Door Accessories Buyer’s Guide: Handles, Locks, Soft Close and More
The right accessory can make a significant difference to how a pocket or sliding door looks and performs. Handles need to allow the door to retract correctly, locks must suit the door and system, and accessories such as soft-close or self-close mechanisms need to be compatible with the particular pocket frame.
This makes it important to select accessories as part of the overall door specification rather than treating them as an afterthought.
In this guide, we explain the main ECLISSE accessory types, what they do and the compatibility questions you should answer before ordering.
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What handles do pocket doors need?
Pocket doors operate differently from hinged doors, so a conventional projecting lever handle is not always suitable.
If a door needs to retract substantially into the pocket, the handle must not prevent it from doing so.
Common options include:
- Round flush pulls
- Square flush pulls
- Half-moon pulls
- Privacy lock sets
- Key-locking sets
- Pull handles
- Bar handles
Flush pulls are recessed into the face of the door, making them an unobtrusive option for timber pocket doors.
A separate edge pull or suitable handle arrangement may be used where the door needs to be retrieved from the pocket.
The correct choice depends on how far the door is intended to retract and how it will be used.
Flush pull or bar handle?
Both can work well, but they create very different results.
| Feature | Flush pull | Bar/pull handle |
|---|---|---|
| Projection | Minimal | Projects from door |
| Appearance | Discreet | More prominent |
| Full retraction | Better suited | May restrict retraction |
| Grip | Compact | Larger gripping area |
| Timber doors | Yes | Yes |
| Glass doors | Product dependent | Common option |
If maximum retraction is the priority, a flush pull is usually the natural starting point.
However, ECLISSE advises that when flush pull handles are fitted, the door stop should be adjusted so that the door protrudes sufficiently from the pocket to reduce the risk of trapped fingers.
Can a pocket door be locked?
Yes.
Pocket doors can be fitted with purpose-designed locking handle sets.
Typical options include:
Bathroom/privacy locks
Ideal for bathrooms, en-suites and other rooms where occasional privacy is required.
Non-locking flush pulls
Appropriate for general internal circulation where no privacy lock is required.
It is important to use hardware designed for sliding doors because the locking action differs from a normal hinged-door latch.
Check compatibility with the door thickness and pocket system before ordering.
Which handles can I use with glass doors?
Glass requires dedicated hardware.
A timber door can often be routed or drilled during installation, but toughened glass needs the relevant holes and cut-outs to be incorporated before manufacture.
This means the handle selection should be confirmed before the glass panel is ordered.
Depending on the system, options can include:
- Circular glass pulls
- Back-to-back bar handles
- Sliding-door handles
- Compatible locking hardware
ECLISSE currently offers pull-bar hardware for both timber and glass applications alongside dedicated glass-door components.
If you are ordering a complete glass door system, choosing the glass and hardware together is generally the safest approach.
Glass Door Buyer’s Guide
What is a soft-close pocket door?
A soft-close mechanism slows the door as it approaches the closed position.
Rather than allowing the panel to hit the doorpost abruptly, the mechanism catches the moving door and brings it to a controlled stop.
This can:
- Make the door feel more refined
- Reduce slamming
- Reduce noise
- Improve everyday operation
- Be particularly helpful with larger doors
ECLISSE BIAS combines soft-close operation with anti-slam technology.
It is fully integrated into compatible tracks and can be used with a wide range of Classic and Syntesis Flush timber and glass pocket door systems.
What is bi-directional soft close?
A conventional soft-close accessory primarily controls the door as it approaches the closed position.
BIAS DS Bi-directional Soft Close with Anti-Slam works in both directions.
It cushions the door as it closes and also as it reaches the open position.
This is particularly useful where you want controlled movement at both ends of the travel.
The current BIAS® DS is compatible with a range of Classic and Syntesis® Flush single and double systems, including suitable timber and glass configurations.
For double pocket doors, remember that each leaf operates separately, so the number of accessories required should be checked when ordering.
What is a self-closing pocket door?
Soft close and self close are not the same thing.
A soft-close accessory controls the speed of the door once it is moving towards the closed position.
