Following on from our previous article on traditional mortice knobs we would like to showcase some of our modern designs and finishes available to show that despite mortice knobs being considered a more traditional style of door furniture they can fit in beautifully with contemporary and also modern interior and architectural designs.
Although many mortice knob designs are based on original historical patterns and castings these can still look the part in a more contemporary modern property when produced in a more modern finish such as polished or satin chrome. We are also able to offer a number of styles in other modern finishes such as polished and satin nickel, please call for further details.
In addition to the more traditional style of mortice knob, we have also been able to source a few more modern and contemporary designs. A number of these designs incorporate stunning Swarovski crystal and as a result really do sparkle, adding both glamour and style to any property. Furthermore we also have a range of clear and frosted glass mortice knobs which can also look the part in a more contemporary setting.
If you have any questions or queries with regards to any of our mortice knobs including the range of styles and finishes available please do not hesitate to contact us via e-mail on sales@shop4handles.co.uk or by phone on 01344 876955.
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Traditional Mortice Knobs
Posted September 10th, 2010 by adminMortice knobs are often seen exclusively as a traditional style of door furniture, as opposed to lever handles, which, particularly on a round or square rose, tend to be more modern in their appearance. One of the reasons door knobs are seen as more traditional in their style is that they are often used by those people hoping to maintain a specific period style to their interior decor. Mortice knobs are synonymous with many Victorian properties, as well as earlier periods, however there are now a number of knobs available which will look at home in any modern or contemporary property. We will detail some of these in the coming weeks.
Traditional & Period Style Door Knobs
As knobs have been used for hundreds of years it is no wonder that there are a huge variety of designs and styles available in today’s global marketplace. It should be noted however, that the majority of the very best mortice knobs are manufactured right here in the UK, with some of our suppliers holding original patterns of designs, meaning their products are as authentic as reclaimed pieces from the period. The quality of the British-made products is rarely seen elsewhere, but many of these knobs are made to order, and as such we would suggest you contact us for further details.
Whether you are looking for brass-beaded or rope-style knobs to suit Regency or Georgian period properties or plainer styled bun and oval knobs to accompany more Victorian aspects, there are a number of door knobs to suit. We also have a selection of beehive and reeded mortice knobs which can be suited to all of the aforementioned design periods. Our new Classics Collection range of mortice knobs reflect these particular designs perfectly.
Other traditional knobs include a range of porcelain knobs and a stunning range of both glass and crystal knobs, including knobs which are made using Swarovski Crystal. In addition a number of our traditional style knobs are available in more contemporary polished and satin chrome finishes, which maybe the ideal option for those looking to complement more traditional interior design styles but with a modern contemporary twist.
As mentioned earlier, in addition to our online selection we are also able to source a wide variety of British mortice knobs from suppliers such as Frank Allart and Samuel Heath. These two prestigious manufacturers offer many of the styles mentioned in a large variety of finishes including various bronze, brass, nickel and chrome finishes. Furthermore we will also soon be adding some rustic black antique knobs from the British malleable iron specialist Kirkpatrick. Please do not hesitate to call us for more information.
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Swarovski Crystallized Elements
Posted August 10th, 2010 by adminWe have just added two stunning new levers on rose which feature Swarovski crystallized elements. These beautiful Italian designed and crafted lever handles really do sparkle. Available in both polished chrome and satin chrome and on either a round or square rose these handles will look sublime in any home.
In addition to these amazing lever handles we already have a range of other Swarovski crytallized products including a very stylish and modern range of mortice knobs, traditional faceted mortice knobs and also a matching range of cupboard and cabinet knobs.
As you can see these amazing items featuring the Swarovski crystallized elements will stand out on any door and be a real feature in any interior design. As we have just added these exquisite new lever handle designs we thought it would be a good opportunity to give our customers a special offer of 10% off all of our Swarovski range! Simply enter the code SWAROVSKI in the coupon code box when purchasing.
In addition to our Swarovski Cristallized Elements range of door handles and knobs, we have recently acquired an exclusive sample of another glimmering lever on rose, which we are showcasing in this article. We are confident it will be a real head turner and we have already had many enquiries within our Ascot showroom. To register your interest in this stunning new product please either call us on 01344 876 955 or e-mail sales@shop4handles.co.uk.
