Understanding Bulb Design Window Handles
Bulb design window handles, named for their rounded, bulb-like ends, offer a unique blend of elegance and functionality. These handles are often seen in period-style homes or heritage properties, lending a timeless appeal. Their ergonomic shape makes them comfortable to grip and operate, especially on timber casement windows. Typically crafted from brass, bronze, or steel, bulb design handles are available in a range of finishes from polished nickel to antique brass, suiting both classic and contemporary interiors.
Modern bulb design handles are manufactured with attention to traditional detailing, often featuring hand-finished surfaces and solid construction. These elements make them not only visually appealing but also highly durable for everyday use.
Comparing Bulb Design Handles to Other Traditional Fittings
When considering bulb design window handles vs traditional fittings, it helps to break the comparison into specific aspects that matter most to homeowners and specifiers.
Aesthetic Differences
Bulb design handles typically exude a soft, rounded appearance, which can be a defining feature in a room. Their ornamental quality makes them a popular choice for decorative schemes that celebrate heritage aesthetics.
In contrast, traditional casement fittings span a wider design range, including monkey tail, shepherd’s crook, and reeded handles. These often have more angular or ornate profiles, offering more variety in visual expression. Monkey tail handles, for example, are known for their elegant, swirling shape, while shepherd’s crook handles nod to pastoral charm.
Ultimately, the choice between these designs depends on your interior style. Bulb handles lend themselves to understated, classic interiors, while more elaborate traditional designs may better suit period restorations or eclectic decor.
Security Considerations
Security is a primary concern when selecting window hardware. Many bulb design handles feature integrated locking mechanisms or are compatible with separate locking stays or espagnolette systems. Their compact form often allows for tighter seals and less manipulation from outside.
Traditional fittings vary more widely in terms of security. Some designs, like wedge fasteners or cockspur handles, offer basic functionality with limited security features. However, many can be paired with modern security upgrades, such as key-locking mechanisms or friction hinges, to improve resistance against forced entry.
In essence, both bulb and traditional handles can be made secure, but bulb handles sometimes have an edge in combining modern locking tech with vintage style.
Durability and Maintenance
Both bulb design and traditional casement fittings are typically built to last, especially when manufactured by reputable ironmongers. High-quality materials such as solid brass or stainless steel ensure strength and longevity.
Bulb handles are often simpler in form, with fewer edges and curves, which can make them slightly easier to clean and maintain over time. Traditional designs with intricate detailing may require more frequent cleaning to maintain their appearance, especially in coastal or high-humidity environments where tarnishing is more likely.
That said, proper finishing techniques like lacquering or PVD coating can enhance the resistance of any handle type against wear and corrosion.
Pros and Cons of Each Handle Type
Feature
Bulb Design Handles
Traditional Casement Fittings
Appearance
Comfort & Ergonomics
Material & Finish Options
Maintenance
Security
Installation Flexibility
Classic, rounded, subtle elegance
High, due to bulbous grip shape
Broad range in quality finishes
Easier to clean due to simple shape
Often integrates with modern systems
Simple installation, especially in timber
Wide variety, from ornate to minimal
Varies by design
Equally broad, often more decorative
May require more upkeep
Depends on type; can be upgraded
May require customer fitting
Which Handle Style is Best for Your Windows?
The decision between bulb design handles and traditional casement fittings ultimately depends on your specific needs, property style, and personal preference.
Choose bulb design window handles if:
- You're renovating a period property and want subtle, authentic details.
- You prefer a classic but less ornate look.
- You value comfort and ease of use.
- You want a blend of traditional style with modern performance.
Opt for traditional casement fittings if:
- Your decor calls for more expressive or decorative elements.
- You want a historically accurate restoration with specific period details.
- You enjoy the flexibility of combining different types of stays, fasteners, and handles.
In many cases, it’s possible to mix and match hardware styles across a property, using bulb handles in some rooms and more decorative traditional fittings in others to suit the space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the advantages of bulb design window handles?
Bulb design handles are ergonomic, aesthetically versatile, and often integrate modern locking features. They offer a good balance between classic design and contemporary performance.
Are traditional casement handles more secure than bulb design handles?
Not necessarily. Both types can offer excellent security when fitted correctly and paired with locking systems. Bulb handles may have an advantage in integrating discreet locks.
Which is more durable: bulb design or traditional fittings?
Durability depends more on the material and build quality than the style. However, bulb handles can be slightly easier to maintain due to simpler shapes.
Can I switch from traditional casement fittings to bulb design handles?
Yes, in most cases. However, some adjustments may be needed, especially if the window frame or existing fixing holes don’t match the new handle design.
