How to choose the best interior door handle?

Interior door handle: the models not to be missed!

Fancy giving your interior a new look? Fancy a change of decorating style? Think door handles! Easy to install, these affordable accessories allow you to freshen up your décor in a matter of moments! In aged brass, stainless steel, silver iron or rose copper, door handles are essential décor accessories! 

How do you choose the best interior door handle from hundreds of models in stock? Follow the guide! We have selected a few door handles you won't want to miss!

1. The different types of interior handles

2. The most design-led interior handles 

Long considered a mundane piece of decorative hardware, limited to opening and closing doors, the interior door handle is modernising itself and becoming a genuine decorative item — highly practical for adding that design touch to your interior. Easy to install (check the centre distance, choose the plate or escutcheon if you need a lock), the interior handle will be your ally for a stylish look without major renovation works!

Shapes are no longer exclusively rectangular, and the materials used — such as brass or stainless steel — are increasingly luxurious. Door handles have become essential accessories for giving your interior doors a fresh, modern look at a lower cost.

Before embarking on a fitting-out project, it is worth familiarising yourself with the different models of interior door handles available to you.

1. The different types of handles for interior doors

Here is a short list of the different door handle models.

The lever door handle on a plate 

The lever door handle is the most common model. Elongated in shape, the lever — also known as the handle — enables the door to be opened and closed by pressing it downwards with the hand. With a standard centre distance and integrated lock (or latch mechanism), it can be installed without difficulty on the doors of every room in the home.

The lever door handle on a longitudinal plate

Here is the traditional door handle par excellence! The fitting on a rectangular plate, often in a stainless steel or polished brass finish, naturally serves to fix the handle but also plays a role in keeping the door clean by preventing finger-mark smudges. Often chosen for the kitchen door, this model is also perfect for the front door. Fitted with the latch function (without a lock) with or without a keyhole, this model is easy to install.

This classic interior handle is very often installed in our homes as its fitting is quick (the centre distance is frequently standardised). However, many other models are available to you! Indeed, the interior handle has been modernised and greatly diversified. Escutcheon-mounted door handles in particular are offered in a wide range of finishes and quality models at attractive prices. Design is within reach thanks to this small hardware fitting that has become indispensable to your interior décor.

The lever door handle on an escutcheon

The plate shrinks or even disappears entirely, making way for the creativity of designers. The door handle on an escutcheon is the more modern and above all more design-led version of the handle on a longitudinal plate. The cover plate used to fix the handle to the door is more discreet. It thus offers a much wider choice of style, moving away from the classic rectangular shape to adopt less conventional forms: round, square or oval.  

Handle shown: ref AP Orchide

To form a harmonious pair and ensure the security function, this type of door handle can be accompanied by its locking escutcheon (key lock or privacy bolt), available in the same finish.

The door handle on a concealed plate

The plate disappears entirely, leaving only the avant-garde design of the handle on show. A minimalist model for an ultra-stylish result. The finish then takes on its full importance in creating your design interior: satin stainless steel, aged brass or solid bronze will perfectly enhance a wooden door or a front door.  

Handle shown: ref Lupina

Plateless door handles

The ultimate evolution of the lever handle, the plateless handle is fixed solely by its central rod. Its quick installation requires only minimal tools. The interior handle is in direct contact with the door and appears completely pared back. Black or white lacquer will perfectly dress the door of your kitchen or any other room fitted with a modern door.

Handle shown: ref Vérum

The window handle, French door handle or espagnolette

Among interior door handles, there are also handles for windows or French doors. The espagnolette is making a comeback. The aged iron model gives a vintage look to your windows. The gold-finish handle produces an ultra-luxurious effect on your doors.

The door knob 

The door knob handle, also known as the round handle, works by turning to the side to open or close the door. It is possible to choose the fixed knob option, which behaves like a pull handle. This style of handle is making a strong comeback in interior decoration. Countless contemporary design finishes have completely modernised it. Classic white porcelain sits alongside polished brass or stainless steel. The knob has reinvented itself and comes in a variety of shapes: this handle is no longer exclusively oval but also exists in square or octagonal form. This style of handle has the advantage of being mountable as a furniture handle. The door knob can also be adapted for a window or French door. The ultimate decorating touch is to choose door knobs in the same finish as the door handles (as in the model below).

The recessed handle

The recessed handle, also known as a cup handle, is reserved for sliding doors. The sliding door has also become a decorative accessory in its own right. It is no longer installed solely to save space or to divide a room, but also to create a contemporary atmosphere! This type of door is used to create an artist's studio look or give a New York loft feel to your living space. You might as well push the design all the way to the door handles too! You can choose from a wide range of ultra-design products! The finish is particularly refined and the handle materials are of very high quality.

The pull handle

Also known as a bâton de maréchal, the pull handle enhances front doors as well as interior doors. In brass, stainless steel or aluminium, these handles give a modern look to your glass or solid wood doors.

The list of door handles should also include: handles for front doors, handles for armoured doors, and door knocker handles. 

