How to choose the best interior door handle?

Interior door handle: the models not to be missed!

Want to give your interior a new look? Want to change your decorating style? Think door handles! Easy to install, these affordable accessories allow you to refresh your décor in no time! In aged brass, stainless steel, silver iron or rose copper, door handles are must-have décor accessories! 

How to 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, reduced to opening and closing doors, the interior door handle is modernising itself and becoming a genuine decorative item, very practical for adding a stylish touch to one's interior. Easy to install (check the centre-to-centre distance, choose the plate or escutcheon if you need a lock), the interior handle will be your ally for a stylish refresh without major renovation works!

Shapes are no longer exclusively rectangular and the materials used, such as brass and stainless steel, are increasingly luxurious. Door handles have become must-have accessories for giving your interior doors a new look or modernising them at a lower cost.

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

1. The different types of interior door handles

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. With its elongated shape, the lever — also called a handle bar — allows the door to be opened and closed by pressing it down with the hand. With its standard centre-to-centre distance and integrated lock (or latch system), it can be fitted 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 commonly fitted in our homes as its installation is quick (the centre-to-centre distance is often standardised). However, many other models are available to you! Indeed, the interior handle has been modernised and greatly diversified. Escutcheon 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 piece of hardware that has become indispensable to your interior decoration.

The lever door handle on an escutcheon

The plate is reduced or even disappears entirely to make way for the creativity of designers. The door handle on an escutcheon is the more modern and above all more stylish version of the handle on a longitudinal plate. The finger plate used to fix the handle to the door is more discreet. It therefore offers a much wider choice of styles, as it breaks free 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 turn) 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 designer 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 spindle. 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 and French doors. The espagnolette is making a comeback. The aged iron model gives a vintage look to your windows. The gold-finish handle creates an ultra-luxurious effect on your doors.

The door knob 

The door knob, also known as a 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 designs 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 only 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 tip is to choose door knobs in the same finish as the door handles (as with the model below).

The recessed handle

The recessed handle, also known as a flush pull, is reserved for sliding doors. The sliding door has itself also become a decorative accessory. It is no longer installed solely to save space or to divide a room, but also to create a contemporary ambiance! This type of door is used to create an artist's studio look or give a New York loft feel to your living space. So why not take the design all the way through to recessed door handles! You can choose from a wide range of ultra-stylish 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 entrance 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.

To the list of door handles should be added: entrance door handles, armoured door handles and 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 cause a buzz!! The beautiful profile of this door handle combined with 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 many admirers. It is offered in a single finish — satin nickel… This shade highlights its 10 mm square plate, which adds presence 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: a bedroom key or key L escutcheon, a cylinder or key I escutcheon, and finally a WC or privacy turn escutcheon (the price of the escutcheon is included in the displayed price).

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

The jewel of door handles – Ref Dom Pira

This interior door handle is remarkable. With its futuristic appearance, this luxury item evokes a raw diamond. This little design gem will embellish the door to 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 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-stylish.

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

This two-tone interior door handle is an ultra-contemporary model! The round escutcheon highlights the base of the handle, which is hollow all the way through, producing a surprising effect. This door handle is very original! This model is offered in several finishes, including 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!

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

The elegant rose copper door handle – Ref IMPERA

The perfect aesthetics of this contemporary handle immediately catch the eye: the base of the pyramidal-shaped lever from whose apex the lever tapers to a fine point. This original and stylish model suits every room in the home. 

Rose copper adds a touch of elegance 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!

High-end multicolour design interior handle – Ref POLARIS

Here is a high-end futuristic interior door handle! Made from aluminium, this door handle comes in several colour combinations (steel and black, steel and white, and steel and red). Its sleek and fluid lines give a particular charm to this two-tone door handle. The vibrant red finish will bring energy to your modern decoration! 

The "snakeskin" interior door handle – 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 the precision of a high-quality finish and the strength required for this luxury hardware item, which will be operated hundreds of times a day.

