Choosing Hardware for French Doors: What You Need to Know

French doors are undeniably beautiful—their glass panes and classic proportions bring light and elegance to a space in a way few other architectural features can. But as anyone renovating a character home knows, beauty alone isn’t enough. Functionality matters just as much, and the decisions you make around door hardware will directly impact how your French doors look, feel, and perform for years to come.

At The Renovation Shop, we’re here to help you make confident, considered choices. Whether you're restoring an original set of doors or installing new ones with traditional detailing, this guide walks you through the essentials of French door hardware—from stiles to strike plates—without the overwhelm.

Start with the stile: getting the backset right

If your doors have timber rails and stiles (and most do unless they’re modern flat panel doors), the width of the stile is your starting point. The stile is the vertical timber on either side of each door.

• More than 110mm wide? Choose a 57–60mm backset* latch or lock.
• Less than 90mm? Opt for a 44–46mm backset or choose a French door fastener if your doors don't need to be key-lockable.
• Between 90–110mm? You’ve got flexibility, but consider your handle type:
• Using knobs? The deeper backset (57–60mm) gives more knuckle clearance from the door jamb.
• Glazed doors? A narrower backset (44–46mm) may help you avoid cutting too close to the glass.

* The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the spindle hole in the lock or latch. Importantly, it determines the position of the handles on the face of the door. Wherever possible, try to centre your handles on the stile—it always looks better, and often functions better too.

Understanding rebated doors (and why it matters)

Many traditional French doors are rebated. This simply means the doors are not flush where they meet; instead, they interlock slightly due to a step in the timber profile. This helps eliminate the visible gap between the doors.

If your doors are rebated, you'll need to choose a rebated version of any latch or lock, which includes a special faceplate and striker to suit the stepped profile.

Alternatively, some French doors may have a mushroom stop instead (a T-shaped bead fixed to the edge of one door to cover the join). In this case, a standard latch or lock is all that is needed.

Choosing the right hinges: strength and style

Glazed French doors are typically heavier than standard interior doors, so strong, reliable hinges are important.

• Solid brass ball bearing hinges are ideal for durability and smooth operation.
• Standard-height doors (2040mm) usually require three hinges, while taller doors may need four.
• Doors that are 40mm thick require 100mm x 75mm hinges (or wider if the doors need to throw past something like an architrave in order to sit flush against the wall when they’re open). Hinges that are 100mm x 60mm suit French doors that are only 35mm thick (again, unless you’d like the doors the go all the way back against the wall).
• For outward-opening doors, always use fixed pin hinges—the pins can’t be removed from the outside, so your doors stay secure.
• Choose a finish that ties in with your other hardware—cohesion is key.

Knobs or levers: a tactile decision

Your handle is more than a detail—it’s something you’ll touch every day. It needs to feel right and look right.

• Make sure your handles are comfortable to grip and compatible with your chosen lock or latch.

Locks and bolts: beauty that protects

French doors can be vulnerable to break-ins, particularly due to their glass panels and central meeting point. That’s why your locking system needs to do more than look the part.

• Mortice locks are discreet and secure, set within a pocket inside the edge of the door.
• French doors have an "active" and "inactive" leaf. The inactive door needs to be fixed in place unless both doors are opened together. Flush bolts, fitted neatly into the edge of the door, are ideal for a seamless finish (although they're more challenging to install in rebated doors). Surface-mounted bolts are simpler to install and suit traditional or country-style doors. 
• If your doors open out, special consideration needs to be given to the type of bolts you choose. Typically, standard barrel bolts are not suitable unless used in conjunction with a right-angle keeper. This is due to the fact that you don't get enough purchase on the timber stop on the sill and header of the door jamb with a standard barrel bolt. Other options for outward-opening French doors include panic bolts, reverse barrel bolts, and offset bolts.
• Make sure your bolts extend deep into the header and sill, as this is where the real strength lies.

Finishes and cohesion: small choices, big impact

There’s no shortage of finishes out there—antique brass, satin nickel, matte black, and everything in between. But the most important thing is consistency. Your hinges, handles, bolts, and locks should all feel like part of the same story.

• Consider the architectural style of your home:
• Ornate handles suit Federation or Victorian homes.
• Simple, clean lines work well in a modern farmhouse or 1920s cottage.
• Aim for finishes that complement other metalwork in the room (light fittings, tapware, etc.).

Installation tips: measure twice, install once

You've chosen beautiful, high-quality hardware - don't let poor installation let it down.

• Measure your stile, door thickness, and glass clearances before choosing your lock or latch, and don't forget you need to know if your French doors are rebated.
• Always test hardware before final fixing. It should operate smoothly, feel solid, and align perfectly.

Final thoughts

At The Renovation Shop, we believe choosing hardware should never feel like a compromise. Your doors—and your home—deserve fittings that are thoughtfully chosen, properly fitted, and a joy to live with. Whether you’re working with a pair of 1900s French doors or a newly installed set in a classic style, the right hardware will enhance their beauty, function, and security for years to come.

If you’re unsure, we’re here to help. We talk about door hardware all day—because getting it right really does matter.