Handles for interior doors: varieties and recommendations for choosing

Interior door handles are an important element of door hardware and are widely represented on the modern market. The product range is distinguished by a wide variety of models, including both simple overhead products and high-tech devices equipped with a locking mechanism.

Doorknobs have been around for a long time, and the first devices used by humans to control a door were iron rings, chains, and hooks. At that time, convenience of use was paramount, and the decorative component was not so important. However, over time, the views of mankind changed, people began to pay more attention to the external appearance of models, and from the beginning of the 16th century they began to produce whole works of art.

If we turn to historical sources, we can see that from about this period, door handles began to take on exquisite ornate forms and were made in the form of mythical images or the shape of animal heads. A little later, the models began to be subdivided according to the principle of belonging to a particular room, and by the end of the 17th century a clear gradation was formed. The products installed on the luxurious doors of the palace halls were distinguished by special sophistication, rich appearance and were often covered with gilding. At the same time, the door handles of bedrooms, kitchens and utility rooms looked much more modest.

Today, with the dominance of scientific and technological progress and the emergence of modern styles with a bias towards minimalism, the line between sophisticated handles for living rooms and practical models for bathrooms and kitchens has begun to blur. A huge number of beautiful universal products appeared on sale, the installation of which can be carried out in any room of the apartment without prejudice to disrupting the harmony of the interior. Modern models are distinguished by a wide variety of designs and colors, which makes it easy to make a choice and purchase a stylish and functional item.

Installation of handles on interior doors is carried out in accordance with the current GOST 14624 84, which regulates the height of the arrangement of products at a distance of 100 cm from the floor. However, these rules apply exclusively to public organizations that are obliged to meet all the requirements of SanPiN. The installation of handles in a private house or apartment does not provide for strict requirements, therefore, they are more often installed at a height of 1o0 to 150 cm.

The classification of handles for interior doors is based on four criteria.

This is the most ancient type of door handle, which came to us practically unchanged. The products are prefabricated or cast structures of various shapes and designs, which are mounted on the door overhead using fasteners or glue. The functionality of stationary types is extremely limited and consists in opening and closing doors. There is no locking device in the fixed handles.

They can have two types of performance: single and double. The first ones are designed to be installed on one side of the door leaf and are attached to it with self-tapping screws or glued. The second ones are mounted on both sides of the door and are connected using a long pin that pierces the canvas through and through and has threads at the ends. Installation of handles occurs by screwing them onto the pin until it stops and is considered one of the most affordable mounting options.

In terms of bond strength and service life, it is most preferable to choose the first option. This is due to the fact that the threaded connections loosen quickly and the handles begin to dangle, but such models are quite suitable for rooms with low traffic. In addition, the installation of paired handles, in contrast to the installation of single products, does not imply the formation of holes on the door for self-tapping screws. For their installation, a narrow channel is sufficient, into which the pin will be inserted. As a result, the door covering remains practically intact, in the future it is quite suitable for replacing old stationary handles with any other type.

The most popular types of stationary handles are ball-shaped and tulip-shaped models, as well as U-shaped staples. The former are often made in pairs and are distinguished by their laconic appearance and low cost. Brackets are often used in conjunction with roller latches to keep the door locked. The models are distinguished by a huge variety of shapes and designs, are an ideal solution for heavy overall canvases, and are also indispensable for doors installed in places with high traffic. In addition, the staples have high anti-vandal qualities and are recommended for use in public places and educational institutions.

The advantages of stationary models are simple installation, low cost, the absence of a large number of parts and complex mechanisms, a wide range and the ability to withstand significant loads. The disadvantages include the absence of a latch or locking device, as well as the need to apply certain physical efforts when closing and opening the door.

Products equipped with a latch and a push mechanism represent the largest group of handles for interior doors. Such devices consist of a handle, a latch (in the common people "dogs") and a latch. Some models are equipped with a cylinder-type lock that opens with a key or a magnetic device. The principle of operation of the lever handles is quite simple: when the door is closed, the tongue, which has a beveled shape, freely enters the groove located on the door frame striker. When you open the web, you just need to press the handle and it will instantly "pull" the tongue into the device body - the door will open easily.

Push models are available in different designs. The most attractive is the rosette design, which assumes a separate installation of the lock from the block, which, in turn, consists of a latch and a handle. The socket can be round or square and can be fitted with any type of latch: mechanical or magnetic.

