We recommend leaving about 50 mm of clear space between the wall and the handrail. This gives your fingers room to grip the handrail and move along it without hitting the wall or bracket fixings. The clearance helps make the handrail comfortable to use along its full length.
What matters is the clear distance between the outside of the handrail and the wall, not how far the bracket projects. A thicker handrail may therefore need a bracket with greater projection to provide the same grip clearance. Mouldings, panelling and other protruding features can reduce the available space, so check the entire length before choosing a bracket.
