Front Door Handles: A Complete Guide

A Complete Guide from Architects & Designers

Making the right first impression starts at the threshold.

A front door handle isn’t just hardware—it’s a statement of intent. As the first tactile interaction a guest or client has with a space, your choice of entry hardware speaks volumes about the design language within. At Architectural Choice, we partner with the finest suppliers across Australia and abroad to offer an exceptional selection of front door handles designed for both aesthetic impact and long-term performance.

Whether you're specifying for a luxury home in Byron Bay, a French Provincial renovation in Toorak, or a multi-residential development in Sydney, we supply front door hardware solutions that align with your creative vision—refined, functional, and ready to impress.


Door Handles on Rose – Timeless Versatility

Clean, compact, and universally elegant, door handles on rose remain a go-to choice for both residential and commercial applications. The concealed fixing and minimalist silhouette make them an ideal pairing for contemporary interiors, but with the right detailing—such as in our Tuscany collection—they also suit Hamptons, transitional, and even classic French Provincial designs.

Tuscany lever handle on a cream door.

Available in premium finishes like Satin Brass, Antique Brass, Satin Nickel, Matte Black, and Polished Chrome, our range of lever handles on rose integrates seamlessly into diverse architectural styles.

They offer a subtle, refined look for entry doors, especially when paired with smart locks or minimalist escutcheons. That means the door handles on rose can essentially be specified throughout a project which ensures flow throughout. This is essential on some projects so using the round rose for example we can put together sets for entrance, passage, privacy and dummy as well. There are many more configurations inside these sub categories when you need to drill down on a specific application.


Door Handles on Plate – Elevated and Architectural

For a more substantial and visually defined entry point, door handles on plate are a standout choice. Available in both rectangular and oval backplates, this format offers a commanding presence and is ideal for larger door panels or where a classical design narrative is in play.

Our plate handle range is particularly well-suited to:

  • Federation and heritage restorations

  • Statement entryways in boutique residences

  • Transitional projects blending old and new aesthetics

Pair with our Tuscany lever on Traditional Plate to bring texture, weight, and visual harmony to the front of the home—available in finishes that complement both painted and timber door designs.


Pull Handles – Clean Lines, Confident Presence

When a project calls for bold minimalism, pull handles provide the perfect architectural punctuation mark. Their elongated form offers a sleek, uninterrupted silhouette—ideal for modern homes, commercial entryways, and bespoke doors with custom heights or materials.

Toorak Matt Black pull handle installed on a glass and wooden door.

Architectural Choice offers a range of entry door pull handle kits—complete with everything required for external or double-door installations. With sizes and profiles tailored to your project, these handles are available in finishes like Brushed Brass, Gunmetal, Matte Black, and Satin Stainless Steel to complement both natural materials and contemporary surfaces.

Also suitable for modern heritage fusion projects, our Art Deco-inspired pulls combine classic geometry with modern execution.


What to Consider When Specifying Front Door Handles

1. Architectural Intent

We understand that every handle is part of a broader design vision. That’s why we encourage collaboration between our team and yours—ensuring that each selection supports the architectural language of the project. Whether you're curating for a Hamptons-inspired coastal retreat or a contemporary inner-city build, we have the finish, form, and function to suit.

2. Interior & Exterior Cohesion

The entry hardware should reflect what lies within. Coordinate your front door handles with interior levers, cabinetry hardware, or even matching tapware. Our expanded range now includes cabinet knobs, pulls, and mixer sets to create a unified material and finish palette across the entire project.

3. Personalisation & Functionality

Front door handles must not only look impressive but perform reliably over time. Whether you're specifying a lockable entrance set, pull handle with back-to-back fixing, or a passage lever, each configuration is engineered for ease of use, security, and comfort.


Our Finishes – Curated for Longevity and Style

Our supplier network includes some of the most respected names in Australian hardware design, including Apollo Design, known for their architectural-grade brass construction and designer-driven finishes.

Product picture of the Petra Satin Brass Door Handle on a white background.

Current finishes include:

  • Antique Brass – ideal for heritage or French Provincial designs
  • Satin Brass – warm and sophisticated, suited to contemporary and transitional styles
  • Polished Brass – bold, reflective, and timeless
  • Satin Nickel – soft, modern, and neutral
  • Matt Black – crisp, dramatic, and versatile
  • Polished Chrome – sleek and highly reflective
  • Gunmetal – smooth and contemporary
  • Brushed Chrome – understated and industrial chic
  • White – light and fresh feel
  • Copper – earthy tone that blends with most palettes

All finishes are selected for both aesthetic appeal and long-term durability—ensuring the hardware you specify remains looking sharp for years to come.


Specify with Confidence

At Architectural Choice, we work with Australia’s leading architectural hardware brands to provide a level of service and supply that matches your creative ambition. Whether you’re drafting early schedules or preparing for handover, our team can support your project from start to finish with expert advice, fast sourcing, and consistent communication.


Let your entryway reflect the integrity of your entire design.
Explore front door handles at Architectural Choice—where every detail matters.