Choosing the right front door handle is one of the simplest ways to elevate your home’s kerb appeal, enhance security and ensure your entrance feels welcoming and well designed. Whether you are upgrading an existing door or completing a renovation, selecting the perfect external door handle requires a balance of style, finish, durability and practical function. This guide covers everything you need to know so you can confidently choose the perfect front door handle for your home.
At Door Handle Company, we supply an extensive range of door handles for front doors, including modern, traditional, brass, black and stainless steel options. With free UK delivery over £85 and trusted advice from a team with more than 30 years of experience, you can find the right external door furniture for any project.
Understand the Key Considerations Before You Choose a Front Door Handle
When exploring the best front door handles for your home, it is important to understand the factors that influence both appearance and performance.
Style and Design
Your front door sets the tone for the rest of your home. The handle you choose should reflect that style. Modern homes suit sleek stainless steel door handles or minimalist black front door handles, while period homes often look best with classic brass, antique, or traditional front door handles.
Finish Options
Front door handle finishes can significantly affect the overall look of your entrance. Popular choices include:
- Black front door handles for a bold contemporary statement
- Satin brass and antique brass for a warm, elegant finish
- Polished chrome or stainless steel door handles for a clean modern look
- Pewter and hand forged finishes for rustic or traditional properties
A good rule of thumb is to match the finish of your external door handle with hinges, letter plates, knockers and other external door furniture. Matching hardware creates a cohesive and premium look.
Security and Durability
Front door security remains a top priority for homeowners and professionals. When choosing an external door handle, you should consider:
- Compatibility with multipoint locking systems
- Weather resistant door hardware designed for UK climates
- Robust materials such as stainless steel
- PAS24 or British Standard compliance where required
Door Material and Compatibility
Front doors vary widely. Whether you have a timber, uPVC or composite door, it is essential to choose a front door handle designed to fit your door type.
- External handles for wooden doors often allow more flexibility in design and fixing positions
- Composite doors require precise fixing centres and backplate sizes
- uPVC doors usually require specific multipoint external door handles
Always check product specifications or speak to our technical team for guidance.
Types of External Door Handles to Consider
Understanding the main handle types makes it easier to choose a front door handle that works for your home. Each type offers its own advantages in terms of style, security and overall practicality.
Lever on Backplate Handles
Lever on backplate handles are among the most traditional and widely used options for external front doors. They provide strength, a secure fixing point and timeless styling that suits many home designs.
Key benefits of lever on backplate handles
- Strong and reliable option for busy household entrances
- Ideal for traditional and classic style homes
- Available in a wide range of finishes including brass, black, chrome and stainless steel
- Designed to work with standard and multipoint locking systems
- Backplate provides extra support and helps cover existing screw holes or marks
- Excellent choice when you want a handle with an integrated keyhole, bathroom lock or euro profile
Best for, Front doors that need both aesthetic appeal and robust performance.
Lever on Rose Handles
Lever on rose handles offer a modern alternative to the classic backplate style. Their compact circular rose creates a cleaner, contemporary look that suits minimalist or modern entrances.
Key benefits of lever on rose handles
- Sleek and stylish appearance for modern homes
- Smaller rose allows for greater design flexibility
- Can be paired with separate escutcheons for keyhole or euro cylinder locks
- Available in many finishes such as matt black, satin brass and polished chrome
- Easy to coordinate with matching door furniture
Best for: Homeowners are looking for a modern, minimalist aesthetic while maintaining reliable functionality.
Pull Handles
Pull handles are a bold and practical choice for large or statement front doors. They are particularly popular for contemporary homes and properties using digital locks or keyless entry systems.
Key benefits of pull handles
- Ideal for oversized or heavy front doors
- Creates a striking, modern entrance style
- Works well with keyless, electronic or digital locking systems
- Stainless steel versions offer excellent weather resistance
- Available in straight bar, offset, curved and bespoke designs
- Can be installed on timber, composite or aluminium doors
Best for, Modern homes, commercial spaces or entrances where a strong visual impact is desired.
Choosing the Best Front Door Handles for Your Home Style
Modern Homes
Modern front door designs look best with sleek, minimalist hardware. Consider black front door handles, brushed stainless steel or slimline bar handles. These finishes balance style with durability, making them ideal for busy family homes.
Traditional or Period Homes
For older properties, character matters. Brass front door handles, antique finishes and hand forged styles work beautifully with panelled wooden doors. These handles complement period styling while still offering modern performance.
Coastal or High Moisture Areas
Homes near the coast or in exposed rural areas should consider corrosion resistant materials. Stainless steel door handles are ideal due to their ability to withstand weather while retaining their appearance over time.
How to Match Your Front Door Handle With Other Hardware
To create a well designed entrance, your external door handle should coordinate with all other hardware. This includes:
- Door knobs
- Letter plates
- Hinges
- Numerals
- Door viewers
- Lock escutcheons
Matching sets not only improve the visual look but also ensure consistent quality and finish across your door.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Front Door Handles
Choosing the right front door handle can transform the look and performance of your entrance, but a few common mistakes can lead to poor results. Understanding these pitfalls will help you select a front door handle that is attractive, secure and long lasting.