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Classics Collection Mortice Knobs
Posted July 28th, 2010 by adminMortice Door knobs
Although there seems to be a trend towards lever handles these days, there is still demand for mortice knob furniture. In many instances people wish to design their interior in keeping with the original style of the house and in a lot of cases this requires the use of mortice knobs to achieve a beautiful and accurate re-creation of its former glory.
At shop4handles we have just introduced a fantastic range of mortice knobs, which not only compliment a number of period designs but would also lend classical elegance to many contemporary homes. They are available in a number of finishes – Polished Brass, Polished Chrome, and interestingly, Polished Nickel.
The Classics Collection incorporates a number of different designs including some of the more traditional styles like the ‘Beehive‘, ‘Queen Anne‘ and ‘Bun‘ mortice knob. In addition the range also has some more imaginative designs combining individually turned natural and ebonised wood with polished brass, chrome or nickel rose plates.
There are also 2 more intricate polished brass mortice knobs available one being a stunning regal lion head design and the other a regency flower pattern. Both of these styles are also available as a centre door knob for front doors.
All of the Classics Collection mortice knobs are made from solid brass specially antiqued through a process involving being individually hand aged, are unlacquered to allow for the brass to age gracefully and show its true beauty and finally they are polished to create a stunning finish. All knobs come complete with all fixings. One point to make is that all of the mortice knobs in this range are un-sprung and therefore require a heavier sprung latch for a smooth operation. In addition there are also matching escutcheons to suit doors which have a lock.
To celebrate this new range we have an introductory offer of an additional 10% off our entire Classics Collection, including all of the products described in this article. Simply enter the code CLASSICS into the coupon code box when prompted.
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uPVC & Multi Point Lock Handles
Posted July 5th, 2010 by adminEspagnolette or Multi-point lock handles
Our previous articles on front door furniture have been very popular but have raised some additional questions and it seems fitting that we include an article on uPVC or espagnolette multi point lock handles due to the number of enquiries we are recieving about these items. Espagnolette, or multi-point locking systems are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a higher lever of security and resistance to burglar attack than most single point locking systems. However many of the door handles to suit these locks are unadventurous and sterile in their design, made from cheap materials and whilst fit for purpose, do not enhance the appearance of a front door, merely providing a basic means to open one. We have worked hard to bring a range of stylish handle designs available in a number of different finishes to suit most styles of door and locking system, and many of these can be found on our website (although we also have many others if you call our shop). It should be noted however, that some uPVC door manufacturers intentionally use systems which are unusually sized, so as to ensure all replacements parts, alternative handles etc must be purchased from them directly.
Before we show you a few of the designs we have available it is important to look at how the handle is sized as there are a variety of different sized locks in widespread use, with only minor (but very important) differences between each one. There are a few measurements you will need to know before choosing a new handle set. These measurements can be seen in the diagram below.
The first measurement to look at is the centres, this is from the middle of the handle centre to the middle of the keyhole. Typical measurements are 68mm, 70mm & 92mm, although there are some other less common measurements on the market. Handles with 92mm centres are the most common ones we stock as they are available in a variety of different handle styles and finishes, we also have a few handles on offer that have 70mm centres. Other centre measurement handles are available as special orders and we can supply handles from the likes of Mila and Hoppe to name but a few.
Fixing centres are also important as they do vary so again it is important you have the correct measurement before purchasing. Backplate length should also be considered as again this varies so it is important to know that the handle you are purchasing will fit in the place of an existing handle or cover any marks that are left. Once you have all these measurements correct you should be able to select the correct handle that will suit. If the measurements do not match any of the handles we have listed on our website, please contact us and we will try and find a suitable handle to meet your requirements.
Some handle designs are asymmetrical and are therefore handed. This means they can either come left or right handed depending on how the door is hinged. The best way to figure out what handing you require is to look at the door from the outside and see which side (left or right) of the door the handle is situated on as this will determine which hand you use to open it. So if the handle is situated on the left side of the door you will use your right hand to open it and thus it is a right handed handle. If you have any problems with this we will be happy to assist you and explain further.
Now that the important considerations have been looked at it is now possible to look at some of the handles we are able to offer. As you can see above, there are a number of different styles and finishes available to accompany existing door furniture or compliment interior design features, from traditional to more modern and contemporary styles.
All of the items mentioned in this post are 10% off this month, so what better time to give your front door that new look! Simply enter the code FRONT DOOR into the coupon code box when prompted.