Its unbeatable price is the ultimate asset of this one-of-a-kind door handle!

The futuristic interior door handle: Ref model TWEE

This door handle with asymmetric geometric lines is a piece of craftsmanship! Imagined by Italian designers who took 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 equally well. Combined with contemporary furnishings, these handles will accentuate the stylish look of your interior decoration. The finish of this Italian luxury product will retain its lustre thanks to its manufacturing 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 highlights the slenderness of the lever. This model benefits from 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 singular character 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 turn fitting) complement the handles beautifully thanks to their matching oval escutcheons, so that the two pieces form a perfect ensemble on your doors. The escutcheons associated with the handles are the key I, key L or privacy turn escutcheon.

The copper-finish key or privacy turn 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 very finely chiselled round plate gives all the elegance of this piece of craftsmanship. The regular spherical engravings with their starry reflections contrast with the smooth part of the lever. The finish of this interior handle is of infinite precision. This luxury product nevertheless offers excellent value for money.

The concrete door handle – Ref Mandelli Juno

This door handle is certainly unique in its kind! It is made from concrete! Its mineral finish, combining ultra-resistance with a velvety touch, makes it an exceptional product! 

Its round matt brass escutcheon forming the conical base accommodates the lever with its supremely simple shape, producing a striking effect. This door handle combines all the most innovative techniques with artisanship 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 turn), the ensemble is particularly successful! 

The modern door knob

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

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

(Knobs shown: ref Kiama and ref Tupai)

The original interior knob – the plateless knob ref Tupai

This model is a far cry from the oval porcelain knob — it is a particularly avant-garde knob design! Free of any plate, this mobile knob of rectangular form is made from zamak. In addition to its original shape, this knob also stands out for 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 breakthrough!! Ideal for fitting on a door with a surface-mounted lock, it can also be fixed to a sliding door. Why not use it on a kitchen cabinet or a French door? Your doors become truly stylish with such innovative products! 

Original recessed handles for sliding doors

Once again, designers leave no handle behind! Recessed handles also receive 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, adapts easily to the sliding door. Fitted with its closing fitting, it installs with complete simplicity.

Ref Mandelli 1028

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

Design door fittings at a low price

All the handles in our guide offer an excellent value for money. Materials such as stainless steel, aluminium, zamak and, to a lesser extent, brass, make it possible to produce excellent products at reasonable prices. There is no need to wait for a mega end-of-stock promotion to think about acquiring these decorative allies!   

The milla handles boutique offers designer products at attractive prices. All door handles are specially selected for their excellent value for money. The price of certain ultra-modern zamak models in particular will surprise you! There is no reason to hesitate to replace your old handles on classic plates with more contemporary models or ones that match your desire for change! Design is within reach and within every budget!

Stylish accessories, but quality ones

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

Door handles to suit every interior decorating style

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

It's up to you to choose the model that will enhance your doors! Whether in matt black zamak or polished brass, the interior door handle will personalise your interior decoration. 

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 practicality with pleasure! Door hardware now offers elegant and stylish products to accompany all your decorating projects. Silver steel, stainless steel plates and polished brass inspire designers; brushed chrome and matt black are among the many available finishes — nothing need limit your creativity!  

Enjoy all the benefits of door handles and locks. Easy to fit on your doors, affordable models, the wide range of 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. Find the most beautiful design models in the MILLA HANDLES online boutique or by visiting its showroom. 

Discover all our tips and advice by reading the articles on our blog. You will find out 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 ones?) as well as materials (brass, aluminium, iron, zamak, stainless steel…). Finally, you will find technical information (centre-to-centre distance, finger plate, door fitting, privacy locking system…).

Thanks to the Milla Handles online boutique, just a few clicks are all it takes to get your new handles quickly! Simply choose from more than 500 references in stock, add your favourite model to the basket and delivery is triggered! (free delivery anywhere in France from around forty euros of purchases).

N.B. All models (handle refs or knob refs) featured in this article are available from the Milla Handles boutique.