When you’re installing a sliding barn door, one of the final—and most important—details is the handle. The right barn door handle not only makes the door easier to use, but it also completes the design, tying together the entire hardware set.
Whether you’re updating a pantry, closet, bathroom, or bedroom entryway, understanding where to putbarn door handles guarantees your finished DIY project looks professional and functions smoothly.
What Are Barn Door Handles?
Barn door handles are hardware pieces designed for sliding or hinged barn doors. They come in a range of shapes, finishes, and sizes, from rustic to modern, and are usually mounted vertically on the front of the door.
There are two main styles:
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Pull handles: Traditional handles used on the outside or “front” of the door.
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Flush pulls: Recessed handles that sit inside the door’s surface—perfect for the back side where the door slides against the wall.
Pro Tip: Most homeowners purchase them alongside a barn door hardware kit, which ensures all components—track, rollers, guides, and handle—match in finish and design.
Where to Place Barn Door Handles
Proper handle placement affects both the function and appearance of your barn door. Mount it too high, and it can look awkward or feel uncomfortable to use. Mount it too low, and it throws off the balance of your design.
The two most important questions to consider are how high to mount your barn door handle and which side of the door it should be mounted on, both of which depend on your door’s setup and how you plan to use it.
How High Should a Barn Door Handle Be?
For both comfort and balance, the standard handle height for barn doors isbetween 36 and 42 inches from the floor. This range matches the typical placement of doorknobs on hinged doors and keeps the handle at a natural reach.
Tips for Positioning Your Handle at the Best Height:
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Align with existing hardware: If the barn door is in a room with other standard doors, match the handle height to nearby knobs.
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Mind the proportions: On taller doors, mount the handle slightly higher (around 40–42 inches) to maintain visual balance.
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Practical Adjustments: If children or someone with a disability uses the door often, a slightly lower placement may be more practical.
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Consider the use case: For decorative or less frequently used doors, handle height can lean toward aesthetics rather than function.
Pro Tip: Test different placements using painter’s tape before drilling—what looks right visually should also feel right when you reach for it.
Which side of the barn door should you mount the handle?
In most cases, the handle is mounted on the leading edge of the door (the side opposite the wall). This makes it easy to grab and slide the door open or closed.
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If your barn door slides left, place the handle on the right edge.
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If it slides right, mount it on the left edge.
The goal is to position it where it’s accessible as you approach the door, not hidden against the wall once it’s open.
For the back side (the wall-facing side), you’ll typically use a flush pull instead of a protruding handle. This prevents the hardware from hitting the wall or obstructing movement.
Design Tip: For rooms that require more privacy, like bathrooms and bedrooms, you can also add a locking flush pull or latch system designed specifically for interior barn doors.
Installation Tips for Barn Door Handles
Installing your handle is simple if you plan it out before hanging the door.
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Measure and Mark: Determine your placement (usually 36–42 inches from the floor).
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Pre-drill Pilot Holes: Prevent wood splitting and ensure clean alignment.
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Secure the Handle: Use the screws provided with your hardware.
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Install the Flush Pull: If your door requires one, install it before hanging the door—it’s much easier to access this way.
Closing Thoughts on Barn Door Hardware Placement
A well-placed handle adds the perfect finishing touch to your barn door, blending function and design with one simple detail. Visit Wild West Hardware to shop high-quality barn door hardware built to last.