2. Selection of the most beautiful design interior handles

Now that you are well acquainted with the different door handle models, you will be able to make a better choice from the most beautiful interior handles we have selected. 

The original interior handle… – Ref Buzz

This door handle is aptly named — it truly deserves to create a buzz!! The beautiful profile of this door handle combined with its simplicity produces a remarkable design finish. The curve of the lever creates all the originality of this exceptional model.

This original door handle will win over many admirers. It is offered in a single finish — satin nickel… This shade sets off its 10 mm square plate, which adds depth to its curve.

This design interior handle on a square plate is made from zamak, a modern, durable and eco-friendly material. It is a blend of zinc and aluminium. 

This model is offered with its locking escutcheon: bedroom key escutcheon or key L, the cylinder key or key I escutcheon, and finally the WC or privacy escutcheon (escutcheon price included in the displayed price).

The door handle will suit all interior styles and all living areas in your home. If you are looking for an unusual interior handle, this is the one for you!

The jewel of the door handle – Ref Dom Pira

This interior door handle is remarkable. With a futuristic appearance, this luxury item evokes the raw diamond. This little design gem will enhance the door of your living room or any other room in the home.

Even the material of this handle is modern: zamak (an alloy of aluminium, copper and zinc) is a virtuous material as it is infinitely recyclable. 

All that remains is for you to choose between the lacquered chrome or lacquered nickel finish with its starry silver reflections, depending on the style of your home. 

The matching lock enhances the design of this premium product. Whatever the fitting chosen (key lock or privacy turn), the pair thus formed is ultra design.

The haute couture interior door handle, made in Italy – Collection Mandelli

This two-tone interior door handle is an ultra-contemporary model! The round escutcheon highlights the base of the hollow handle, pierced right through, producing a surprising effect. This door handle is highly original! This model is offered in several finishes, notably in two-tone: total white finish, black escutcheon with white lever, or white escutcheon with black lever! 

This model is made from brass (an alloy of copper and zinc), a premium material for a modern door handle! Brass is used to craft precision instruments and watchmaking components. It is only natural that designers chose it to create this haute couture interior handle!

Like all door handle models, you will find escutcheons fitted with a lock in the same finish to preserve the privacy of your bedroom or for the security function of your front door.

The elegant rose copper door handle – Ref IMPERA

The perfect aesthetics of this contemporary handle immediately catches the eye: the base of the pyramidal-shaped lever from whose apex the lever stretches out with elegant slenderness. This original, design-led model suits every room in the home. 

Rose copper brings an elegant touch to this design interior handle. This handle is available in other finishes such as black, white, polished chrome or brushed nickel. You will easily find the finish of your dreams!

The premium multicolour design interior handle – Ref POLARIS

Here is a futuristic high-end interior door handle! Made from aluminium, this door handle comes in several colours (steel and black, steel and white, and steel and red). Its slender, flowing lines give a particular charm to this two-tone door handle. The vivid red finish will bring energy to your modern décor! 

The interior door handle "snakeskin" – Ref moda SKIN

Nestled on its round plate, the lever with silver or gold scales evokes the slender body of a snake. Depending on the finish chosen — lacquered nickel or bronze — this original door handle will add an elegant or wild touch to your interior! 

Zamak, an alloy of zinc and aluminium, delivers precision high-quality finishing and the strength required for this luxury hardware item, which will be handled hundreds of times a day.

Its unbeatable price is the ultimate trump card of this unique door handle!

The futuristic interior door handle: Ref model TWEE

This door handle with asymmetric geometric lines is a goldsmith's piece! Conceived by Italian designers who took great care to create a modern and unusual door handle.

Perfect for enhancing a design door, this interior handle will suit both a wooden door and a glass door. Paired with contemporary furnishings, these handles will accentuate the design look of your interior décor. The finish of this Italian luxury product will retain its lustre thanks to its construction material: brass (an alloy of copper and zinc).

Design interior door handle: Ref moda Jacob 

The originality of this design door handle comes from its oval plate, which accentuates the slenderness of the lever. This model boasts an ultra-modern look that will suit all types of interior. This handle is made from zamak, a virtuous and on-trend material. It is an alloy of zinc, aluminium, magnesium and copper that guarantees the strength and durability of the product.

The copper finish reinforces the singularity of this unusual handle.

Beyond the vintage-look copper finish, this original door handle is available in three other finishes: brushed chrome, polished chrome and matt black. 

The locking escutcheons (key lock or privacy fitting) complement the handles beautifully thanks to their identical oval escutcheons, so that the two pieces form a perfect ensemble on your doors. The escutcheons associated with the handles are the key I escutcheon, key L escutcheon or privacy escutcheon.

The copper-finish key or privacy lock escutcheon accentuates the elegance and quality of this design door handle.

The chiselled brass door handle on a round plate – Moda GRINT

The originality of this brass interior handle lies in the interplay of textures. Its round plate, very finely chiselled, gives the full elegance of this goldsmith's piece. The regular spherical engravings with starry reflections contrast with the smooth part of the lever. The finish of this interior handle is of infinite precision. This luxury product nonetheless offers an excellent quality-to-price ratio.

