Barn door handles have become a staple in modern, rustic, and farmhouse-style interiors. Beyond their aesthetic charm, they serve a practical purpose—making it easy to open and close sliding doors. Whether you’re renovating a room or building from scratch, choosing the right barn door handle can elevate your space both visually and functionally.
In this article, we’ll explore 7 common types of barn door handles, how each is used, and the benefits they offer. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, homeowner, or interior designer, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
1. Pull Handles
Pull handles are surface-mounted, meaning they’re screwed onto the exterior of the barn door. These are the go-to handles for barn doors due to their simplicity and variety.
Best For:
Ideal for interior doors that see daily use, like living rooms, bedrooms, or hallway entrances. They’re practical, comfortable to use, and fit almost any décor.
Why Choose Pull Handles:
● Easy Grip: Great for users of all ages.
● Simple Installation: Just a drill and screws are needed.
● Material Variety: Choose from brass for vintage, black iron for industrial, or wood for rustic looks.
● Finish Options: Matte black, chrome, brass, and more allow you to match other room hardware.
Design Tip:
Use matte black to match a modern farmhouse theme, or weathered bronze for that antique barn door charm.
2. Flush or Recessed Handles
Flush or recessed handles are set into the door’s surface, making them flat and unobtrusive. They’re perfect when space is limited or when you want a clean, modern look.
Best For:
Ideal for closets, pantries, or double barn doors where handles could clash or obstruct sliding.
Why Choose Recessed Handles:
● Space-Saving: Since they sit inside the door, nothing sticks out—great for tight hallways.
● Safety First: No handle to bump into, which is excellent for small children or pets.
● Minimalist Look: Perfect for Scandinavian or industrial interiors.
Design Tip:
Pair with brushed stainless steel finishes for a modern vibe or flat black recessed handles for a subtle rustic-industrial mix.
3. Sliding Door Handles with Backplate
These handles come with a decorative backplate, which is a larger piece mounted behind the handle. The backplate can be plain or ornate.
Best For:
Great for farmhouse-style homes, vintage décor lovers, or those who want a statement piece on their barn door.
💡 Why Choose Backplate Handles:
● Added Flair: The backplate adds texture and dimension.
● Door Protection: Prevents smudges or scratches from frequent use.
● Ornamental Appeal: From Victorian filigree to industrial steel, there’s a style for every home.
Design Tip:
Use distressed metal backplates on doors made from reclaimed wood for a cohesive old-world charm.
4. Two-Sided Barn Door Handles
These feature a handle on both sides of the door, allowing you to open or close it from either direction. They often include a finger pull on one side and a pull handle on the other.
Best For:
Ideal for bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, walk-in closets, or any room requiring entry from both sides.
Why Choose Two-Sided Handles:
● Complete Accessibility: Functional and convenient, especially for doors you frequently access from both sides.
● Aesthetic Balance: Offers a symmetrical and finished look.
Design Tip:
For the inside, use a simple finger pull to reduce visual clutter. Keep the outer side bold and design-focused.
5. Sliding Barn Door Handles with Lock
These combine a handle and a locking mechanism—either a slide latch, privacy bolt, or key lock—designed specifically for sliding doors.
Best For:
Best suited for bathrooms, bedrooms, home offices, or therapy rooms where privacy is essential.
Why Choose Lockable Handles:
● Enhances Privacy: A must for bathrooms or bedrooms in shared homes.
● Security Option: Especially useful in rental properties or shared living spaces.
● Variety of Mechanisms: Choose hook-and-eye locks, deadbolts, or sliding latches.
Design Tip:
Go for a hidden locking system integrated into a sleek, modern handle for maximum discretion and style.
Leather Strap Handles
Leather handles are stylish and handcrafted, offering a soft-touch alternative to metal or wood. The leather is usually looped and mounted with metal or wood bases.
Best For:
Perfect for creative spaces, modern rustic interiors, studios, and kids’ rooms.
Why Choose Leather Handles:
● Soft Texture: Great for homes with children.
● Artisan Appeal: Handmade aesthetic adds warmth and uniqueness.
● Color Options: From neutral to bold, they match a wide range of design schemes.
Design Tip:
Use light tan or caramel leather for Scandinavian-style doors, or dark brown/black leather for dramatic contrast against white or pastel doors.
7. Rope or Twisted Pull Handles
These unique handles use nautical ropes, twisted hemp, or braided cords attached via brackets. They’re perfect for a handmade rustic vibe.
Best For:
Best in cabins, coastal cottages, beach houses, or kids’ rooms.
Why Choose Rope Handles:
● DIY-Friendly: Easy to replace or change with new rope.
● Budget-Friendly: Typically less expensive than metal or leather.
● Whimsical Look: Adds character and playfulness to the room.
Design Tip:
Match rope thickness and color to your interior—for example, white twisted rope for nautical themes, or natural hemp for rustic cabins.
Why Barn Door Handles Matter?
1. Provide Grip and Accessibility
Barn door handles are more than decorative—they serve a functional role. Since barn doors slide instead of swinging open, you need a proper grip to push or pull them smoothly. Without handles, using the door becomes inconvenient, especially for children or elderly users.
2. Enhance the Door’s Aesthetic
Handles are like the jewelry of a door. The right style—be it rustic iron or sleek stainless steel—can instantly upgrade the visual appeal. It’s a small hardware detail, but it holds a big impact on how the overall door looks and feels.
3. Influence the Door’s Usability
A sliding barn door without a proper handle can feel incomplete. Some handles, like recessed ones, work better in tight spaces, while large pull handles are ideal for heavy or frequently used doors. The handle you choose directly affects how convenient your door is to use.
4. Contribute to the Room’s Overall Design
Handles aren’t standalone elements. They complement the room’s design style—modern, farmhouse, coastal, or vintage. Matching your door handle finish with light fixtures, hinges, and knobs creates a consistent, polished interior.
Conclusion
Barn door handles are more than just functional—they bring style, character, and convenience to any space. Whether you prefer sleek recessed designs, classic pulls, or unique leather and lockable options, the right handle enhances both the look and usability of your barn door.
At Barn Doorz, we offer a thoughtfully crafted selection of barn door handles to match every style and need. From modern to rustic, our handles help you personalize your space with ease. Discover the perfect hardware to complete your door at Barn Doorz—where design meets function.
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