9 Types of Pocket Door Handles for Sliding Doors

Pocket doors require handles that can accommodate the pocket door hardware system. You can’t simply buy any door handle for a pocket door—they require a pocket door handle. This doesn’t mean you’re limited on options though. Here are nine types of pocket door handles for sliding doors to give you an idea of your options.

9 Types of Pocket Door Handles 

1. Flush Pull Handles
2. Edge Pull Handles
3. Privacy Lock Handles
4. Passage Handles
5. Mortise Pocket Door Handles
6. Round Pocket Door Handles 
7. Lever Pocket Door Handles
8. Sliding Pocket Door Locks
9. Soft-Close Pocket Door Handles

With so many choices, finding the right pocket door handle depends on your specific needs. Each style serves a unique purpose, whether it's for privacy, ease of use, or aesthetics. Customization and finishes are also key factors, as the handle’s design can influence the overall look of your door. Make sure your selection aligns with the style you're aiming for before making your purchase.

Popular Types of Pocket Door Handles 

When choosing a pocket door handle, it's helpful to understand the different types available and how they fit your specific needs. Here's a closer look at some of the most popular options.

1. Flush Pull Handles 

Flush pulls are the most popular pocket door handles. They are designed to be flush with the door so that they don’t obstruct the pocket door from moving in and out of the wall. This works by having the pull recessed into the side of the door. This type of pocket door handle has a carved-out edge that allows your fingers to grip the pull. Pocket door flush pulls come in many design styles, making it easy to find a flush pull that matches your door style. They can vary in size, shape, width, and design, giving you a number of flush pull options for your pocket door.  Take a look at our sleek and stylish flush pulls on our Barn Door Handles and Pulls page. There, you'll find a wide selection of flush pull handles, a popular choice for all types of sliding doors, including barn doors. Flush pulls are a great choice for pocket doors that don’t require a latch, such as a sliding closet door or pantry door. In other words, a standard flush door pull is considered a dummy handle. In handle terminology, dummy is a door handle that does not latch or lock. If you need a pocket door that latches or locks, you’ll want to look at the passage, privacy lock, or mortise pocket door handles. 

2. Edge Pull Handles 

Often, pocket doors have both a flush pull and an edge pull to make opening the door easier. When the pocket door is fully opened and the door is tucked into the wall, you need to grab it to slide it out of the wall. That is the main purpose of edge pull handles—they allow you to comfortably grab the door and pull it out of the wall.  An edge pull handle is located on the door’s edge—the side surface of the door you can see in the door opening. Like the flush pull, the edge pull is set into the door so that it is flush with the door’s surface. This way, it doesn’t stick out from the door opening.  Most edge pull pocket door handles have a lever that can pop out of the hardware. This little metal piece is curved or has an edge that you can wrap your finger under. This sliding door hardware allows you to grip the door and pull it out from the opening. Once out, you can finish closing the pocket door by gripping the flush pull.  A standard pocket door edge pull doesn’t include a latching or locking mechanism. If you need a lock, consider a sliding door lock, such as privacy lock handles or mortise pocket door handles with an integrated edge pull. Alternatively, you can use a cabin or barn door hook to secure the door shut. Because the edge pull is more discreet than the flush pull, its design is more basic and there are fewer styles to choose from. That said, you’ll still want your edge pull to match your flush pull handle in both metal type and finish. For example, if your flush pull has a flat black finish, you’ll want the edge pull to be flat black as well. 

3. Privacy Lock Handles 

A privacy lock handle for a pocket door combines the flush and edge pull into one hardware piece with the addition of a locking mechanism. The above pocket door handle require separate installation. This type of pocket door handle requires one.  The term "privacy" in door hardware means the door can be locked from one side. A pocket door privacy lock and handle set will include a lock, requiring a striker plate on the opposite door jamb. Because this type of pocket door handle locks, there is a small turn piece or button on one side of the door to turn the lock into place.  A privacy lock handle is perfect for places that require privacy and security, such as a bathroom, bedroom, or office. There are a variety of privacy lock handles to choose from. This includes different locking mechanisms, as well as the handle styles. You’ll want to explore the different privacy locks for pocket doors to see which one works best for your door. 

