What Door Hardware Do I Need?

Choosing the right door hardware is an important part of creating a beautifully considered interior or entrance. From practical essentials such as hinges, latches and locks to decorative details including door knobs, levers, escutcheons and letter plates, the right door furniture can enhance both the functionality and character of your home.

Every door is different, and the hardware you require will depend on its location, construction and intended use. A front door, for example, will need suitable security hardware, while a bathroom door requires privacy fittings and a sliding door needs specially designed flush hardware.

At From The Anvil, we believe functional hardware should be as beautiful as it is practical. Our collections combine traditional craftsmanship with timeless design, making it possible to coordinate your door furniture throughout the home while selecting the right fittings for each individual door.

Front Door Hardware

Your front door creates the first impression of your home, making it an opportunity to combine essential hardware with distinctive pieces that add character to your entrance.

Alongside the essential door lock, hinges and operating hardware, decorative details such as a door knocker, centre door knob and letter plate can completely transform the appearance of a front door. These pieces can be selected individually or coordinated in the same finish to create a cohesive entrance.

When choosing front door hardware, consider both the style of your property and the way you use the door. Traditional properties can benefit from classic blacksmith-inspired designs, while more understated hardware can complement contemporary homes without compromising on character.

A typical front door may require:

• Door hinges
• A suitable lock or locking mechanism
• Lever handles or a centre door knob
• A door knocker
• A letter plate
• An escutcheon, where required
• Additional security hardware depending on the door construction

Internal Door Hardware

For a standard internal door that does not need to be locked, the hardware requirements are relatively straightforward. You will typically need a pair of lever handles or door knobs, a latch and a set of hinges.

The latch is fitted into the edge of the door and allows the handle or knob to operate the mechanism, keeping the door securely closed without locking it. Hinges are fitted to the opposite edge of the door and support its weight while allowing it to open and close smoothly.

When selecting internal door furniture, it is worth considering the proportions and style of the door itself. Traditional panelled doors, timber doors and period properties can be beautifully complemented by handcrafted knobs or lever handles, while simpler designs can provide a refined finish for contemporary interiors.

For a standard non-locking internal door, you will generally need:

• A pair of door handles or door knobs
• An appropriate latch
• A pair or set of suitable hinges

Bathroom Door Hardware

Bathroom doors require the same basic hardware as a standard internal door, with the addition of fittings that provide privacy.

A bathroom lock and thumbturn allow the door to be secured from inside without the need for a key. The thumbturn operates the lock simply and conveniently, while an emergency release on the outside of the door allows access if assistance is required.

Bathroom door furniture is available in a variety of traditional and contemporary styles, making it easy to maintain a consistent look throughout your home while adding the functionality required for a private room.

A typical bathroom door will require:

• A pair of lever handles or door knobs
• A bathroom lock
• A thumbturn and release
• A set of hinges

Lockable Internal Doors

For an internal door that needs to be secured with a key, you will need a mortice lock alongside your chosen door handles or knobs.

A mortice lock is fitted within a specially prepared recess in the door and provides a secure locking mechanism. The type of lock required will depend on the door and the level of security or privacy needed.

To complete the look, escutcheons can be fitted around the keyhole. These provide a neat and decorative finishing detail while helping to protect the surface of the door from marks and scratches caused by the key.

For a lockable internal door, you will generally need:

• A pair of lever handles or door knobs
• A suitable mortice lock
• Escutcheons
• A set of hinges

Coordinating the finish of the handles, escutcheons, hinges and other hardware is an easy way to create a cohesive and considered look, particularly when several lockable doors are positioned within the same space.

Sliding and Pocket Door Hardware

Sliding and pocket doors require specialist hardware that allows the door to move freely without the furniture catching on the surrounding frame or pocket.

Unlike a conventional hinged door, where a projecting handle can be used to pull the door open, sliding door hardware is designed to sit flush with the surface of the door. This keeps the profile discreet and ensures the door can pass smoothly into its opening.

Flush pulls provide a comfortable grip while maintaining a clean, minimal appearance. They are particularly well suited to sliding doors where projecting hardware could interfere with the movement of the door.

For pocket doors, an edge pull can also be fitted to the leading edge. This provides a convenient point from which to retrieve the door when it is fully recessed into the pocket, making the door easier to operate.

When choosing hardware for a sliding or pocket door, it is important to check the dimensions and construction of the door to ensure the selected fittings are compatible with the available space.

Double Door Hardware

Double doors require a little additional hardware compared with a single door. In most installations, one door acts as the active leaf, operating in much the same way as a standard door, while the second leaf remains secured in position until it is required.

The inactive door can typically be secured using universal bolts fitted to the top and bottom of the door. When both leaves are required to open, the bolts can be released, allowing the pair to operate together.

Carefully coordinating the hardware across both doors is particularly important. Matching handles, hinges, finishes and decorative details creates a balanced appearance and ensures the double-door arrangement feels intentional rather than simply functional.

Depending on the design and construction of your doors, double doors may require:

• Handles or knobs for the active leaf
• Universal bolts for the inactive leaf
• A suitable lock and latch arrangement
• Hinges for both doors
• Escutcheons or other decorative hardware where required

Choosing the Right Door Hardware Finish

Once you have established which fittings your door requires, the finish is an important consideration. Door furniture is often one of the smallest details within a room, but it can have a significant impact on the overall appearance.

For a cohesive interior, consider coordinating your door handles, knobs, hinges, locks and accessories across adjoining rooms. Alternatively, contrasting finishes can be used deliberately to create a more distinctive look.

Hand-finished hardware can be particularly effective in traditional and character properties, where subtle variations in colour and texture complement natural timber, aged finishes and original architectural features. Choosing hardware with a considered finish allows even practical components to become part of the overall design.

Think About the Door as a Whole

When selecting door furniture, it is easy to focus on the most visible element, such as the handle or knob, and overlook the smaller components that are essential to making the door work correctly.

Taking the time to consider the complete set of hardware ensures that every component works together both practically and aesthetically. From the hinges and latch concealed within the door to the decorative hardware visible on its face, each detail contributes to the finished result.

It is also worth considering the construction and thickness of the door, whether it opens inwards or outwards, how frequently it will be used and whether it requires locking or privacy. These details can influence which products and sizes are suitable.

Not Sure What Door Hardware You Need?

Your hardware requirements will depend on the type, construction, thickness and function of your door. While this guide provides a useful starting point, some installations may require additional or alternative hardware.

If you are replacing existing door furniture or starting a new project, we recommend considering all of the required components before ordering. This helps ensure that your handles, knobs, locks, latches, hinges and accessories are compatible and that the finished installation is both practical and beautifully coordinated.

If you are unsure which door hardware you need, our team is always happy to help. From choosing the right fittings for a period property to selecting complementary finishes for a complete home, we can help you create a considered collection of door furniture that combines enduring style with everyday functionality.

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