Handle with care

By Justine Olivier

Today door handles are seen as contributing towards the home’s overall aesthetics. Talal Salem of EuroTouch says that one should consider a door handle as important as any other decor element in your home. “Ultimately, the first impression when you arrive at your home is the front door and the door handle.”

Mark Richter of AC Doors explains that, while choosing products such as handles for your door, quality should be your overall determinant.

While there is no notable trend in the market, most door handles reflect the style and taste of the particular home owner. Trevor Pritchard of Mega Doors notes that many people who choose to accessorise their doors do so not only by handle choice, but by sandblasting a pattern or design onto the door itself.

Once you’ve chosen your ideal door handle, the next important step is upkeep. There’s no point in having striking handles and not looking after them, leaving them to fade or tarnish and become lacklustre in appearance. “If you are in the KwaZulu-Natal area, wetting a cloth with water once a month to remove surface salt will extend the longevity of your handles considerably,” advises Lawrence Koff of Handles Inc.

Security need not be a concern, provided that the door itself is adequately installed by professionals. “A door lock is only as secure as the frame it sits in,” explains Lawrence. “People generally have high-security locks, but the frame can be broken easily. Both need to be solid and secure to stop breaking and entering.”

Accessorising doors has gained ground in the 21st century, and the door handle has become a matter of careful consideration for home owners – almost as much as purchasing a lounge suite – in adding the final touch to their homes.