Door Hardware | Frelan Hardware

What Is The Difference Between a Rose And Backplate?

Written by Frelan Hardware | Mar 5, 2025 12:00:00 PM

The door handle is the most efficient and attractive part of a door. The most popular door handles are lever handles. The lever door handles come in two basic types: Lever handles on a backplate and lever handles on a rose. 

These types of lever handles apparently look the same with minor changes, but there are some differences in both types, such as in fitting and parts. I will discuss all the differences between rose and backplate lever door handles in the article below:

Lever Door Handles On A Backplate

Lever on a backplate has been commonly used in houses and buildings for a long time. These handles have a traditional outlook that makes them very popular.

There are three main types:

  • Lever latch: It has a blank backplate
  • Lever lock: It has a keyhole for locking
  • Bathroom lock: It has a built-in thumb-turn lock

When choosing door handles, it's important to consider the requirement of the lock. Lever latch handles are used on internal doors without locks, while lever lock handles have a keyhole for use with a latch lock to secure the door.

Bathroom door handles come with a unique feature: a bathroom thumbturn that works with bathroom locks. The thumb-turn allows the door to lock from the inside and open from the outside using the release mechanism.

Rosettes

The lever door handles that have a circular-shaped back fit are called lever door handles on a rosette. These door handles provide you with a modern and defined look. It can be fitted accurately on the door and provides you with a neat and clean outlook.

 

 

There are different types of rosette door handles:

  • For rooms that don't require a lock, like living rooms or dining rooms, a tubular latch will be enough to keep the door closed. 
  • If the door handle requires a keyhole, then you can add an additional latch with the keyhole for security, and the Escutcheon Plate can protect the keyhole for a neat look. 
  • For a bathroom door, use a thumbturn and release lock. You do not require any key system for this type of door handle.

Basic Differences Between Backplates And Rosettes

The following are the clear differences between the lever handle on a backplate and the lever handle on a rosette:

Fixings

The fixings on the backplate lever handle are visible and do not give a smoother finish. On the other hand, Rosette lever handles have hidden fixings that provide a smoother and cleaner finish.

Shape Of Plate

Rosette has a circular shape, while the backplate has a rectangular shape. The backplates come in both longer and shorter sizes.

Back To Back Fixings

Levers on rose door handles have the feature of back-to-back fixings. In this, there are two bolts that connect the handles from both sides of the door and move through the latch. These door handles will be fitted perfectly, and there will be no issue while fitting on the thinner doors.

How To Install A Lever On A Rose Door Handle

The installation method of the lever on a roos handle is a simple method. It has the following steps:

Step 1: First of all, remove the outer rose of the door handle.

Step 2: Once the outer rose is removed, now insert the spindle into the lever. While putting the spindle into the lever, make sure to align both of them; otherwise the door will start sagging. Tightly fit the screws when the spindle is aligned. 

Step 3: Make sure that the inner rose is positioned flat with the door when you insert the spindle into the latch. 

Step 4: Now insert the bolts and make sure the bolts from the inner and outer sides of the door are fixed with each other perfectly. Tight the bolts. Install the roses on both sides of the door by pushing them or tightening the screws.

How To Install A Lever On Backplate Door Handle

The following are the easy steps for installing the lever door handle on a backplate: 

Step 1: slide the spindle through the hole in the door latch or lock, then fix the backplates to each side of the door.

 

Step 2: Make sure the spindle is level before proceeding to the next steps to prevent difficulty in handling operation and potential lock damage.

Step 3: Mark the screw holes using a bradawl to make it easier to insert the screws. 

Step 4: Make pilot holes for the screws with the drill. Reinstall the backplate and insert the spindle through the follower in the door lock/latch. Make sure that the spindle is equal on both sides of the door.

Step 5: At the end, align all the parts of the door handle and tighten the screw. The screws should be tightened perfectly; otherwise, the door handle may fall.

Conclusion

It is concluded that backplates and rosettes have a variety of differences, but both have their own advantages. The lever door handles on a backplate have different types of locks that provide you security, and rosettes have their own unique designs that enhance the beauty of doors.