A self-closing accessory causes the open door to return to the closed position automatically.
| Feature | Soft close | Self close |
|---|---|---|
| Slows closing door | Yes | System dependent |
| Automatically closes an open door | No | Yes |
| Main purpose | Controlled, quiet movement | Automatic return |
| Compatibility | Broad across suitable systems | More system-specific |
The current ECLISSE Self Closing System is designed for selected Classic single timber pocket doors, including the Classic Single, Classic Fire-Rated Single and Classic Single Wiring-Ready systems.
It is not currently suitable for the Syntesis Flush pocket door range. The self-closer is for timber doors with a maximum panel weight of 40kg and can be retrofitted to compatible installations.
Can I combine soft close and self close?
On compatible ECLISSE systems, the Self Closing System can be used with appropriate soft-close accessories.
This gives you automatic closing together with more controlled final movement.
Compatibility needs to be checked against the exact pocket system, door weight and configuration before purchasing.
This is especially important on fire-rated installations, where only approved hardware combinations should be used.
What accessories can be retrofitted?
Some ECLISSE accessories can be added after the original pocket door installation.
For example, the current BIAS Soft Close with Anti-Slam is described as suitable for retrofitting, while the compatible Self Closing System can also be installed retrospectively.
However, retrofitting is not possible or equally straightforward with every accessory.
Items that require door machining, glass preparation or changes to the frame are much easier to address before the door is installed.
As a general rule, decide on these items during specification wherever possible:
- Glass handles
- Locks
- Door preparation
- Fire-rated hardware
- Specialised closing mechanisms
Accessory compatibility at a glance
The table below is a useful starting point, but compatibility should always be confirmed against the exact product before ordering.
| Accessory | Classic timber pocket | Syntesis Flush timber | Glass pocket | FD30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flush pulls | Yes, subject to door | Yes, subject to door | Glass-specific hardware required | Approved hardware only |
| Privacy locks | Compatible options available | Compatible options available | System dependent | Approved hardware only |
| Bar handles | Yes | Yes | Compatible options available | Check certification |
| BIAS Soft Close | Yes | Yes | Yes, on compatible systems | Approved configurations only |
| BIAS DS | Yes | Yes | Yes, on compatible systems | No |
| ECLISSE Self Close | Selected Classic Single systems | No | No – timber doors only | Compatible Classic FD30 Single configuration |
Do fire-rated doors need special accessories?
Yes.
When a pocket door forms part of a fire-rated assembly, accessories cannot simply be chosen on appearance or physical fit.
Handles, closers and other hardware may affect the tested performance of the complete door assembly.
The current ECLISSE FD30 Single system identifies specific compatible hardware and is certified for use with approved 44mm FD30 door panels. ECLISSE also identifies compatible BIAS® Soft Close and Self Closing accessories for this system.
Always refer to the current fire certification and approved hardware information before specifying components for a fire-rated installation.
When should I choose my accessories?
Ideally, choose them when you choose the pocket door.
Early selection is particularly important if:
- The door needs routing or machining
- Glass needs holes or cut-outs
- A lock is required
- The system is fire rated
- A closing mechanism is required
- You want the door to retract completely
- Door weight may affect compatibility
Selecting accessories at the beginning also makes it easier to coordinate the final visual finish across handles, locks and other ironmongery.
Door Accessories FAQs
Do pocket doors need special handles?
Usually, yes. Recessed or sliding-door-specific handles are often required so that the door can retract correctly into the pocket.
Can I lock a pocket door?
Yes. Dedicated privacy and locking handle sets are available for compatible pocket doors.
Can soft close be added later?
The ECLISSE BIAS Soft Close with Anti-Slam can be retrofitted to compatible systems. Always check your particular system before ordering.
Is self close the same as soft close?
No. Soft close slows the final movement of the door. Self close automatically returns an open door towards the closed position.
Do all accessories work with every ECLISSE system?
No. Compatibility depends on the pocket system, door material, size, weight and, where relevant, fire certification. Check the accessory product information or contact ECLISSE if you are unsure.
Complete your ECLISSE door system
Choosing compatible accessories at the same time as your door system helps achieve the appearance, operation and functionality you want from the finished installation.
Explore ECLISSE Door Accessories or contact ECLISSE for help checking compatibility before you order.