The concrete door handle – Ref Mandelli Juno

This door handle is certainly one of a kind! It is made from concrete! Its mineral finish, combining ultra-resistance and a velvety touch, makes it an exceptional product! 

Its round matt brass-coloured escutcheon forming the conical base accommodates the lever with its strikingly simple shape, producing a disconcerting effect. This door handle brings together all the innovative techniques of craftsmanship and modern design. 

You can choose the finish from an original range: graphite, ash, sand, powder or taupe.

This door handle will give an unusual character to your doors. 

With the locking escutcheons (key or privacy), the overall result is particularly successful! 

The modern door knob handle

Just like door handles, the knob has reinvented itself and now offers original models. 

Round, square or octagonal shapes, modern colours (matt black, satin gold, white, etc.) and modern materials (zamak, stainless steel, brass, etc.): you have a vast choice!

(Knobs shown: ref Kiama and ref Tupai)

The original interior knob – the plateless knob ref Tupai

We are far removed from the oval porcelain knob with this particularly avant-garde knob model! Free of any plate, this mobile knob in a rectangular shape is made from zamak. Beyond its original form, this knob is also distinguished by its two-tone finish: black and white, black and polished chrome, and black and brushed chrome.

The futuristic interior knob 

The plateless knob, with its ultra-flat concealed escutcheon, is another design innovation!! Ideal for fitting on a door with a surface-mounted lock, it can also be fixed to a sliding door. Why not adopt it for a kitchen unit or a French door? Your doors become design statements with such innovative products! 

Original recessed handles for sliding doors

Once again, designers leave no handle overlooked! Recessed handles are also the subject of their full attention.

Ref Mandelli1953 - 1038TL 

Made from brass, this pair of modern recessed handles is a pure product of Italian design. The plate, 7 mm thick, fits easily onto the sliding door. Fitted with its locking hardware, it installs with the utmost simplicity.

Ref Mandelli 1028

Also made from solid brass, these recessed handles are in a classic style. You have an impressive list of finishes (gold, bronze, black, graphite, chrome, nickel, etc.) that make this product a universal decorative solution!

Design door equipment at a great price

All the handles in our guide offer an excellent quality-to-price ratio. Materials such as stainless steel, aluminium, zamak and, to a lesser extent, brass make it possible to create excellent products available at reasonable prices. There is no need to wait for a mega end-of-stock sale to consider getting hold of these decorative allies!   

The Milla poignées boutique offers design products at attractive prices. All door handles are specially selected for their excellent quality-to-price ratio. The price of certain ultra-modern models in zamak in particular will surprise you! There is absolutely no reason to hesitate when it comes to replacing your old classic-plate handles with more contemporary models or ones that match your desire for change! Design is within reach — and within every budget! 

Design accessories, but quality ones

All the door handles in this guide have been designed with both aesthetics and durability in mind. This hardware product, which has become a décor item, is also built to fulfil its primary function: opening and closing doors hundreds of times! Whether the finish is in glossy black or silver steel with starry reflections, the handles are designed to last over time and withstand thousands of operations without deterioration!

Door handles to suit all interior decorating styles

Every detail of the door fitting in metal, brass, stainless steel or PVC is carefully studied and crafted for an impeccable result. You have a wide range of door handle models to satisfy the demands of every style: from retro vintage products to futuristic models, by way of classic handles… Door handles help you perfect the look you are seeking in every room of the home. 

The choice is yours — pick the model that will enhance your doors! Whether in matt black zamak or polished brass, the interior door handle will personalise your interior décor. 

The aim was not to draw up an exhaustive list of the best products in the manner of a comparison guide, but rather to help you choose the best interior door handle from exceptional products with a perfect finish that combine the practical with the aesthetic! Nowadays, door hardware offers elegant, design-led products to accompany all your decorating projects. Silver steel metal, stainless steel plate or polished brass inspire designers; brushed chrome or matt black are just some of the many available finishes — nothing need hold back your creativity!  

Enjoy all the benefits of door handles and locks. Easy to fit on your doors, available at great prices, and with numerous materials and finishes to choose from according to your tastes and preferences — you will have no difficulty finding the model that suits your interior style. Discover the most beautiful design models at the MILLA POIGNEES online shop or by visiting its showroom. 

Discover all our tips and advice by reading the articles on our blog. You will learn everything about door handles: how to find the most beautiful copper handles? Which finish to choose for handles (a comparison between black door handles, white knobs or polished brass)? Or the materials (brass, aluminium, iron, zamak, stainless steel, etc.). Finally, you will find technical information (centre distance, cover plate, door fitting, privacy locking system, etc.).

Thanks to the Milla Poignées online shop, just a few clicks are all it takes to quickly get your new handles! Simply choose from more than 500 references in stock, add your favourite model to the basket and your delivery is on its way! (free delivery anywhere in France from around forty euros' worth of orders).

N.B. All the models (handle refs or knob refs) featured in this article are available at the Milla Poignées shop.