Privacy is a key consideration in any home, especially for rooms like bathrooms and bedrooms. If you’re planning a renovation or fitting out a new property, you might notice privacy handles listed as an option. But what exactly are privacy handles, and where should they be installed for the best results? Door Handle Company explains all, with practical tips for selection and fitting.
What Is a Privacy Handle?
A privacy handle is a door handle set designed with an integrated mechanism—usually a turn-and-release thumbturn—allowing you to lock the door from one side without a key. The key feature is privacy, not high security. Most privacy handles can be released from the outside in case of emergency, ensuring safety and peace of mind.
At Door Handle Company, you’ll find a range of bathroom door handles with privacy functions, as well as separate thumbturns and releases for pairing with lever handles or knobs.
Privacy handles are engineered to deliver quick, intuitive operation, making them suitable for family homes, rental properties, and modern living spaces. Their simple turn-and-release design ensures ease of use while maintaining a clean, minimal aesthetic that complements a wide range of interiors.
How Do Privacy Handles Work?
Privacy handles work with a dedicated bathroom mortice lock or, in some cases, a tubular latch combined with a bolt. The internal thumbturn or push button engages the lock, while a slot or emergency release on the outside allows it to be opened if necessary.
Privacy handle sets typically include:
- Lever or knob handles
- Thumbturn and emergency release
- Fixings and spindle
Today’s privacy handle kits often feature smoother mechanisms, reinforced spindles, and improved ergonomics to ensure long-term reliability. Many modern sets also include soft-click locking actions designed to reduce noise, ideal for busy households or homes with young children.
Where Should Privacy Handles Be Used?
1. Bathrooms:
By far the most common use is bathroom doors, where privacy is essential but a high-security lock is not.
Explore DHC’s full bathroom handle range for both classic and modern styles.
Because privacy handles are designed with an emergency-release function, they offer the perfect balance between privacy and safety in bathroom environments. This ensures peace of mind for families, landlords, and homeowners alike.
2. Bedrooms:
Privacy handles can be a smart addition to bedroom doors, particularly for shared houses or HMOs. For children’s bedrooms, the emergency release feature ensures safety.
In shared living spaces, privacy handles help create personal boundaries without restricting access in emergencies. Their non-intrusive functionality makes them a practical choice for modern multi-occupancy homes.
3. Home offices:
If you need occasional privacy but not full security, privacy handles offer a practical solution.
With remote and hybrid working becoming more common, privacy handles provide a simple way to minimise interruptions during virtual meetings or focused work sessions.
4. En-suites and cloakrooms:
Anywhere you want easy privacy without the hassle of a key, a privacy handle is a good choice. In compact spaces like cloakrooms or en-suites, their slim and user-friendly design adds functionality without overwhelming the door or decor.
Privacy Handles vs. Locking Handles
- Privacy handles:
Lock and unlock from inside with a thumbturn. Designed for bathrooms and bedrooms, not high-security areas. - Locking handles:
Require a key and offer higher security—best for front doors, back doors, and outbuildings.
It’s important to distinguish between privacy and security. Privacy handles prioritise convenience and interior comfort, whereas locking handles are structured around entry-point security. Understanding this difference helps ensure you choose the right hardware for each door.
If you need security, choose a handle set for locks that works with a mortice or euro cylinder lock.
Styles and Finishes Available
At DHC, you can find privacy handles in every popular finish, including:
Pair your privacy handles with matching hinges, door stops, and escutcheons for a coordinated finish.
Advanced finishes such as PVD brass and textured matt black offer superior durability, resisting tarnishing, fingerprints, and daily wear—ideal for high-traffic areas seeking long-lasting elegance.
How to Fit a Privacy Handle
Fitting a privacy handle correctly ensures smooth operation, long-term durability, and secure locking, especially important for bathrooms and bedrooms. Before starting, make sure you have the correct tools, compatible hardware, and a clear understanding of the door’s existing setup.
- Remove old handles and latch if present.
- Install a bathroom mortice lock (see DHC’s options), or use a tubular latch with a separate bolt.
- Mark and drill holes for the thumbturn and handle spindle.
- Fit the new handles and thumbturn, ensuring the emergency release is accessible on the outside.
- Secure all fixings and test the action before closing the door.
For visual guidance, Ideal Home’s door handle fitting tutorial is useful.
Before installation, always verify your door’s thickness and backset measurements to ensure perfect compatibility. Older or solid-core doors may require longer screws or upgraded latches for optimal performance.
Why Buy Privacy Handles from Door Handle Company?
Choosing privacy handles from the Door Handle Company means investing in quality, style, and reliable performance for your home. With bathroom privacy handles to suit every decor, DHC offers a complete selection that includes matching thumbturns, locks, and essential spares, ensuring a cohesive and functional finish for any room.
Customers benefit from expert advice, friendly support, and fast UK delivery—making it easy to select and install the perfect privacy solution. Whether you’re upgrading a single bathroom or renovating an entire property, DHC’s extensive in-stock range ensures you’ll find the ideal match for your needs.
In addition to variety and convenience, DHC stands out for competitive pricing, exceptional product quality, and a reputation built on trust. Every item is carefully curated to deliver long-lasting performance and modern style, giving homeowners and professionals confidence in every purchase.
Conclusion
Privacy handles offer a practical, stylish, and user-friendly solution for spaces where comfort and convenience matter most. Their simple locking mechanisms, broad design range, and safety-first features make them the ideal choice for bathrooms, bedrooms, offices, and beyond.
Whether you’re renovating a home or outfitting a new property, Door Handle Company provides a comprehensive selection to help you achieve a polished, cohesive look throughout every room. Explore the full collection today and discover hardware that enhances both privacy and everyday living.
Browse the full privacy handle range and make privacy simple and stylish throughout your home.
FAQs
Can privacy handles be used on any internal door?
Yes—most privacy handles fit standard internal doors, especially bathroom and bedroom doors. Just double-check your door thickness and latch type to ensure a smooth installation.
Do privacy handles provide full security?
Privacy handles offer privacy, not high-level security. They’re perfect for bathrooms and bedrooms, but for rooms needing added protection, a mortice lock or upgraded security lock is recommended.
How do I choose the right finish for my privacy handle?
Consider your existing decor—tapware, hinges, and light switches often help guide the best finish. Matching metals like chrome, brass, or matte black creates a seamless, modern look throughout your home.
Are privacy handles suitable for homes with children?
Yes—privacy handles are designed with safety in mind. Many feature an external emergency release, allowing quick access if someone accidentally locks themselves inside.
What maintenance do privacy handles require?
Very little. A simple wipe with a soft cloth keeps them looking great. Avoid harsh cleaners, as they can dull the finish. Lubricate the latch occasionally to maintain smooth operation.