Keyplates

Some concepts of architecture and interior design can seem confusing if you are not familiar with them. They are filled with terms and objects that sound strange to laymen. Escutcheons, or keyhole covers, are among them.

The word “Escutcheons” has its origins in the Latin language. In Latin, it meant a shield similar to that which guards objects and the ones that soldiers used to carry to the battlefields. But today, these words mean a decorative metal covering around the keyhole of door locks. They have been around for hundreds and thousands of years. This is an item of ironmongery that these days is essential in every home. Read this article to know more about keyhole covers. Having a better understanding of them helps you make better choices when you are shopping for them.

Different types of keyhole cover

It is no wonder that a decorative item will come in many shapes and designs. The rule ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ never applies to these things. People constantly try to come up with new designs and features. Therefore, shopping for them can be an overwhelming experience. But all of them can be broadly classified into four groups: Euro keyhole plates, standard keyhole plates, oval keyhole plates, and antique keyhole plates. This article will tell you everything you need to know about them and will also give you a few tips that you can use to find the right type of keyhole covers.

Euro escutcheons

These are keyhole covers for locks with euro cylinders. Most locks that provide high security, generally, use euro cylinders. The most recognisable features of these locks are the large circle for the portion where the key enters the cylinder and a half oval below it that houses the locking mechanism. Therefore, these keyhole plates also have a similar circle and half oval appearance on the inside. But the shape on the outside can vary. Most commonly, you will find such covers in square, circular, and oval shapes. You can also find them in a wide range of finishes.

Oval keyhole cover

Oval profile keyhole plates are, probably, the most minimalist type of all keyhole covers out there. Evidently, these covers come in oval shape inside cutouts. More often than not, the outside shape is also oval. However, as it lacks any complex shape in the design, you can also use them with other types of cylinders. All of them are of the same shape doesn’t mean there doesn’t exist any variety. You can find them in a lot of different finishes, including stainless steel, copper, bronze, and chrome. Choose one that suits the best with your door.

Standard escutcheons

As the name says it, these keyhole plates are designed for standard deadlocks or sash locks. Not all deadlocks and sash locks come with keyholes of the same. Because of that, it is common to find standard escutcheons in a wide variety of shapes. It can be a regular oval cover, antique keyhole-shaped ones, or anything else. There are also two-piece covers and single piece covers. Two-piece covers are more modern and have a ring-shaped cover that can hide the screws. In the case of single piece covers, the screws will be visible.

Antique keyhole covers

Standard keyhole plates are pretty basic. They are only there to hide the ugliness of an exposed locking cylinder. But if you want a keyhole with elaborate decorations, then you can always get an antique keyhole cover for your door lock. Antique escutcheons are far from being simple like a regular escutcheon. They are usually much larger in size and feature complex designs. However, they might not be suitable for all kinds of doors and all kinds of locks. You have to make sure that the overall aesthetics of the room, the door, and the lock is fit for antique covers.