What to Look for When Choosing a Door Handle

Choosing a door handle isn’t just about looks. It's about function, feel, and how well it fits your space. Whether you’re building, renovating, or replacing old hardware, the right handle makes all the difference.

Here’s what you need to know before buying.

1. Understand Your Door Type for the Best Door Handle Choice

Start with the basics. Not all doors use the same handles.

Interior swing doors often use lever handles or knobs.
Entry doors (also known as exterior doors) need secure, durable handles and lockable options with added security.
Sliding or cavity doors require recessed or flush pulls.
Garage doors also require specific entrance handles designed for external security.

External door handles are designed for durability and security, especially for exterior doors like the front door or garage.

In Luxhandles shop, we have every type of handles for your doors. Throughout the years we know Australian market well, that's why we remind our customers before buying. That'll save your time.

2. Choose the Right Function

Function matters more than finish.

Privacy handles suit bathrooms and bedrooms, and are available in both knob and lever styles.
Passage handles are ideal for hallways or living rooms and typically use a simple latch mechanism.
Dummy handles are perfect for cupboards or wardrobes.
Entrance sets come with locking systems, such as single-cylinder or double-cylinder locks, for added security.

3. Match Your Home Style with Door Handles

Handles are design details. The right choice enhances your space. Colour selection is crucial for creating cohesive interior themes, as matching the colour of your door handles with other hardware and decor elements helps achieve visual harmony.

In modern homes, matte black and clean lines are popular. Popular colours like matte black, brass, and bronze are trending, making them a popular choice for contemporary interiors. The colours you choose can set the tone for the entire room.

In coastal or Hamptons-inspired homes, satin brass or brushed nickel blends beautifully. These finishes are also a popular choice for their versatility and ability to complement light, airy decor.

For heritage or Federation styles, traditional round knobs or lever handles with backplates suit the mood. Polished brass is a classic finish that adds a luxurious, timeless touch to these traditional settings.

Consistency across all doors creates a polished look. The shapes of your handles—whether round, square, or elongated—also play a key role in complementing your home decor and unifying the overall style.

4. Pay Attention to Finish

Finish impacts both style and maintenance.

Matte black adds a sleek edge but may show dust.
Brushed brass warms up interiors and pairs well with natural textures.
Chrome gives a bright, clean finish, but can feel colder in softer spaces.
Brushed nickel strikes a balance—modern, muted, and low-fuss.

You can also use paint to match or refresh door hardware finishes, ensuring they blend seamlessly with your decor.

Detail matters—small choices in finishes can have a big impact on the overall look of your space. Coordinate your door handle finishes with other accessories in the room for a unified and cohesive appearance.

Think beyond looks. Go for finishes that suit your lifestyle and cleaning habits.

5. Think About the Grip

A handle should feel natural in your hand.

If it’s too narrow, it can feel flimsy. If it’s too chunky, it may not be comfortable for everyone in the home. Handles with rounded edges often feel more comfortable than sharp, angular styles. Elongated handles, which are often used on exterior doors, offer a different grip experience and can provide a modern look as well as added security.

Online? Look for real-user feedback about comfort. In-store? Hold it and test it. If the handle feels stiff when you operate it, this could be due to misalignment or tight hardware, so check the alignment and consider loosening screws for smoother movement.

6. Check the Size and Fit

Size matters more than you think.

Small handles can get lost on wide doors. Oversized ones overwhelm narrow panels. Backplate size should be considered too, especially if you’re replacing older hardware and want to cover previous drill holes.

As a general rule, door handles are typically installed at a height of about 34 to 48 inches from the floor to ensure consistency and accessibility.

Measure carefully before you order. It avoids messy reworks. Also, check the spindle length to make sure it fits the thickness of your door for proper handle operation.

7. Focus on Quality

Handles are touched every day. Don’t go cheap on something used so often.

Choose a quality door handle made from premium materials like solid brass or stainless steel. Reputable suppliers adhere to industry standards for safety, durability, and compatibility. Always check if your preferred handle is in stock to ensure timely delivery. Quality handles matter for both appearance and long-term use, no matter the space or decor style.

Check product details—what comes in the box, how strong the internal mechanism is, and how it’s fixed to the door. Avoid flimsy, hollow models. They wear out quickly and feel disappointing.

High-quality handles may cost more upfront, but they pay off in long-term performance and design impact.

8. Consider Installation

Not all handles are DIY-friendly.

If you’re replacing an existing handle, check the centre-to-centre hole spacing—the distance between screw holes. Some models are easier to align with existing holes. Others may need new drilling. During installation, always check and tighten all screws to prevent loose handles and maintain security. If you’re unsure, ask your installer or contact the supplier’s customer service. A professional team can ensure proper installation and alignment if you prefer not to do it yourself.

A smooth install avoids damage and ensures the handles sit flush and function properly.

9. Set a Smart Budget

It’s easy to be tempted by low-cost options. But hardware is one place where quality shows.

Cheaper handles may look fine at first, but the finish wears, the mechanism loosens, or the feel disappoints. Spending just a little more can give you better performance, better finish options, and a far better look.

When purchasing quality handles, you’re making an investment in your home's long-term value and appearance. For peace of mind, make your purchase from reputable suppliers to ensure you receive durable, reliable hardware.

Good handles are small upgrades that improve your home every single day.

10. Buy from a Trusted Aussie Supplier

Why shop local? Three reasons:

Faster delivery across Australia.
Easier returns and warranty claims.
Style options tailored to Australian interiors.

Plus, supporting local businesses means you’re investing in better service and product knowledge. Win-win.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right door handle is about more than just design. It’s a balance of style, function, comfort, and quality.

Before you shop, consider the door type, intended use, and interior style. Think about size, grip, and installation. Don’t overlook durability, and always aim for a finish that complements your home.

Done right, a door handle becomes more than a necessity. It becomes a finishing touch that ties your whole space together.