security. Therefore, knowing the differences helps you make the best choice for your space.

Photo by Jacob Snavely Photography and design by JMORRIES

Door Knobs vs. Lever Handles: Which Door Handle is Best?

Door Knobs: These classic round door knobs require a twisting motion to open and are a timeless option that complements traditional and period-style homes. You might love the warmth of a brass knob and combine it with the rustic charm of antique brass handles for a rich, inviting feel. Door knobs are less likely to catch on clothing, making them practical in many settings. However, they can be difficult to operate for people with limited hand strength, including seniors, children, or individuals with arthritis.

Image Credit: Probico

Lever Handles: Lever door handles offer a modern, ergonomic design that opens with a simple push down, making them highly accessible and user-friendly. This makes them a preferred choice for residential and commercial buildings, especially for those seeking ease of use. Consider options like a cool nickel handle or cool-toned nickel finishes for a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. The downside is that lever door handles may occasionally catch on clothing or bags.

Door Handle Lock Functions: How to Choose the Right Door Hardware for Security and Convenience?

Understanding the different door handle with lock functions and locking mechanisms is crucial to selecting the perfect hardware for each door in your home. The intended use of the door will determine which door handle type and lock are best suited for your needs.

Passage Handles: Designed for interior doors that don’t require locking, such as closets, pantries, or hallways. These interior door handles feature a latch mechanism but no lock, allowing free passage.

Privacy Handles: Perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms, privacy handles include a simple locking mechanism, which is usually a push-button or thumb-turn, that secures the door from the inside. They don’t require a key but often have an emergency release hole on the exterior for safety access.

Keyed Entry Handles: Ideal for exterior door handles like front and back entrances, or any interior doors requiring keyed security. These door handles with lock feature a key-operated lock on the outside and a thumb-turn or button lock on the inside.

Handlesets: Commonly used on main entry doors, handlesets combine a decorative lever or knob with a deadbolt lock for added security and style. They typically include a grip handle mounted on a decorative plate, often designed with hand-polished pull finishes or elongated bar pull shapes for aesthetics and comfort.

Dummy Handles: These handles serve a decorative purpose only and lack any latch or locking function. Dummy handles are often used on doors without latches, such as French doors or closet doors with magnetic catches, sometimes styled with sculptural pulls or oversized pulls for dramatic impact.

Best Door Handle Materials & Finishes

Choosing the right door handle materials and finishes is essential not only for aesthetic appeal but also for long-lasting durability, wear resistance, and ease of maintenance. The material you select impacts how well your door handles perform in different environments.

Object: Mi & Gei Forme N18 Door Lever 

Stainless Steel Door Handles: Known for their sleek, modern appearance and outstanding durability, stainless steel handles resist rust and corrosion. These modern door handles offer durability and a clean look, perfect for both interior door handles and exterior door handles. Additionally, stainless steel requires minimal upkeep and is easy to clean.

Brass Door Handles: A timeless choice, warm-toned brass combined with a set of brushed brass cabinet pulls adds warmth and sophistication to any space. They naturally resist corrosion and offer antimicrobial properties. Whether you opt for polished brass or antique brass door handles, these finishes can age gracefully with a rich patina. While durable, brass door handles tend to be pricier than other metal options.

Bronze Door Handles: Offering a classic and historic look, bronze is highly durable and valued for its unique patina that develops over time. Bronze finishes range from light and polished to dark and antique, providing versatile styling options for traditional and rustic interiors.

Chrome Door Handles: Available in polished or satin finishes, chrome delivers a modern, stylish touch. Polished chrome provides a mirror-like shine, while satin chrome offers a softer, brushed texture. Although chrome is durable, it can show fingerprints and water spots, so regular cleaning is highly recommended.

Matte Black Door Handles: A bold and contemporary finish, matte black hardware adds a sleek, industrial, or minimalist vibe to any room. These black door handles are fashionable and fingerprint-resistant, making them an excellent low-maintenance choice.

Other Materials: Door knobs and door handles are also available in unique materials like wood, glass, porcelain, and leather. These offer distinct textures and visual interest but may require extra care and might not match the durability of metal handles.

Essential Door Handle Measurements: Sizing and Compatibility

Before choosing a door handle, it’s crucial to verify that it fits your door perfectly. Incorrect measurements are a common error that can lead to installation issues and wasted money.

Object:Mi & Gei Privacy Door Lever Forme N25

Door Thickness: Most door handles and door knobs are designed for standard door thicknesses, but measuring your door accurately is key. Ensure the spindle, which is the square rod connecting both handles, and the screws are the correct length to fit your door’s thickness.

Backset Measurement: The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the handle’s bore hole, where the latch or lock fits. Standard backsets are typically 2-3/8 inches or 2-3/4 inches. Measuring this ensures your new door handle with lock will align correctly with the door frame.

PZ Measurement: For doors with multi-point locking systems—common in uPVC or composite doors—the PZ measurement is vital. This is the distance between the center of the handle and the center of the keyhole. The standard PZ size is often 92mm, but it is important to double-check your existing sliding door hardware or lock before purchasing.

