Types of handles for sliding doors

Have you ever considered how much sliding doors can transform the look and functionality of your interior? A refreshing and modern alternative to classic hinged doors, these sliding doors adapt perfectly to various environments. In generous spaces, they allow for more fluid layout management, thus avoiding the constraints imposed by traditional doors. In more confined areas, every centimetre is precious, and sliding doors prove to be invaluable allies for maximising space. Available in two main forms: visible wall-mounted doors and pocket doors elegantly concealed in the wall. What are the advantages of a wall-mounted door and a pocket door? And what role do sliding door handles play in this equation of style and functionality?

1. Sliding doors

Wall-mounted sliding doors offer remarkable flexibility in their installation and use. They can be mounted in two different ways: either with a lower and upper sliding system, where guides are placed both at the top and bottom of the door, or with an upper sliding system only, without a lower rail. This latter option is ideal for a sleek and minimalist look.

When the system is mounted above the door opening or directly on the ceiling, the door frame slides along a guide. This guide, although discreet, remains visible when the door is open, adding a distinctive design element to your space. These doors, suitable for widths ranging from 60 to 150 cm, are particularly appreciated for their simple and quick installation, as well as for their affordable cost.

One of the major advantages of wall-mounted sliding doors is their ability to save space. However, it is important to note that they require a clear wall, without furniture, for their movement. For a finishing touch in terms of design, you have the choice between "pull" type handles or recessed handles, which can be integrated in a way that complements the aesthetics of your wall-mounted sliding door.

2. Pocket doors - concealed in the wall

Concealed sliding doors represent a remarkable innovation in the field of interior design. They combine the advantages of traditional wall-mounted sliding doors with optimal use of space. Their unique design involves mounting in a specially designed cassette, where the door frame is elegantly concealed when it is open. This feature allows it to be integrated almost invisibly into the wall, with a sleek appearance and significant space saving.

According to the manufacturer's specifications, these doors can be fitted with cassettes of different thicknesses: 100 mm for flat panel models, or 125 mm for glass models or those with ornaments. This variety ensures perfect adaptability to various styles and decoration needs.

A major advantage of concealed sliding doors, compared to wall-mounted systems, lies in their ingenious assembly system. The latter not only conceals the door frame but also completely frees up the wall, even where the door retracts. This functionality offers total freedom in the layout and decoration of the wall, making these doors ideal for those looking to maximise both the space and aesthetics of their interior.

3. Handle selection

When it comes to selecting handles for sliding doors and pocket doors, it is essential to consider not only aesthetics but also functionality. Traditional handles with long levers are generally not recommended for these types of doors. Indeed, in sliding door or retractable systems, a protruding handle can easily collide with furniture located nearby or not fit into the door cassette.

The ideal solution lies in using recessed handles. These handles are designed to align perfectly with the door surface, to achieve easy opening thanks to a profiled recess. They blend harmoniously into the door design, whilst ensuring optimal functionality.

4. Materials

In terms of materials and styles, there is a wide variety of recessed handles. The most popular are made of steel, brass and aluminium. Each of these materials offers distinct advantages:

• Brass handles are ideal for doors with a classic or stylised look.
• Chrome and nickel handles bring a touch of modernity and are frequently used for their elegant appearance.
• Aluminium handles, thanks to the possibility of galvanic treatment, represent an affordable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to brass and steel handles.

However, it is important to note that recessed handles can be more demanding in terms of maintenance. Dirt and dust tend to accumulate in the grooves of their profile. To overcome this problem, some handles are equipped with an additional cover flap, which helps protect the handle against dust accumulation, and thus facilitates their cleaning and maintenance.

Sliding door handles are much more than a simple accessory: they are the finishing touch that defines the style and atmosphere of your space. At Millapoignées, we offer a varied range of recessed handles, entirely design and functional to suit all your needs.