4. Passage Handles 

Pocket door passage handles are similar to privacy lock handles, as both combine the flush and edge pull in one piece. The difference is that a passage handle features a lever that latches into the striker plate on the opposite door jamb but doesn’t lock. The term "passage" indicates that the handle doesn't lock. Instead, it latches the door in place and can be opened from either side. A metal turn piece within the flush pull allows you to latch the door, and this feature is accessible from both sides. This makes a passage handle ideal for pocket doors that you want to latch, but don’t need to lock from one side.  In the case of two sliding pocket doors that meet in the middle (also known as converging pocket doors), a passage handle can be used on one door while the other door has a privacy lock handle. The passage handle allows the door to latch without locking, while the other door locks into it. 

5. Mortise Pocket Door Handles 

Consider mortise pocket door handles if you need a superior lock for your pocket doors. This is the only type of pocket door lock and handle that can be keyed, making it a great option for an office or exterior pocket door.  A mortise handle is more complicated than other pocket door handles. There are many hardware components involved, and the door requires a specific mortise cutout for installation. For these reasons, mortise locks are usually installed by a professional or experienced DIYer.  Unlike a privacy or passage handle, a mortise handle has a latch and a deadbolt within the lock case. Because mortise handles and locks are heavy-duty, they are often used for high-traffic residential and commercial doors.  A mortise pocket door handle can be used as a passage, privacy, or dummy handle. However, given the complex installation and the fact that mortise locks are more expensive than other pocket door handles, a mortise handle might not be necessary if you don’t need to lock the door. Rather, a standard passage handle, edge pull, or flush pull may be better options, as these are easier to install and typically more affordable than a mortise lock. 

6. Round Pocket Door Handle 

One stylish option for pocket door hardware is round pocket door handles. These are a type of flush pull handle, but instead of the typical slender, vertical shape, they feature a circular design. Round pocket door handles feature a connected tubular latch. A latch on one or both sides of the door allows you to turn the cylinder into place. This style of pocket door handle comes in various designs and adds a modern, sophisticated touch. You can order a round pocket door handle as a passage, privacy, or dummy handle. If you order a dummy round pocket door handle, you’ll receive just the round flush pull with an edge pull. 

7. Lever Pocket Door Handles 

A lever pocket door handle resembles a typical door handle. A lever handle sticks out from the door and is a simple, stationary design. It does not turn or twist. As such, this pocket door handle is necessary for ADA compliant sliding doors.  A lever pocket door handle can be a dummy, privacy, or passage handle. For both privacy and passage handles, there is an accompanying lever latch that is easy to operate. Both the latch lever and handle do not require pinching, grasping, or twisting of the wrist.  A lever pocket door handle prevents the door from sliding fully into the wall, as part of the door needs to remain exposed for the handle to be accessible. This design is great for spaces where ease of grip is important, such as in a home or business with people who have mobility issues. While the door sticks out slightly to accommodate the handle, it still maintains a sleek and stylish look. However, if you want the door to sit flush within the wall, this may not be the best option.

8. Sliding Pocket Door Locks 

When looking into pocket door privacy lock handles, you'll come across many options. However, if you’d rather not install a privacy handle, there’s another type of sliding pocket door lock worth considering. Let’s say your pocket door already has a flush and edge pull, but doesn’t have a latch or lock. To lock the door, you would need to replace those hardware pieces with a new privacy lock handle.  If you don’t want a privacy lock handle in your pocket door, you could install a simple cabin hook and eye latch. A cabin hook is much easier to install than a new pocket door handle. It is a basic hook design screwed into the wall next to the pocket door opening. The pocket door has the accompanying eye latch, so when the door closes, you can latch the hook into it.  A cabin hook isn’t as secure as a standard privacy lock, but it is an easy way to let others know that the door is locked. As such, this type of sliding pocket door lock is great for a home bathroom, bedroom, office, or anywhere that requires privacy.

9. Soft Close Pocket Door Handles 

Soft close is a type of sliding door hardware that refers to the track the pocket door moves on. With soft-close hardware, the door can't be slammed shut—it automatically slows down before reaching the frame. This feature adds safety and helps prevent damage to the door. Because soft close refers to the cavity sliders, the type of handle you choose for your pocket door doesn’t affect compatibility. In other words, any pocket door handle can work with a soft-close cavity slider system. That said, a magnetic edge pull is ideal for soft close pocket doors that don’t have a latch to ensure that the door comes to a complete close. A magnetic edge pull has a magnetic piece you install on the opposite door jamb, making the door “latch” into place when closed. 