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Stainless Front Door Furniture
Posted June 11th, 2010 by adminFollowing on from the previous article on front door furniture, this article will look at some stainless brass and stainless steel items for your front door, for occasions when low maintenance and additional durability are paramount.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a type of steel which does not corrode, stain or rust as easily as normal steel. Although stainless steel ironmongery has traditionally been associated with commercial buildings it has become increasingly popular on residential properties as complimentary designs have been introduced into the market and global trading has lowered the cost. Another contributing factor in the increased use of stainless steel front door fittings is the growth in popularity of stainless steel door handles which has created an increase in demand for other hardware products to match. As a result a new range of stainless steel front door furniture has been added to our catalogue offering our customers contemporary and modern designs coupled with the hard wearing properties of stainless steel.
Stainless Brass (PVD)
Although “standard” lacquered brass products should last outdoors for some time in most circumstances, eventually the lacquer tends to succumb to the elements and break down, leaving the brass to oxidise and lose its lustre. Stainless Brass or PVD (Physical Vapour Deposit) is a specialist finishing process which when applied leaves the material, in this case brass, impervious to oxidation, abrasion and corrosion. As the process offers such a high level of corrosive resistance all of our PVD products are guaranteed for 25 years.
All of the items mentioned in this post are 10% off this month, so what better time to give your front door that new look! Simply enter the code FRONT DOOR into the coupon code box when prompted.
As well as front door furniture we also have a range of door handles and other ironmongery items in both stainless steel and stainless brass. If you have any questions or queries relating to these finishes or items that are available please do not hesitate to contact us on 01344 876955 or via e-mail at sales@shop4handles.co.uk. We also have a number of designs and manufacturers not yet listed on our site that are available from our shop, and if you give us a call and let us know what you’re looking for, we will always try to help or source more bespoke products for you.
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Front Door Furniture
Posted June 4th, 2010 by adminFront door furniture is perhaps some of the most important door furniture you can buy. Not only do you use it everyday but it is on display for everybody to see. In this article we will look at some of the items available which are not only practical but will give the door a new lease of life and in many cases compliment and enhance the overall architectural design.
The most important factor to consider on the front door is security. First and foremost the door should have a lock conforming to British Standard 3621 which is recognised as the minimum requirement by insurance companies. This lock is normally either a deadlock or sashlock with 5 or more levers. Although this is the minimum requirement, many people also incorporate a cylinder rim nightlatch for additional security. This does not have to conform to BS3621 so long as there is already a BS3621 lock on the door. We do stock a Yale PBS1 and PBS2 rim nighlatch which also conforms to BS3621. In addition we also stock a range of other rim nightlatches to offer additional security to your door. The fitting of a door chain and/or spy hole can also increase the level of security and enable people to see who is at the door without leaving them vulnerable, please see previous article on additional door security here:-
http://www.shop4handles.co.uk/news/product-news/does-your-front-door-require-additional-security/
Once the security issues are sorted it’s time to think about what else you might require for the front door. One aspect to consider is how you will close the door behind you. This can be achieved with either a cylinder pull incorporated around the cylinder key hole which allows the door to be pulled closed. If there is no cylinder lock on the door or something more substantial is required another option is a centre door knob. Centre door knobs come in a variety of designs and finishes to suit all styles of property.
Although most of us would like to see less paper and junk mail through our doors we nevertheless need to receive mail somehow! For the majority of us this is through a letter plate on the front door. These can come in a wide variety of sizes so it is important you have the correct measurements when looking at fixing a new letter plate in place of an old one. Letter plates are available in a range of different finishes to match other front door furniture or certain designs to compliment specific period styles such as Victorian, Georgian or Regency. As well as the letter plate on the front it is also useful to have a letter tidy on the inside of the door. Not only does this offer more security but it also stops any draught from the letter opening. In addition to letter plates we can also supply mailboxes, please call for more information.
The postman may never reach your new letterbox if he can’t see what number you are on your street, and your visitors will also appreciate you making it easy for them to find you, so it is always a good idea to put a number on your front door! We have numbers and letters in a range of finishes to suit existing front door furniture. If you are looking for large numerals or numerals in a specific finish feel free to call us on 01344 876955 and we will endeavour to help, as we can offer many other styles, sizes and finishes which are not listed on our site.
