Types of Door Handles: A Renovator's Blueprint for Hardware & Hinges

The most common types of door handles are lever handles, door knobs, pull handles / sliding door handles and flush pulls. The right type of door handles depends on how the door opens and whether it needs a lock. 

We see people choose a door handle finish/look first, then realise the type of handle doesn't work for a bathroom, cavity slider or front door.

Always start with the door, then choose the handle type, function and finish.

Door handle type vs function vs finish

These terms get used interchangeably, but they are different decisions.

• The type is the shape and way you use the handle, such as a lever, knob, pull or flush pull.
• The function is what it needs to do, such as passage, privacy, dummy or entrance.
• The finish is how it looks, such as black, satin brass or brushed nickel.

We recommend choosing them in that order. Pick the type that works with the door, choose the function it needs, then decide on the finish. It stops you falling in love with a handle that isn't available in the right locking setup or won't work on the door.

Ask these 3 questions before you choose a door handle

Before you look at styles, answer three simple questions for every door.

1. Does it need to lock? Hallways and living rooms usually need passage hardware. Bathrooms, ensuites and bedrooms often need privacy hardware. External doors need a different level of locking again.

2. How does the door move? Hinged doors, cavity sliders, wardrobes and entry doors don't all take the same handle. A projecting lever can work beautifully on a hinged bedroom door, but it can stop a cavity slider from closing.

3. Who is using it? If the door is used every day by children, older family members or people with limited grip strength, a lever is often easier than a knob. We see customers make better choices when they think about the person using the door, not just the room it is in.

Once you've answered those questions, the handle type becomes much clearer.

The Most Common Types of Door Handles

Lever handles

Lever door handles are the most flexible option for internal doors. They are easy to use, available in a wide range of styles and usually come in matching passage, privacy, dummy and entrance versions.

You can use the same handle profile on the hallway, bedroom and bathroom, but change the function behind it. 

We recommend lever handles for most bedrooms, living areas, bathrooms, laundries and home offices. If you're choosing one range for a whole-home renovation, start here.

Pictured: Zanda Epic Lever Set Door Handle in Satin Brass

Door knobs

Door knobs have a grip-and-twist action. They suit heritage homes, Hamptons renovations and rooms where you want the hardware to feel more decorative or traditional.

They're not the automatic choice for every room. You need a firmer grip to use a knob, so we recommend thinking about who will use the door most. We often see knobs used in formal rooms, guest rooms or character homes, while levers take care of the busy everyday doors.

If you're replacing levers with knobs, check the existing holes in the door first. The new rose or backplate needs to cover the old door preparation.

Pictured: Momo Handles Momo Barrington Knob 32mm Dark Brushed Brass

Pull handles

Door pull handles are made to be pulled rather than pushed down. They work well on feature entry doors and selected sliding doors where you want the hardware to feel more substantial.

A pull handle isn't a complete entry setup on its own. The door may also need a lock, cylinder, deadbolt or other compatible hardware. We recommend choosing the full entry setup together. It's much easier to match the handle and locking hardware at the start than it is to try to solve it later.

For front, back and garage-entry doors, confirm the door thickness, handing and lock requirements before ordering. If you're unsure, speak with your installer before the door is prepared.

Pictured: Alma Sachi Square Flush Pull Brushed Vintage Antique Brass

Flush pulls and half-moon pulls

Cavity sliders and many wardrobe doors need a handle that sits flatter against the door. This is where flush pull handles and half-moon door handles come in.

Flush pulls are recessed or low-profile, so the door can slide past the jamb and into the cavity. Half-moon pulls sit closer to the door than a standard lever but still give you something easy to grip.

We see this detail missed when customers choose the same lever for every internal door. Don't assume a cavity slider can take the same handle as the bedroom next to it. Put the door movement in your plan first, then choose the handle.

Pictured: Lockwood Vivid 150mm Flush Pull Satin Bronze

Door handle types that look the same but aren't 

A passage, privacy, dummy and entrance set can look very similar, but the function is different.

Passage handles

Passage door handles latch but don't lock. They're usually used on hallways, living rooms, laundries, walk-in robes and connecting doors between rooms.

Privacy handles

Privacy door handles and sets have an internal locking function. They're the right option for bathrooms, ensuites, toilets and bedrooms where privacy matters.

Dummy handles

Dummy door handles are fixed. They don't have a latch or lock. You will often need them on the fixed side of French doors, wardrobes, linen cupboards and decorative doors.

We see this missed on double doors. If one leaf opens and one stays fixed, you usually need one working set and one matching dummy handle. You don't need two passage sets just because the doors look the same.

