Doors are an absolute must have in the home – not only to get into and out of your home but also to create privacy and close off certain areas of your home when needed!  The doors that you have however are only as good as the handles that you have to operate them.  Many people treat door handles as a kind of afterthought but they are actually one of the biggest determining factors in how the door looks and operates.  That’s why we’ve put together some of the most popular door handle designs that you can choose from.  For more information on any of these, just visit your local door retailer.

Back Plate Door Handles

A back plate door handle is one where the handle itself is attached to a large steel backing plate, which is actually a rectangular piece of metal screwed into the door.  These are popular as they tend to make a statement on the door, which is perfect if you’re looking to add a bit of pizzazz.  Back plate door handles are made from stainless steel, chrome and brass most commonly.  The handle itself can be lever style or knob style, depending on the look that you are trying to create.  Knobs are best for classical or country style homes while levers are perfect for that more modern look.  This style of door handle can also be easily fitted with locks.

Lever Door Handles

A lever door handle is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its clean, streamlined look.  Levers can be made from a range of materials including brass, bronze, antiqued bronze, stainless steel, chrome, and even porcelain. They’re suitable for both interior and exterior doors and can easily be fitted with locks for privacy or security.  If you’re looking for levers to use in a modern home, look for ones that have simple, clean lines.  However, if your home is more classical or “old fashioned” in feel, an ornate lever with scrollwork and other designs may be a better choice.

Door Knobs

When people think of door handles the first thing that comes into their mind is the door knob and for good reason!  The door knob is perennially popular as they suit all styles of homes, are cost efficient, and they just look good.  Door knobs are made from a range of metals including stainless steel, brass, and many more.  There are two main styles of door knobs – those that you have to twist to open and those that you simply pull open and closed.  Twist action door knobs are generally preferred as they are more secure and can be more easily fitted with privacy or security locks.