The final item needed on most front doors is a means for someone to get your attention to come to the door. The two main means of doing this are either a door knocker or a bell push which operates an internal door bell. Door knockers come in a wide variety of styles and finishes so there is something to suit most front doors whether they are on a traditional, period or contemporary property.
All of the items mentioned in this post are 10% off this month, so what better time to give your front door that new look! Simply enter the code FRONT DOOR into the coupon code box when prompted.
Although we have a good selection of front door furniture on our website there are plenty of other designs and finishes available, so if you can not find the item you are looking for or are looking for something more suited to your individual front door do not hesitate to give us a call on 01344 876955 or send an e-mail to sales@shop4handles.co.uk
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Special Application Hinges
Posted May 13th, 2010 by adminButt hinges as mentioned in our previous post are by far the most popular choice for hanging internal doors, however there are a wide variety of hinges that have been developed with a specific purpose in mind. In this article we will look at some of these hinges and their application.
Parliament and Projection Hinges
In some cases doors need to open to 180 degrees and although butt hinges are capable of doing this there are often obstacles preventing them from doing so, such as an architrave on the door frame or a reveal if the door is set back within a brick opening. Both parliament and projection hinges overcome these obstacles by having a protruding knuckle, which increases the throw of the door. The distance between the knuckle and hinge edge determines the degree the door will open. Although both styles of hinge provide the same function, parliament hinges have a shortened knuckle which can be more aesthetically pleasing, whilst projection hinges have a full length knuckle enabling them to offer a higher load bearing capacity.
Rising & Falling Butt Hinges
Rising butt hinges are used when the door needs to rise slightly when it is opened, this may be due to it needing to clear a mat, rug or thick carpet for example. The approximate rise is around 6mm and as a result the top of the door near the hanging edge will need special preparation. The added feature of rising butt hinges is that they result in the door self closing due to gravity, which can be useful on toilet doors. Falling butt hinges work in the opposite way to rising butts as the door falls open under gravity. In this case special preparation needs to be made to the bottom of the door. These hinges are often used in cases where it is beneficial for the door to be open, again toilet cubicles are one such case as people can see which ones are vacant. Both of these types of hinge are handed (right or left) so it is necessary to state which hand is needed. If it is unclear as to what hand you require our technical team would be glad to assist you.
Spring Hinges
Just as the name suggests these hinges incorporate a spring mechanism in the knuckle. The purpose of this is to close the door automatically after it has been opened. The tension of the spring can be adjusted to allow the speed of closing to be altered. These can often be used instead of a door closer offering a more aesthetically pleasing option for your fire doors, which must self-close. Our spring hinges are fire tested meeting BS EN 1634 and are suitable for one hour fire doors. They are also available in either polished or satin stainless steel finish. We also stock double spring hinges, often referred to as a ‘bommer’ hinge (a trade name from America), which are used when the door needs to open both ways, this is often the case on restaurant kitchen doors for example. These are available in a variety of sizes to suit various sizes and weights of doors.
Other Special Application Hinges
There are a number of other hinges which are for a specific purpose or special application. Security butt hinges incorporate hinge studs (hinge bolts) on the hinge which engage in a matching hole on the opposite leaf, meaning that when the door is in the closed position it cannot be removed even if the hinge pin is removed. This is an especially important aspect to look at on outward opening external doors. Cabinet hinges are small butt hinges designed for use on cabinet or cupboard doors and are available in two different sizes and a variety of finishes. Counterflap hinges are a double pivoted hinge which allow flush fitting and are therefore perfect for use on bar counters as they allow for part of the counter to be opened for staff to move behind the bar but they do not obscure the bar surface when glass collecting or cleaning as a normal butt hinge would. Stormproof hinges are specifically used on casement style windows and are cranked to allow for the rebate of the casement. These are available in a yellow passivated, brass self colour or zinc plated finish.
In addition to all of the hinges mentioned above we are also able to source a huge variety of other hinges and sell many from our shop in Ascot. These include SOSS hinges, Tee hinges, Conductor hinges, Tectus hinges, Lift-off hinges and many many more. If you need some special application hinges and do not see what you are after on our website, please do not hesitate in calling our sales team who will be happy to help.
