5 questions to ask when choosing ironmongery
Last updated on 24/05/2023
The right door handle can really enhance the aesthetic of your room. There is much to consider when it comes to choosing handles that will best complement the door and a rooms interior design. If you don’t know where to turn then consider these five questions and you will be on your way to stylishly finishing your internal doors.
Handles or Knobs?
Firstly and most importantly you will have to decide between door handles and door knobs. With a variety of styles and finishes your choice will most likely depend on the style of door and the overall finish of your home.
Door knobs are the traditional choice with the twist having been the original mechanism for passing from room to room. For period properties and traditional or listed buildings knobs may be a necessity. Modern, sleekly designed knobs, such as the Harrogate black or porcelain mortice knob can add a touch of elegance to a contemporary home. However, for functionality door handles have become the norm.
Door handles have been the go to choice for most newly built, modern homes. Principally, their shape makes them easier to grip and simpler to grasp, even for those with poor dexterity. A vast range of shapes and designs can add a contemporary or conventional appearance to your home. The majority of homeowners will choose handles over knobs.
Lever on rose or lever on latch?
Lever on rose handles feature a small, often round, backplate or “rose” that surrounds the metal bar connected to the door. It gives the handle a minimalist feel as you see the handle as an extension of the door as opposed to an addition to it. Their compact style is ideal for modern interiors. A choice of round or square backplate allows you to customise your look.
The lever on latch differs as a vertical backplate supports the handle fixed to the door. The increased coverage is not as elegant as the rose but does serve a practical purpose. The larger size offers extra grip when in use. The latch plate can cover up any blemishes your door may have accumulated over the years. If you want to change your old handle the latch plate is a solid choice.
Personal preference will always determine your choice of handle. For elegance and design the lever on rose is the optimal choice. For a more practical and traditional alternative the latch plate handle ticks all the boxes.
Colour and finish?
When it comes to handles and knobs the possibilities and combinations are endless. Let us run through the main options for both colour and finish.
Chrome – A firm favourite that will accompany most door styles and colours. Its versatility and durability as a colour choice for handles makes it the most popular of all.
Brass – Add a luxury look with a brass handle. Its gold-like appearance adds warmth to any room and can really brighten up a space. It is a showstopper and will make people look twice at your door.
Black – Enthusiasm for black accessories is yet to slow down meaning black is here to stay. Perfectly contrasts a pale colour scheme for a monochromatic look.
Nickel – Imitates the appearance of fine silver. Much like brass it is a luxury colour that will modernise any space. Most common in contemporary designed handles and knobs. Undertones of yellow make it a more subtle option than chrome.
Polished – The shiny appearance of a polished handle or knob draws your attention. Complements darker tones of the door and surrounding furniture. A standout finish.
Antique – The matt textures and tarnished finish of an antique fixture makes it perfect for ornate and sophisticated decors. Toned down yet strikingly tasteful for any contemporary or heritage household.
Satin – An excellent option for areas of high traffic like hallways and bedrooms. It has a muted aesthetic that accompanies any colour well. Disguises fingerprints or markings thanks to its frosted look.
Style of door?
Pairing the right ironmongery with your door is like any pairing – they have to bring out the best in both. Contemplate your door style and colour to find the handle or knob for you.
For oak doors it is hard to go wrong with a simple polished or satin chrome fixing. Chrome can complement the dark hues of the oak better than any other colour.
For white primed doors the world is your oyster. Any colour will accompany the pale finish. Perhaps the most striking contrast would be to go black but brass, chrome and nickel all work well against the white background.
Walnut doors limits you to chrome and satin because of the darkness of the walnut. Other colours would be unable to contrast and would be lost in the shades of the woods veneer.
Security?
This can be done with a simplistic thumb turn and lock or with a door knob or handle. For security purposes the thumb turn locks from the inside only, preventing anyone from the outside entering.
Additionally, you can have a latch plate with thumb turn attached if you would like to keep things consistent and have all handles throughout the home uniform.
We have a dedicated ironmongery section on our website. If you would like more details on what we have in stock then email and view our range of ironmongery by clicking here.