Pocket Door Handle Finishes and Customizations 

Now that you’ve decided which pocket door handle is best for your needs, it’s time to add the final finishes and customizations. With Rustica's flush pull options, you can customize the handle size and select the metal finish that suits your style. Each handle is custom-made, meaning as soon as you place your order, our expert craftsmen begin designing your unique handle from scratch. 

Handle Size

When choosing your handle size, keep in mind that measurements are based on the hole-to-hole distance. For example, a 6-inch Industry handle (hole-to-hole) will have an overall length of 7 inches from top to bottom. For more details, check the specifications tab on the product page or reach out to our customer service team.

Handle Finish 

After selecting your handle size, it's time for the fun part—choosing the finish. If you already have a pocket door, you'll want to pick a finish that complements your existing hardware. If you're designing a new pocket door, aim for a finish that matches the rest of your hardware for a cohesive look. Rustica offers a variety of metal finishes to choose from. We have metal finishes for modern, rustic, industrial, farmhouse, and traditional-style homes.  For an industrial-style pocket door handle, finishes like industrial bronze or brushed stainless steel work well. A modern door might pair nicely with white, flat black, or satin chrome. For a rustic farmhouse look, consider forged or oil-rubbed bronze. If you want to make a bold statement, you could choose a colorful finish like barn red, modern gold, or huntsman orange.

Pocket Door Handle FAQs

Pocket doors are a unique door design that is much less common than a traditional swinging door. As such, it’s normal to have questions about pocket door handles and locks. Find the answers you’ve been looking for in the following pocket door handle FAQs:  

Can you lock a pocket door?

One of the main concerns homeowners have about pocket doors is whether or not they can lock. Yes, pocket doors can lock as long as you choose a privacy or mortise handle.  Most standard pocket door handles come with locking options, so finding one that suits your style is simple. Just search for "privacy pocket door handle" to find handles that lock. Be sure to avoid terms like "passage" or "dummy" handles, as these do not include locking mechanisms. Bathrooms, bedrooms, or spaces where privacy is needed can all benefit from a locking pocket door. 

What types of handles are best for pocket doors?

The best handle for your pocket door depends on how you want it to function. You can’t use just any handle, like a regular door knob or pull, as pocket doors require specific hardware. The best handles for pocket doors are those specifically designed for them, like the ones covered in this guide. These handles won’t interfere with the door’s movement. So, which type is right for you? If you need the door to lock, privacy or mortise pocket door handles are your best choice. For doors that need to latch but not lock, passage pocket door handles are ideal. There are some situations where you don’t need your pocket door to latch or lock. This might be the case for a pantry, kitchen, or closet pocket door. In these cases, any type of stand-alone flush and edge pull combination is best. You could use just a flush or edge pull, but they are typically installed together, as it is easier to open and close a pocket door with both. 

Are pocket door handles easy to install? 

The ease of installation depends on the type of pocket door handle. Most handles are relatively simple to install but do require basic handyman skills. For DIY enthusiasts, installing a pocket door handle can be an enjoyable challenge. However, if you're new to home projects, it may be wise to get help from someone with more experience to ensure the job is done right. Mortise pocket door handles are more complicated to install and often require professional help. If you're not comfortable taking on the project yourself, hiring a professional is always a good option.

Are pocket door handles ADA compliant? 

Yes, there are specific pocket door handles designed to be ADA compliant. Unfortunately, most standard pocket door handles are not ADA compliant, so if it’s a requirement for your door, you need to make sure you purchase one that is.  Most ADA compliant pocket door handles will have that in the title when you look for those handle options. These handles must meet ADA door compliance guidelines, which include easy operation that does not require pinching, grasping, or twisting of the wrist to operate the door. 

Do pocket door handles work with all pocket door systems? 

Most pocket door handles are compatible with any pocket door system. However, there are a few exceptions. Some systems, especially those with lock mechanisms or thicker doors, may need specific handle types. To be sure, it's a good idea to check with your pocket door hardware manufacturer to ensure you're purchasing the right handle for your door.

Choose the Perfect Pocket Door Handle for Your Sliding Door 

Pocket door handles differ from standard door handles, which can make choosing the right one a bit tricky. As you've learned, most pocket doors use a flush and edge pull for operation. Privacy and passage handles combine the flush and edge pull with a built-in latching or locking mechanism. For heavy-duty pocket doors that need a lock, a mortise handle is your best option. There are also handle options available for ADA compliance. If you’re designing a custom pocket door with Rustica, complete the design by ordering a pocket door handle and other door accessories today!