When replacing your door handles, one detail to check is the centre-to-centre distance between the rose's fixing holes. This guide explains the 30 mm and 38 mm options shown below.
Measure rather than relying on the age of the door
The right choice depends on the existing door, lock and fixing arrangement. The Danish guide's distinction between newer and older doors is only a rule of thumb, not a guarantee of compatibility in every country or on every door. Remove the existing handle and rose as appropriate so you can measure accurately, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Measure from the centre of one fixing hole to the centre of the other. Here, c/c 30 mm and c/c 38 mm refer to the fixing-hole spacing, not the thickness of the door. Check the chosen handle's other fitting requirements as well.
Doors with existing fixing holes
The illustrated newer-door example has a larger opening around the spindle and smaller holes for through bolts. The spindle connects the handles through the lock. It is the distance between the smaller fixing holes that determines which rose fixing centres match the existing arrangement. Check the actual measurements on your door rather than assuming the illustrated hole dimensions apply.
Older timber doors
Some older timber doors have only a small spindle opening and no existing through-bolt holes. The original guide describes a 38 mm rose secured with short wood screws for this type of arrangement. Use that method only where it is suitable for the particular door and permitted by the handle manufacturer's mounting instructions. If fixing holes are already present, measure their centre-to-centre distance.
Unsure which option fits?
Send photographs of the door from the front and the edge, together with your measurements, to mail@copenhagenhomedesign.dk. We can help you identify the appropriate handle and mounting arrangement before you order.
If you are also updating kitchen or bathroom furniture, explore our cabinet handles and knobs. You can also read about patinated finishes or find living room lighting inspiration.
