When it comes to choosing a door handle, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the range of choices available in the market. So often people come to us saying “I didn’t realise there was so much to choosing door handles!” which is where we step in. Door handles not only serve as a functional feature but can also add a touch of style to your space. If you’re looking to add elegance and sophistication to your door, then rose door handles might be an excellent option for you. So what is a ‘rose door handle’?

The ’rose’ refers to the backplate that sits on the door and covers the holes drilled to fit the hardware. The rose shape is a simple round circle which is the most common shape of residential door furniture. Other backplate options include square rose, plate furniture, narrow plate furniture and even roseless.

Rose door handles come in two different sizes – small and large. Small roses are generally between 50mm and 57mm in diameter and are the most common choice for new builds, as they are sleek and do not distract from the design of the home or lever. Large rose handles are a bit larger and can be anywhere from 61mm and 75mm in diameter. These are a common choice when replacing old door handles, as the old hole is usually a single large cut out (54mm) and is not suited for small rose door furniture. They are also found on commercial applications where large fittings are required.

So how do you tell if you have small or large rose door furniture? The simple answer is to measure it:
< 57mm rose = Small Rose
> 61mm rose = Large Rose
Anything in between, and you’re best to remove the hardware from the door, and look at the hole/s beneath:
One large hole = Large Rose
Multiple smaller holes = Small Rose

If you’re ever unsure, the team at Manovella are always happy to take a look at photos and measurements and offer professional advice from qualified locksmiths.

As small rose door handles are the preference of most people these days, one of the most common questions we get from people who are renovating is “Can I fit small rose handles in place of my large rose handles?” and the short answer is yes, it is possible but it’s not that simple.
Small rose handles are designed to be fitted onto new doors, that don’t already have a cut out in them. Where small rose handles were previously fitted, a new set can be installed as long as the old holes are covered. Where large rose handles were fitted, the single large cut out (54mm) must be either filled, or a backplate must be used.

The filling process involves inserting a piece of timber the same size the existing cut out, bogging the timber in the hole, sanding the section and painting over the door. This essentially gives you a blank slate to work with and fit whatever you like. This is obviously not an option if you don’t plan on painting the door, in which case you would need to fit large rose furniture or something that covers the hole.
The back plate alternative involves purchasing a plate that is the same size as a large rose and same finish as the new handles and fitting it behind the new handle set. This option is not recommended as it is not aesthetically pleasing and can be fiddly to fit.

Ultimately it is up to you what you would like to fit to your doors, however when working with existing holes, you might be governed by these factors. Again, if you’re in doubt about fitting any hardware onto doors, get in touch with us today.