The second embodiment of the pressure devices is represented by a handle on a common pad, with a keyhole and a spinner for the valve located on it. This type of design involves the installation of a lock and latch as a single block, which looks very harmonious in a classic interior precisely because of this feature.

The advantages of lever handles are: robust design, a wide range of different models, high ergonomic qualities and ease of use.Such devices can be opened even if the hands are busy with something - for this it is enough to push the handle with your elbow and push the door with your shoulder. The disadvantages include the ability to catch on the handle of a bag or clothing, as well as the high cost of some models.

Door handles of this type are better known as knobs, characterized by a rounded knob and a latch. Almost all products are equipped with a blocker that allows you to lock the latch in the closed position, and some are additionally equipped with a locking mechanism. The principle of operation of the knobs is absolutely identical to the principle of operation of the lever handles, with the only difference that the knob latch is actuated by means of a rounded knob, and in push-pull copies - by means of a handle.

The advantages of rotary devices are the absence of the risk of catching and injury, laconic appearance, low cost and a large assortment. The disadvantages include a weak mechanism, the inconvenience of opening the door with busy or wet hands, as well as a short service life and frequent jamming of the latch.

These pens are ideal for many contemporary styles, including minimalism and techno. They are absolutely invisible on the canvas and have no protruding elements. Products can have a simple design and serve only for opening and closing doors, or they can be equipped with a latch with a latch or a magnetic lock.

The advantages of hidden handles are their ease of use on sliding and sliding doors, as well as in compartment doors. This is due to the design features of the products, which allow you to completely hide the leaf in the door niche, without fear of catching on the handle. The disadvantages include the high cost and the need to hammer and drill a site for their installation on the canvas.

For the production of handles, a variety of materials are used that have different performance properties, strength, appearance and price.

This metal is often used for the manufacture of pens and is characterized by an acceptable cost, wide consumer availability and versatility. The models can be installed on the doors of premises for any purpose, including areas with excessive moisture, such as showers, saunas, pools and toilets. This is due to the high anti-corrosion properties of aluminum and its ability to tolerate extreme temperatures well.

The disadvantages of aluminum products include the impossibility of using on heavy and oversized canvases, the rapid loss of their original appearance and low resistance to shock and mechanical loads. As a result, it is impractical to install such handles in public places with high traffic, while they are quite suitable for home interior doors.

This material is the most popular material for making pens. Differs in attractive appearance, high durability and cost comfortable for the mass buyer. The alloy includes zinc, aluminum and copper, and magnesium is used as an alloying component in its smelting. As a result, the material has incorporated the best performance properties of each of the metals, and deservedly became the leader in the manufacture of models in the middle price segment.

The advantages of ZAM handles are high resistance to corrosion and abrasion, attractive appearance and pleasant-to-touch structure. There were no significant drawbacks to tsamak pens, however, like all popular products, they are not insured against the production of counterfeits using low-quality, low-quality raw materials.

Brass door handles are not cheap. The models look noble in the interior and do not lose their original appearance over the years. The advantages of brass models are their high strength and long service life. In addition, brass is not susceptible to rust and can be used in damp rooms. The moderate antimicrobial effect of brass products should also be noted, as well as their natural noble aging and structure that is warm to the touch.

Metal is also widely used in the manufacture of door handles, but is more suitable for entrance lobbies. The advantages of steel models include high strength, long service life and aesthetic appearance of chrome-plated models. In addition, the products show good resistance to high mechanical and shock loads, which is why steel is often used in the manufacture of handles-staples. Among the minuses, one can note the cold structure and the rustic appearance of matte products.

The material is not very durable, therefore it is used in the manufacture of stationary handles for light interior doors. The advantages of plastic models include low cost, as well as a large selection of colors, shapes and designs. In addition, plastic products are not afraid of high humidity and are pleasant to the touch. Among the minuses, one can note a short service life and a too simple appearance.

Products made from this material look very natural and noble. Wooden handles are the ideal choice for solid wood doors and veneer doors. Wood handles are often decorated with rhinestones, carvings and ceramic inserts. The advantages of wooden handles are natural appearance and natural origin. The models are environmentally friendly and do not cause allergic reactions.

The disadvantages include the high cost and the inability to use in too humid rooms. Some products, such as pine and spruce, are quite soft and wear out quickly.