Screw-to-Screw Distance: Measure the space between screw holes on your current handle’s backplate. This is important if you are replacing an old door handle and want to cover any previous screw marks or holes seamlessly.

Security Features for Door Handles

When it comes to exterior door security, the door handle plays an important role alongside the lock cylinder. Choosing door handles with lock and advanced security features helps protect your home from break-ins and tampering.

High-Security Door Handles: Opt for handles equipped with reinforced backplates or cylinder guards that shield the lock cylinder from forced entry methods like snapping or picking. These handles often meet recognized security standards, ensuring reliable protection for your exterior door handles. 

Deadbolts and Multi-Point Locking Systems:  For enhanced security, pair your door handle with a deadbolt lock. For uPVC or composite doors, sliding door locks and multi-point locking systems secure the door at multiple points along the frame, offering superior resistance against forced entry.

Smart Door Locks: For homeowners seeking convenience and modern security, smart door handles provide keyless entry via keypads, fingerprint scanners, or smartphone apps. These smart locks often include features like activity monitoring and temporary access codes. Always choose smart locks with a mechanical key override to ensure access during power outages or technical failures.

Ergonomics and Accessibility: Choosing Door Handles for Every User

Selecting door handles with ergonomics and accessibility in mind ensures comfort and ease of use for all members of your household, regardless of age or mobility.

Object: Mi & Gei Forme N26 door lever set

Lever Handles for Accessibility: Lever-style door handles offer a simple push-down motion, which is easier to operate than traditional door knobs. This makes them an excellent choice for people with limited hand strength, arthritis, or mobility challenges.

Comfortable Grip and Smooth Operation: The feel of a door handle is important, so look for handles that provide a comfortable grip and operate smoothly. Whenever possible, test samples in-store to assess their ergonomics before making a purchase. Door handles with hand-cast metal hardware construction often ensure durability with a comfortable feel.

Safety and Usability for Children and Seniors: Consider how children and elderly family members will interact with the door handle. Avoid designs that are too small or difficult to maneuver, as they can pose safety risks or limit accessibility.

Door Handle Installation: Should You DIY or Hire a Professional?

The ease of door handle installation can significantly influence your choice of hardware.

DIY Installation: Replacing an existing interior door handle or exterior door handle with the same type and size is often a simple DIY task. Basic tools like a screwdriver and measuring tape are usually all you need to complete the job quickly and efficiently.

Professional Installation: For new doors, switching handle types, such as from door knobs to lever door handles, or installing advanced security hardware like a door handle with lock or sliding door lock, professional installation is recommended. Hiring an expert ensures your door handles are fitted properly, operate smoothly, and provide maximum security and durability.

Style and Cohesion: The Perfect Finishing Touch for Your Door Handles

When selecting door handles, style and cohesion play a vital role in enhancing your home’s overall design. Door hardware is not just functional but is a key decorative element that can tie your interior together.

Object: Mi & Gei Forme N27 passage door lever

Match Your Home Decor: Choose modern door handles like sleek matt black door handles for contemporary spaces, or opt for classic antique brass door handles and brass door handles to add warmth and charm to traditional interiors.

Maintain Consistency: For a polished and cohesive appearance, use the same or coordinating door handle styles throughout your home. Consistency in hardware creates visual harmony and demonstrates thoughtful design.

Coordinate Accessories: Remember to align your door handles with matching hardware such as sliding door hardware, hinges, door stops, and locks. Coordinating finishes and styles across these elements completes the look and elevates your space’s aesthetic.

Move a step beyond door handles and add personality with one-of-a-kind accents like a matching textured drawer pull or unexpected pop of color for subtle flair. 

Choosing the right door handle is about striking the perfect balance between style, functionality, and security. By carefully evaluating the handle type, material and finish, precise measurements, security features, and overall design, you can select door hardware that not only elevates your home’s aesthetic but also delivers reliable, long-term performance. 

Invest time in research to find the ideal door handles that combine durability with elegance while creating a welcoming and secure entrance for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Door Handles

What is the best type of door handle for a home?

The best type depends on your needs. Lever door handles are ideal for accessibility, while classic door knobs offer timeless appeal. For entryways, consider a door handle with lock for enhanced security.

Which material is most durable for door handles?

Brass door handles provide durability and a premium look. Stainless steel is also highly durable for exterior door handles, resisting rust and wear.

How do I choose the right size door handle?

Measure your door thickness and backset carefully. This ensures your interior door handles or modern door handles fit perfectly without issues.

Are smart door handles worth it?

Smart door handles with lock offer keyless entry and convenience. Pairing them with quality sliding door hardware can boost home security.

Can I install a door handle myself?

DIY is easy when replacing existing door knobs or lever door handles of the same type. For new doors or complex setups like sliding door lock systems, professional help is better.

What door handle finish is easiest to maintain?

Matt black door handles resist fingerprints and are low maintenance. Stainless steel also works well for busy areas, including exterior door handles.

How can I make sure my door handles match my home’s style?

Choose finishes that fit your decor—antique brass door handles for classic looks, or sleek black door handles for modern, industrial vibes.