Doorknobs - seemingly inconspicuous elements of our interiors. However, choosing the right doorknobs is crucial in terms of both functionality and style. We will introduce you to the key aspects to pay attention to when choosing door handles and give you tips on how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to unsatisfactory purchases.
Choosing door handles
Where to buy door handles?
By choosing door handles from a trusted manufacturer, you can be more confident in the quality, safety and aesthetics of the product, which translates into long-term satisfaction with your purchase. One such manufacturer is Tupai. It is also worth checking out the offer of such brands as Salto, Wala and Sobinco. Before making a decision, it is worth reading the opinions of other customers and consulting a professional, and the full list of recommended manufacturers can be found in the search engine of the Products for Home portal under the keyword "handles".
The choice of handles is important for safety reasons
What material to choose a door handle from?
The choice of the material from which the handle will be made depends on your aesthetic preferences, the style of the interior, your budget and the place where it will be used. Be sure to carefully review the handle's specifications and application to ensure that it will be suitable for your needs.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel handles are popular for their durability, corrosion resistance and ease of maintenance. They are relatively weatherproof and work well both indoors and outdoors.
Aluminum
Aluminum handles are lightweight, corrosion-resistant and easy to keep clean. They are particularly popular for outdoor use, especially if the door is exposed to rain or moisture.
Copper
Copper door handles have a unique appearance, as they can change to a patinated color over time. They are durable and more resistant to bacteria, which is especially beneficial in areas that require special hygiene.
Brass
Brass handles look similar to copper handles, but are less expensive. They can also acquire a patinated appearance over time.
Wood
Wooden handles are popular in both modern and classic interiors. They offer a warm look, but require regular maintenance to maintain their quality.
Plastic
Plastic door handles can be a cheaper option. However, they are less durable and visually appealing compared to other materials.
Glass
Glass handles are unique and modern, but they can be more delicate and require careful use.
Ceramic
Ceramic handles can be a stylish addition, especially in traditional and rustic interior designs.
Choose from copper, brass, glass, plastic, wood, ceramic, stainless steel and aluminum door handles.
Types of door handles
Round handles
Classic handles in the shape of a circle, which are one of the most common types of handles.
Lever handles
Lever-shaped door handles that are easy to operate, as you only need to press them to open the door.
Panic handles
Used primarily in public places and buildings. They allow the door to be opened quickly in the event of an evacuation.
Latching handles
Handles that return to their original position when pressed. They are mainly used in rooms that require protection against accidental opening of doors, such as bathrooms.
Handles with a key
Handles equipped with insert locks that provide additional security for the door.
Self-closing door handles
Handles that automatically close when the door is opened, which is especially useful for exterior doors.
Decorative handles
Handles with rich designs that are decorative for the interior.
Electronic door handles
Modern door handles that operate on the basis of electronic technology, such as fingerprint readers, PIN codes, or Bluetooth technology.
Handles can be round, lever, panic, latch, keyed, self-locking, decorative or electronic.
Interior door handles
Interior door handles are fixtures used to open and close interior doors. They are available in a variety of styles, materials and shapes, allowing you to choose the right handles to decorate your interior and meet your practical requirements.
Popular types of interior door handles are:
Round handles
Classic round-shaped door handles that fit many interior styles.
Lever handles
These are lever-shaped handles that can be easily pressed down to open the door. They are very convenient to use, especially for people with physical limitations.
Panic handles
Often used in public places or commercial buildings, they allow the door to be opened quickly and easily without having to manipulate the handle.
Handles on a horizontal or vertical axis
The choice depends on your preference and the direction of the door opening.
Interior door handles should match the decor
Handles for exterior doors
Exterior doors require handles that are more durable, weatherproof and provide additional security features to improve home security. Remember that exterior door handles are an important part of your home's security and convenience. Investing in sturdy and appropriate door handles will help you enjoy comfort and security for a long time.
Here are some features to look for when choosing exterior door handles:
Security
Choose handles that have the right security features, such as a high-security cylinder lock, to protect against attempted break-ins.
Weather resistance
Exterior door handles should be made of materials that are resistant to moisture, rain, sun and other weather conditions. Stainless steel and aluminum are popular choices that will meet these requirements.
Aesthetics
Choose handles that match the style and decoration of your home. There are doorknobs on the market in a variety of designs, shapes and colors, so you'll easily find something you like.
Ergonomics
Make sure the handles are comfortable to use, and opening and closing comes with ease.
Mounting
Pay attention to how the handles are mounted. See if they will fit the door you currently have, or if you will need to make some changes.
For exterior doors, handles with additional security features will work well
© SALTO
How to match a handle to a door?
Here are some steps that will help you correctly select handles for your door:
Dimension and hole spacing
Make sure that the door handles you choose have the correct spacing of the mounting holes so that they fit into the already existing holes in the door. The standard spacing is 60 mm or 70 mm, but this can vary depending on the manufacturer and model.
Type of door
Check that the door on which you intend to mount the handles has the right thickness and design to accommodate the selected handles. Some handles are designed only for doors of a certain thickness.
Style and design
Choose handles that match the style of your interior. For example, if you have a modern interior, handles with a simple, minimalist design will fit perfectly. Classic or retro interiors will look good with more ornate handles.
Ergonomics
Check whether the handles are comfortable to use. You can test them before you buy them to make sure they fit well in your hand.
Security
For exterior doors, choose handles that have the right level of security and safety features, such as certified insert locks.
Before buying a door handle, check the spacing of the mounting holes
How to measure a door handle?
To measure a door handle, you will need a tape measure or measuring tape. Depending on the type of door handle and its installation, the dimensions may vary slightly, but in general, measuring a door handle is quite simple. Here are the steps you should follow:
Measure the width of the door handle
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Open the door to a full degree.
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Measure the distance from one end of the handle to the other, measuring the width of the entire handle (without stretching the springs or mechanisms).
Measure the height of the handle
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Open the door to a full degree.
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Measure the distance from the top of the handle (highest point) to the bottom (lowest point) of the handle.
Measure the distance between mounting holes
On a door with a lever-type handle, measure the distance between the center of the mounting hole at one end to the center of the mounting hole at the other end.
Measure the thickness of the door
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Close the door.
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Measure the thickness of the door by measuring from the outside surface of one edge to the outside surface of the other edge.
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