Glass handles look very nice in the interior and fit most modern styles. The material is used mainly for the manufacture of stationary rounded models with paired performance. Glass products are presented in a wide range with a wide variety of shapes and colors. The main disadvantage of glass handles is their high cost. Despite the use of high-strength glass in their manufacture, the models have low resistance to mechanical stress and break off even with minor impacts.

The material is used for the production of lever handles and levers. It is used to increase child safety when using the door. The cost of silicone models is quite affordable and amounts to 120–150 rubles. The products are produced in a wide range of colors and are often decorated with patterns of a different color or figured inserts. Silicone covers are sold separately and are not included with lever handles.

The modern door hardware market offers a huge number of all kinds of shapes and colors. This greatly facilitates the choice and allows you to purchase products made in both modern, antique and classic styles. The color palette of the products is also varied.

Along with the traditional silver, gold and chrome models, there is a huge selection of colors, including classic black, white and brown options, as well as gray, blue, green and even orange products. The latter are in great demand for lovers of modern interiors such as techno, hi-tech and minimalism. Antique patinated products are in great demand for retro styles.

The most popular manufacturers of door handles for interior doors are a number of companies.

• Spanish Archie is a world-renowned company and has been present in the door hardware market for a long time. All products of the enterprise are manufactured from a patented steel grade and are distinguished by a special electrophoretic spraying. Thanks to modern technology, the models have a long service life and a flawless appearance.

• Morelli products from China differs in high quality, unusual design and affordable prices. For the manufacture of pens, light and beautiful ZAM is used, due to which the products retain their original appearance and do not oxidize in air. In addition, models made of tsamak lend themselves well to injection molding and galvanizing processes.

• Italian Colombo presents highly artistic models, the cost of which can reach 15 thousand rubles. The design contains cast monograms and patterns, imbued with the spirit of aristocracy and bringing notes of old Italy to the interior. Along with luxurious models, the Colombo line also contains mid-range options, the cost of which starts from three thousand rubles. The company specializes in the production of lever handles equipped with a latch and a locking mechanism.

• Finnish handles by Abloy receive a large number of positive reviews and are designed for the mass consumer. Products are distinguished by high quality of the locking device, stylish and modern appearance and affordable price. A beautiful and high-quality Abloy lever handle is quite possible to purchase for 2-3 thousand rubles.

• Palladium company from Russia manufactures a wide variety of models of push models, staples and knobs. The manufacturer's products are designed for the mass consumer: for example, the cheapest brace can be bought for only 50 rubles. A simple knob with a latch and a latch will cost 250–300 rubles, and when buying a push model, you can keep within 550–600 rubles.

The products are presented in a wide variety of colors and designs. The line includes both traditional, no frills, products intended for mass installation in various institutions, as well as stylish solid models made in classic and modern styles.

Before proceeding with the purchase of a pen for an apartment, it is necessary to pay attention to a number of important points.

• First, you should carefully read the technical data sheet of the product and make sure that the material from which it is made is certified and approved for use.
• Secondly, it is necessary to check the operation of the latch and the locking mechanism, as well as inspect the product for chips, scratches and cracks.

Regarding the appearance, it should be noted that the door handle should match in color with other elements of the door hardware, such as a lock, hinges and linings, as well as with interior items of the room and furniture. For example, a chrome silver model will discord with bronze elements and look like something foreign.But such a product will ideally fit into most modern styles, such as modern, loft, minimalism, techno and hi-tech. While yellow, bronze and gold handles are perfect for classic and retro interiors.

When choosing a model, it is necessary to take into account the appearance of the doors. So, on doors with a wenge or bleached oak finish, chrome, silver and palladium models will look great. Cloths for walnut and cherry are better equipped with golden or brass-plated products.

In addition, it is necessary to correlate the geometry of the door panels with the shape of the future handle, that is, to choose the product so that their shapes at least overlap. For example, on a canvas with horizontal or vertical inserts of regular geometric shapes, a push-down curved model with monograms will look ridiculous. For such a door, it is better to choose a straight lever handle made in a modern style.

It should be borne in mind that for doors located in the same room, you should purchase the same handle models. When choosing knobs, you need to understand that after their installation, non-standard mounting holes, reaching five centimeters, remain in the door leaf.

With the right choice, door handles can revive even the simplest canvas and add variety to the interior. And competent installation and careful use will guarantee a long and flawless service of door hardware and doors as a whole.

For information on how the door handles differ and how to choose them, see the video below.