Choosing Door Handles on Backplate
A door handle on backplate combines a lever handle with an elongated fixing plate fitted to the face of the door.
The backplate can provide a traditional or more substantial appearance than a lever handle on rose and can also incorporate the keyhole, bathroom thumbturn or other locking function within the same piece of door furniture.
When choosing a handle on backplate, consider the door style, backplate function, required latch or lock, finish, handle dimensions and fixing positions.
Lever Latch Door Handles
A lever latch handle on backplate is normally used on an internal door that needs to stay closed but does not require a locking function.
The lever operates a tubular latch or compatible mortice latch within the edge of the door.
Because no keyhole or privacy turn is required, the backplate remains relatively simple and uncluttered, making lever latch handles suitable for living rooms, kitchens, hallways and other general internal doors.
Lever Lock Door Handles
A lever lock handle incorporates a keyhole within the backplate and is designed to be used with a compatible mortice sash lock.
The lever operates the latch for normal opening and closing, while the key operates the locking bolt.
This arrangement can be useful for bedrooms, offices, storerooms and other doors where a traditional key-operated locking function is required.
Always check the lock centres and handle dimensions before ordering to ensure the handle and mortice lock are compatible.
Bathroom Door Handles
Bathroom handles on backplate combine the lever handle with a privacy-locking arrangement.
The lever operates the latch, while a thumbturn or privacy mechanism operates a separate bolt within the bathroom lock.
Bathroom backplate handles provide an integrated appearance because the lever and privacy furniture are contained within the same overall design.
They are suitable for bathrooms, WCs and en-suites where privacy is required without a conventional key-operated lock.
Traditional Door Handles on Backplate
Handles on backplate are particularly well suited to period properties, cottages and traditional interiors.
Decorative backplates, forged finishes and traditional lever shapes can complement timber panelled doors and heritage-style joinery.
Finishes such as Aged Brass, Aged Bronze, Beeswax, Pewter and Antique Brass can further enhance the traditional appearance, while designs such as Fleur de Lys and hand-forged lever sets can make the handle an architectural feature in its own right.
Contemporary Door Handles on Backplate
Door handles on backplate are not limited to traditional properties.
Simple rectangular plates, straight levers and cleaner metallic finishes can provide a more contemporary appearance.
Satin Brass, Black, Satin Chrome, Polished Chrome and Nickel can work particularly well in modern interiors, depending on the door colour and surrounding architectural hardware.
Choosing the Right Finish
The finish of a door handle has a major influence on the overall appearance of the door.
Traditional interiors often suit Aged Brass, Bronze, Pewter and Beeswax, while Satin Brass can provide a softer and more contemporary metallic finish.
Black door handles provide strong contrast against painted and natural timber doors and can work across both traditional and modern interiors.
Where handles are being considered for external or particularly exposed doors, always check that the material and finish of the individual product are recommended for that application.
Handles on Backplate or Handles on Rose?
A handle on backplate has an elongated plate beneath the lever. Depending on the design, this plate can incorporate a keyhole or bathroom locking function.
A handle on rose uses a much smaller circular or square fixing plate, with any escutcheon or thumbturn normally fitted separately.
Handles on rose generally provide a cleaner and more minimal appearance, while backplate handles can create a more traditional or substantial look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a door handle on backplate?
A door handle on backplate is a lever handle mounted onto an elongated plate.
The plate provides the fixing surface and can also incorporate a keyhole, bathroom privacy function or other lock furniture.
What is the difference between latch and lock backplates?
A latch backplate normally has no keyhole and is used with a simple latch.
A lock backplate includes a keyhole and is intended for use with a compatible mortice sash lock.
What handles should I use on a bathroom door?
A bathroom handle set is normally the most convenient option where you want the lever and privacy mechanism incorporated into the same backplate.
It should be paired with a compatible bathroom mortice lock.
Can handles on backplate be used with mortice locks?
Yes. Lever lock and bathroom backplate handles are commonly used with compatible mortice locks.
Check measurements such as the lock centres, backset and spindle position before ordering.
What are lock centres?
Lock centres describe the distance between the centre of the lever spindle and the centre of the keyhole, cylinder or privacy mechanism below it.
This measurement is important when matching replacement handles to an existing mortice lock.
Are door handles on backplate suitable for period properties?
Yes. Handles on backplate are particularly popular for traditional and period interiors.
Decorative plates, forged lever designs and finishes such as Aged Brass, Pewter, Beeswax and Bronze can complement historic-style timber doors particularly well.
Should I choose handles on rose or backplate?
Choose primarily according to the appearance and locking arrangement you want.
A handle on rose provides a cleaner, more minimal appearance, while a backplate can incorporate the locking furniture and often creates a more traditional or substantial look.
Can I replace existing backplate handles?
Yes, but carefully check the existing backplate dimensions, fixing positions, spindle position and lock centres before ordering.
Selecting a replacement with similar dimensions can help cover existing fixing holes and marks on the door.
Need Help Choosing Door Handles on Backplate?
The correct handle will depend on your door style, latch or lock type, required function, dimensions and preferred finish.
Roundtower Hardware supplies a wide selection of door handles on backplate in Ireland, including lever latch, lever lock, bathroom and traditional door handle sets.
Browse our collection online or contact our team if you need help matching your handles with the correct latch or mortice lock.
