UPGRADING DOOR HANDLES MIGHT JUST BE THE EASY FIX NEEDED TO TIE YOUR SCHEMES TOGETHER
FEATURE OONAGH TURNER
Door handles are a seriously underestimated decorative addition in the home. The hardware you choose throughout your space should be as equally considered as the doors themselves. ‘Internal handles are often overlooked – but they’re really like mini pieces of art for your doors,’ says James Dowsing-Reynolds, co-founder and designer at Dowsing & Reynolds.
The main choice is between door knobs, levers and pull handles.
All come with their distinct charms but have subtle differences. Lever door handles are usually on a full backplate or a rose – they’re your traditional ‘push down’ handle. Knob handles are great stylistically for older homes or spaces with a traditional, rustic aesthetic. Pull handles tend to be long and narrow, and they’re used for heavier doors. ‘There’s no right or wrong style, but your home’s architectural heritage will often lend itself to a particular type of handle,’ says David Gray, product director at Corston Architectural Detail. ‘The T-bar door handle, for example, offers an architectural alternative that’ll suit modern, minimal interiors.’
You might only use these handles for a few seconds every day, but durability is key.
‘It’s one of those details that really does have to blend form and function,’ says Massimo Buster Minale, founder of Buster + Punch. ‘Grip should be near perfect.’ Look for durable metals: Buster + Punch handles are made from precisely engineered solid metal and refined by hand. ‘We have finishes like brass, steel, smoked bronze and black in a number of our signature looks,’ adds Massimo.
Think also of hygiene and sustainability.
Copper, for example, is good for keeping door knobs germ-free, while other materials are particularly planet-friendly. ‘Our door handles are made from solid brass – atrusted material that’s also sustainable (it can be recycled infinitely),’ says David. ‘It’s weighty and feels as good as it looks. We offer three finishes – two that naturally patina with time, and one that’s nickel-plated and won’t age.’
Think about whether your handles align with the style of your space.
Do you li