Choosing style over security
A visually appealing handle is important, but security should always come first. Some homeowners prioritise appearance and overlook essential locking requirements or strength ratings.
What to keep in mind
- Always check compatibility with your lock type, especially multipoint systems
- Look for strong materials such as stainless steel
- Consider British Standard or PAS compliant products where needed
- Avoid lightweight or decorative handles that are not designed for external use
Choosing a handle with the right security features ensures your door remains both stylish and protected.
Buying a handle that is not suitable for your door type
Every door material requires specific fittings and specifications. A handle that suits a timber door may not suit a composite or uPVC door.
What to keep in mind
- Check the fixing centres and backplate size carefully
- Confirm whether your door uses a standard or multipoint lock
- Ensure the handle thickness and spindle size match your existing setup
- Choose external rated hardware for durability
Selecting a compatible handle prevents installation issues and ensures your door functions correctly.
Mixing mismatched finishes
Using different finishes across door hardware can make even a high quality entrance appear unbalanced. Mixing brass, chrome and black hardware often leads to a disjointed look.
What to keep in mind
- Aim for a consistent finish across hinges, door knockers, letter plates and handles
- Choose finishes that complement your door colour and architectural style
- Use matching hardware ranges where possible
A coordinated finish creates a more polished, premium appearance.
Ignoring weather resistance
External hardware must withstand constant exposure to rain, temperature changes and everyday use. Choosing non weather resistant finishes can result in fading, pitting or corrosion.
What to keep in mind
- Opt for stainless steel in coastal or high moisture areas
- Choose powder coated black hardware for strong durability
- Select brass with clear protective lacquer on exposed doors
- Check manufacturer guidance on outdoor suitability
Weather resistant front door handles remain attractive for longer and require far less maintenance.
Forgetting about maintenance needs
All external door handles benefit from occasional care. Some materials require more upkeep than others, and neglecting this can shorten the lifespan of your hardware.
What to keep in mind
- Clean handles with mild soapy water rather than harsh chemicals
- Avoid abrasive pads that can damage protective coatings
- Regularly check fixings and tighten where necessary
- Understand the natural ageing process of finishes such as brass or pewter
A little maintenance helps your handle stay secure, smooth and visually appealing for many years.
Why Buy Your External Door Handle From Door Handle Company
With more than 25,000 excellent Trustpilot reviews, Door Handle Company is a trusted source for high quality external door handles, front door accessories and a full range of matching door hardware. We offer:
- Free UK mainland delivery over eighty five pounds
- 5 percent discount on orders over one hundred and fifty pounds
- A Blackburn showroom to view products in person
- Expert technical support by phone or email
- Extensive stock from leading brands including Carlisle Brass, From The Anvil and Heritage Brass
Ready to Choose Your New Front Door Handle
Selecting the perfect front door handle is all about balancing style, function, security and long lasting durability. Your entrance sets the tone for your home, so choosing the right hardware can make a noticeable difference. Modern stainless steel offers strength and a clean contemporary look, while black finishes provide a bold, stylish touch. Brass remains a timeless favourite for traditional homes, and hand forged designs add character for those who prefer a more rustic or heritage feel. Understanding what suits your property makes it easier to choose a handle that enhances both appearance and performance.
At Door Handle Company, you will find an extensive range of external door handles designed to suit every home and every type of front door. Each product is selected for quality, durability and visual appeal, giving you confidence in your choice. With expert advice, excellent customer service and trusted delivery, upgrading your entrance becomes a simple and enjoyable experience. Contact us or browse our full collection today and discover the ideal front door handle for your next project.
FAQs
What is the most durable finish for an external front door handle?
Stainless steel is widely recognised for its excellent strength and resistance to corrosion, making it one of the most durable choices for outdoor use. Finishes with black antique and brass antique can also remain long lasting when maintained correctly. Choosing a weather resistant finish ensures your handle stays attractive for many years.
Can I mix different hardware finishes on my front door?
Mixing finishes is possible, but it often leads to an unbalanced or mismatched appearance. A coordinated finish creates a more polished and professional look. Matching your handle with hinges, letter plates and knockers helps achieve a consistent design. For the best results, choose hardware ranges with complementary finishes.
Which type of front door handle works best with a composite door?
Composite doors usually require handles that are compatible with multipoint locking systems. These handles are designed with precise fixing positions and backplate sizes suited to composite materials. Choosing a handle specifically recommended for composite doors ensures a smooth fit. This also helps maintain the overall security and performance of the door.
Are black front door handles suitable for long term external use?
Modern black door handles are finished with durable, weather resistant coatings that stand up to rain, sun and daily wear. They remain a popular choice for contemporary entrances due to their stylish appearance. When installed correctly, black handles hold their colour well. Regular gentle cleaning helps keep them looking new.
How should I maintain my external front door handle?
Routine maintenance is simple and helps extend the lifespan of your handle. Clean the surface with mild soapy water and a soft cloth to remove dirt and marks. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads, as these can damage protective coatings. Checking the fixings occasionally keeps the handle secure and smooth to use.