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Butt Hinges – A Brief Introduction
Posted May 7th, 2010 by adminThe most commonly used hinge is the butt hinge and it can be found on most doors in homes or offices. Butt hinges are made from a variety of different materials including steel, stainless steel and brass among others. Butt hinges are also available in a number of different finishes including most commonly polished brass, polished chrome, satin chrome, polished stainless steel and satin stainless steel. The main reasons for the various finishes is for both extra protection for the underlying material and for aesthetic reasons as many people wish to match existing hardware finishes.
Butt hinges use a variety of different bearings in order to reduce the friction of the hinge as the pin moves against the knuckle. Plain bearings just rely on metal to metal contact and have no additional parts to reduce friction and therefore hinges of this sort are mainly only suitable for light or medium use. These hinges are also generally less aesthetically pleasing. Other types of bearing which are commonly found are washered, double washered and ball bearing. Both single and double washered hinges offer a greater reduction in friction and therefore increase the life of the hinge and allow for a smoother action. The washers are generally either steel, stainless steel or bronze, the latter two offer a bit more protection against corrosion. Ball bearing hinges are generally of a higher specification and offer a very smooth action coupled with additional durability. Ball bearing hinges are more suited to heavy or even severe door use and doors using a closing device. Our stock hinges incorporating ball bearings are classified as grade 11 and grade 13, meaning they can also carry doors above 80kg and are suitable for fire doors. The Grade 13 Ball bearing butt hinge is our best selling hinge and offers superior movement and performance coupled with fantastic durability. These hinges are more suitable for doors 44mm thick or greater. We also offer a stainless steel washered 3″ hinge which offers exceptional functionality and durability and is suitable for 35mm doors.
The full range of hinges mentioned above, as well as many others can be found on our website, or sourced by calling the shop.
The main considerations when choosing the correct butt hinge are generally what size the door is, the weight of the door, the usage of the door and to a lesser extent what finish the surrounding hardware is. On doors weighing 20kg a pair of hinges would suffice, on heavier doors it is recommended that 3 hinges are used, not only does this add support but it also leaves less chance of the door warping.
If there are any questions or queries relating to any of our butt hinges or indeed any hinges at all please do not hesitate to contact us either via e-mail at sales@shop4handles.co.uk or by phone on 01344 876955 or freephone 0800 027 2470.
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6 of the best… …chrome door handles!
Posted April 23rd, 2010 by adminWith spring in full swing and with summer just around the corner, what better time to look at sprucing up your doors with a new set of stylish chrome door handles. We have selected some of our best selling chrome levers on rose, which are now available next day delivery if ordered by 1pm, for our special promotion. Purchase 5 or more sets of the chrome handles on offer we will give you 10% off the overall handle price. The chrome handles on offer can be seen below.
The chrome handles pictured above are two of our best sellers offering a contemporary curved design which combines comfort, practicality and style. Pictured below are two other chrome handles from our stock range which are currently proving to be popular. The first design offers a modern twisted lever which not only looks the part but is ergonomically friendly. The other handle incorporates a more linear design which might suit those looking for something modern and minimalistic.
Perhaps two of the most modern designed lever handles on rose combine both polished and satin chrome finishes. The two-tone or dual finish handles can be seen pictured below. The first handle is from Eurospec’s designer range and comprises of a curved satin chrome lever mounted onto a polished chrome stem and rose. Made from solid brass and with an exceptional build quality and a fine attention to detail, this handle is of a superior quality to many of those on the market. The polished and satin chrome finishes combine to create a sleek, stylish and modern look. Another dual finish handle is the Arkus which not only comes in polished chrome and satin chrome but also in a polished chrome and black nickel finish. The relatively new finish of black nickel has proved popular amongst those looking for something different and its combination with polished chrome makes it look even more chic and elegant.
All the handles pictured have a range of accessories to accompany them if the handles are to be used on a bathroom door or a door that requires locking. Matching bathroom thumbturns and escutcheons can be found in the accessories section of the website. If there are any questions or queries relating to these handles or the accessories please do not hesitate to e-mail us at sales@shop4handles.co.uk or call us on 01344 876955 or freephone 0800 027 2470.
Tags: black nickel handles, chrome door handles, Chrome handles, door handles, dual finish handles, Lever on rose, modern lever handles, polished chrome lever on rose, satin chrome handles, two tone handles









































