Unlocking Everything You Need to Know About 14 Different Types of Door Handles

You probably did not realize how many different types of door handles there are until you needed one. There are countless types available. While it may seem like it should be simple, there are several considerations you must factor into your decision. 

All door handles provide a function. Door handles allow you to enter a room or building. They provide some amount of privacy and security. Many door handles are also decorative. However, some handles are more appealing than others.

In this guide, we outline all the different door handles to make it easier for you to decide which one is best for you. 

Types of Door Handles

1. Cabinet Cup Handles

While this may not be a traditional door handle and not the first one that comes to mind, a cabinet cup handle does allow you to open a door. Cup handles are often found on cabinet doors and drawers. 

These handles allow you to open the doors and drawers easily. They are super easy to grip. They are great on heavy furniture. Cabinet cup handles have a classic shape to them and look like a semi-circle. You will find them in a range of finishes and colors. 

Cabinet cup handles are most often found in the kitchen, but you may also find them in the bathroom. 

2. Cabinet Pull Handles

Cabinet handle pulls are small fixtures attached to the front of drawers. These pulls allow them to be easily opened. They can be curved or straight and may look plain or have intricate designs. 

A pull handle only has one point of attachment to a drawer. Therefore, they are easy to change. When they are changed, they can drastically change the look of the room. Most often, pull handles are found in kitchens, but you will also see them in bathrooms. 

A homeowner can easily change pull handles with a screwdriver. There is no professional installation needed for them. 

3. Cabinet Knobs

Another style handle you will find on cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom is knobs. You will also see knobs on the doors of furniture. These knobs come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. They can match any style in your home, from traditional to contemporary. 

Cabinet knobs are available in many sizes, colors, and textures. You will find them in wood, brass, glass, and more. However, cabinet knobs do tend to be an older style that is being replaced by cabinet pulls. 

4. D Pull Handles

A D pull handle allows you to pull open cabinet doors and drawers. You can easily open the door with one hand, or two, if you prefer. These handles are in the shape of the letter D. They can be curved or straight. 

D pull handles can be placed in a horizontal or vertical direction. As a result, you can find them in a wide variety of styles, colors, and finishes. 

5. Doorknobs

A doorknob has been used as a door handle for generations. These handles are usually circular. You can open the door latch by turning the handle in either direction. 

You can have locks as part of your doorknobs for additional safety. They come in a wide variety of designs and styles, such as an antique finish or brass. They can match any decor, style, or design. They are both functional and decorative. 

Doorknobs have a spindle or a bolt going through it that sits above a tube where the spindle attaches. When you turn the handle, the tube moves in that same direction. Doorknobs lock into place so that the door cannot be opened if the knob is not turned. 

6. Electronic Locking Handles

These locks may also be referred to as smart locks. While electronic locks are a type of door handle, that is not all they are. These locks are not traditional types of locks. Instead, the locking mechanism can be built into doors and matched to different types of handles. 

Electronic locks are replacing more traditional door handle locks as a way to provide additional safety for a home. With these handles, the actuator connects the bolt to a motor. This motor is controlled by electricity. 

An electronic lock can be triggered with a wireless remote, a card reader, or a keypad. Smartphones and devices are also able to control electronic locks. However, if electronic locks do not have battery backups, power outages may cause problems. 

If no power goes to the lock, you cannot unlock or lock the door. Therefore, it is critical that the battery is always fully charged. 

7. Flush Pull Handles

Flush pull handles are also referred to as bypass door handles (pulls). You are most likely to find this type of handle on a sliding glass door. However, you may also find them on a bypass door. These handles are fitted inside the door and have a flush finish. 

Flush pull handles allow the door to move in front of another door without any hardware or handles getting in the way.

Flush pull door handles come in a variety of styles and sizes. These styles include small finger pulls, rectangular designs, squares, and circular designs.

Flush pull handles do not stick out from the door any more than about 1/8 of an inch. You typically have just enough room to stick your fingers in the pull handle. This type of handle is not recommended if the door completely slides into the wall. 

8. Lever Latch Handle

A lever latch handle is one of the simplest door handles you can find. This handle easily keeps any door closed. This type of handle has a lever that easily releases the latch to open the door. 

A lever latch handle has an elongated handle that allows you to push down the handles to operate the latching mechanism inside. This works the same way as when you turn a door knob. 

Lever handles do not typically have a lock in them. Therefore, these are ideal for situations where you do not require a lock. However, they will not provide the most safety and security and are not ideal for a front door unless you add another locking system. You can pair lever handles with chain locks or deadbolts for extra security.  

9. Lever on Backplate

A lever on a backplate handle is a lever handle with a backplate. This is a more traditional style handle. The backplate gives you more style and design on your door handle. The backplate can add an extra touch to an otherwise simple and understated backplate.

10. Lever Bathroom Handle

A lever door handle can be used in a bathroom to give it a nice touch. While these handles can be locked from the inside with a push button lock, they are easily unlocked from the outside. Any object that can slide into the slot can unlock the lever handle from the outside. 

While this is helpful when you have children that may lock themselves in the bathroom, it does not always provide the most security. However, they work well for public bathrooms because you can quickly tell if the door is locked when you press the handle. 

11. Lever Lock Handle

A lever lock handle is similar in design to a lever latch handle. Therefore, these handles may also be referred to as lever privacy handles. The internal parts are almost the same between the two handle types. The most significant difference between the two is that lever locks have a keyhole beneath the lever. 

When the door is not locked, anyone can open it by pushing down on the lever. However, when the lever handle is locked, the only way in is with a key. This type of lock gives you security while keeping the design simple. 

A lever lock handle is perfect for interior doors that are in rooms that need to be secure but also easily accessed. A good example where you may find a lever lock handle is on a bedroom door.

12. Lever on Rose Handle

A lever on a rose handle is one that has a circular or square rose around the part where the handle connects to the door. This addition to the handle allows the components of the lock to be hidden. In addition, this type of handle has a smooth finish. 

A lever on the rose handle does not have a lock, but one can be added separately. This type of handle comes in many different finishes, styles, and colors. You can easily find one to match your door and your decor.

You can find this type of handle in chrome, brass, stainless steel, and two-tone. You can also find the handles in different shapes like square, circular, winged, and linear. 

13. Pull Door Handles

Pull door handles do not have a built-in lock or any other way to secure the door. They do not need a latch or a latch strike. They are intended for doors that only need to open and close. 

You can find these handles in different types. They include passage handles which are often on closets or hallways doors. Kitchen handles allow you to open the door easily. These are among the simplest door handles you will find. 

14. Thumb Turns

Thumb turns are most frequently used in a bathroom. They are also referred to as turn and release locks. These lock types allow you to open and close the door from in the room. This type of lock provides a good amount of privacy and security.

Thumb turn handles are most often used in bedrooms and bathrooms. The thumb turn controls the movement of the bolt in and out of the lock.