Entrance handles and locks

Entrance hardware is for doors that need security. Depending on the setup, that can include an entrance handle, a deadbolt or a smart door lock.

We recommend treating the front door as its own hardware decision. It needs a handle that looks right, but it also needs locking hardware that works with the door and how you use the home.

If you're still deciding between these functions, read passage vs privacy vs dummy door handles.

Which door handle do you need for each room?

Room or door	What you usually need	Shop
Bathroom, ensuite or toilet	A handle that locks from inside	Privacy door handles
Bedroom	A privacy handle if you want the room to lock	Privacy door handles
Hallway, living room or laundry	A handle that opens and closes but doesn't lock	Passage door handles
Walk-in robe or linen cupboard	Usually a passage or dummy handle, depending on how the door opens	Passage door handles
Cavity slider	A flat handle so the door can slide into the wall	Flush pulls or half-moon handles
Fixed side of French doors	A handle that looks right but doesn't operate a latch	Dummy door handles
Front, back or garage-entry door	An entrance handle with the right lock	Entrance door handles, deadbolts or smart locks

The most on-trend door handle colours

Once you know the handle type and function, you can look at finishes with more confidence. 

• Black door handles work well when you want contrast against white doors, light timber or black window frames.
• Satin brass door handles add warmth without the high shine of polished brass. 
• Antique brass door handles suit more character-led, heritage or Hamptons homes. 
• Brushed nickel door handles give you a softer silver option. 
• Graphite nickel door handles are a darker, softer alternative to matte black. 
• Stainless steel door handles are a practical option for contemporary homes and busy spaces.

Don't choose from a single product image. We recommend looking at the door handles beside your paint, joinery, tiles, tapware and cabinet hardware. 

For more help, read how to choose the right finish for your door handles.

The best door handle brands for Australian homes 

When you're choosing handles for more than one or two doors, the brand matters because it affects how easily you can match shapes, functions and finishes across the home.

• Alma Handles are a useful starting point when you want popular finishes and practical whole-home options. 
• Momo Handles are more design-led and can help bring door and cabinet hardware together. 
• Lockwood Door Handles are worth looking at when locks and entry hardware are part of the brief. 
• Zanda has a broad range across passage, privacy, entrance and dummy functions. 
• Yale is a good place to look if you're considering smart entry.

There isn't one brand that's right for every home. We recommend starting with the handle type, function and finish you need, then checking which brand can give you the full range without forcing you to compromise on the doors that matter most.

Check the fit before you order

The type can be right and still not fit the door. Before you order, check the door thickness, backset, handing and existing hole positions. If you are replacing old hardware, make sure the new rose or backplate will cover the old door preparation.

You should also check what is included. A handle might not include the latch, privacy lock, cylinder, deadbolt or strike plate you need. We see these details cause more trouble than the handle choice itself, so we recommend checking the product specifications before you put the order through.

Need help choosing the right door handle type?

If you're  in Melbourne, bring your plans to the Buildmat Selection Centre at 45 Warrigal Rd, Hughesdale. Visits are by appointment only. We can help you compare handle types and finishes, then make sure the plan makes sense across the full home before you order. If you're not in Melbourne, call or email us with your renovation plans and we'll help you put together a full door hardware plan. 

Book your appointment at the Buildmat Selection Centre

Or, call 1300 123 122 or email [email protected]

Related reads: 

• If you're ordering for a renovation, read the door-handle mistakes we see homeowners make before ordering.
• If you're replacing existing handles, check our guide to how to replace door handles before you choose a new set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lever handles or door knobs better?

It depends on the door and who uses it. Lever handles are usually easier for everyday internal doors. Door knobs can suit heritage or more decorative spaces, but they need a firmer grip to operate.

Does the material or finish matter?

Yes, but it comes after type and function. Stainless steel can be a practical option for busy spaces, while brass, nickel and darker finishes change the look and feel of the room. We recommend choosing a finish that works with the door, nearby tapware, cabinet handles and lighting, then following the product care instructions.

What handle should I use on a cavity slider?

We recommend a flush pull or half-moon pull for most cavity sliders. A standard lever can project too far and stop the door from sliding properly.

Do all door handles in a house need to match?

They don't need to be identical. We recommend keeping a clear link between them, such as the same finish or handle family, then choosing the right function for each door.

What is the difference between a passage and privacy door handle?

A passage handle latches but doesn't lock. A privacy handle includes an internal locking function for bathrooms, bedrooms and toilets.