Most Popular Types Of Door Pull Handles In Australia

When it comes to modern door design, very few elements stand out quite like the pull door handle. Being quite functional, stylish, and often the centrepiece of a first impression, these handles are found everywhere, from commercial entrances and luxury apartments to patio doors and internal feature doors.

If you are renovating your space and looking for custom door handles, more precisely pull handles, we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll be fully exploring the most popular types of pull handles, covering the styles available, what suits which space, and why many people, including us at Push or Pull, choose these types for everyday function and design impact.

Back-to-Back Pull Handles

For most people, back-to-back pull handles are the backbone of modern commercial design. They are also by far one of the most commonly used configurations. You’ll find them in several Australian restaurants, corporate offices, retail storefronts, and public buildings such as libraries or galleries.

The name ‘back-to-back’ refers to their installation method: two handles are mounted directly opposite each other on both sides of the door and connected through the door thickness with a single bolt set. This design results in a robust, secure, and symmetrical solution that not only looks clean but performs incredibly well in high-use areas.

At Push or Pull, most of our range includes back-to-back pull handles, and it’s a configuration we’ve refined to perfection over the years. All of our designs combine strength with beauty to give you bold architectural statements that are also incredibly reliable. We specialise in making these handles in various materials including stainless steel, brass, aluminium, and even timber.

You’ll also love the variety. Back-to-back handles are available in a wide selection of finishes, from brushed stainless steel to matte black and bronze, and are designed to complement everything from ultra-modern glass to timber doors. 

Pull Handles on Backplate (or Rose)

One of the more traditional styles of pull door handles includes handles mounted on a backplate or rose. A backplate is typically a long rectangular or vertically shaped plate that sits flush against the door, providing both structure and an elegant outline behind the handle. These are ideal for doors that need to cover existing drill holes or marks from previous installations.

On the other hand, a pull handle on a rose features a compact, circular or square backing plate, giving a cleaner, modern finish that works well in contemporary homes and commercial offices alike.

This option is highly versatile, available in finishes like aged bronze, satin nickel, antique brass, and polished chrome. Whether you’re installing them on timber doors or metal, this setup gives you the strength and structure needed, all while enhancing the visual cohesion of the door itself. For a unique twist, you can opt for premium-looking custom door handles that no one else has.

Designer Pull Handles

If you want your door handles to do more than just open a door, say, make a bold statement, designer pull handles should be your go-to choice. These are often custom-made, artistic pieces crafted to reflect personal taste or align with a brand’s aesthetic.

From sculptural shapes to architectural finishes, these handles go beyond utility. They’re meant to be seen, admired and remembered.

For a unique finish that fits your space perfectly, you can even opt for custom door handles, crafted specifically to match your door style, building type, or brand identity.

Flush Pull Handles

Flush pull handles are built right into the surface of the door, giving you a flat, flush finish that’s perfect for sliding and pocket doors.

These handles are especially useful in places where every centimetre counts and a protruding handle might get in the way. They’re often seen in wardrobes, modern bathrooms, and minimalist kitchens. And thanks to their embedded design, they allow sliding doors to disappear seamlessly into wall cavities without obstruction.

Style-wise, you’re spoiled for choice: you can choose from round, square, or rectangular shapes in finishes like satin chrome, matte black, or brass, depending on the space. They’re a great solution when you want a designer door handle look without any visual bulk.

Bar Pull Handles

Bar pull handles are among the most popular in modern design circles. These handles feature a simple cylindrical form and are known for their clean lines, contemporary feel, and ease of use.

You’ll often find them on kitchen cabinets, bathroom drawers, or even large doors in modern apartments. Their streamlined look pairs well with minimalist spaces, and their range of sizes means you can scale them up or down depending on the door or drawer you’re working with.

Materials like stainless steel and aluminium are common here; both are chosen for their long-lasting, corrosion-resistant properties. For a warmer or more industrial aesthetic, bar pulls in brass or powder-coated black finishes are also widely used. They may be simple in shape, but in design, bar handles take the cake.

Why Choose Push or Pull for Your Custom Door Handle Needs?

Push or Pull is your one-stop shop and specification centre for everything pull handle-related. Our team combines over a decade of craftsmanship experience with a passion for detail and design that is rare to find anywhere else.

We’ve made it our mission to ensure that no architect, builder, or homeowner ever has to compromise on handle choice again. With over 800 models (and counting), we’re confident that you’ll find exactly what you’ve been searching for, even if you didn’t know what that was until now.

Also, with new styles constantly being added, the options are as limitless as your imagination. Now, if you’ve already got the door, but the handle doesn’t do it justice, this is your sign to fix that.

Visit our online store, and explore the full collection of designer door handles and custom door handles to find the pull handle that would be the perfect fit.