Which materials should you choose for your door handles? 

The designer interior door handle is no longer just functional ironmongery equipment - operating the opening and closing of your doors - but has become an essential accessory for decorating your home. A wide choice of models to install is available, easy to match with your furniture. You can choose from a multitude of shapes, varied finishes and also materials offering different characteristics. The handle for the front door will not be the same as the door knob for the kitchen or bathroom. Indeed, the material used plays a role in style but also in maintenance, hygiene and of course, the durability of your door handles over time.

Among all the possible models, which material should you choose for your door handles?

Here is a presentation of the most commonly used materials for door handles:

    1. Zamak

    2. Stainless Steel

    3. Brass

    4. Bronze

    5. Aluminium

    6. Iron

    7. Porcelain

    8. Wood

    9. Nylon

    10. Crystal

1. A zamak door handle, the perfect blend of quality and design

Zamak is an alloy of zinc, aluminium, magnesium and copper. It is very popular because it is a sustainable material as it is infinitely recyclable. Moreover, zamak is an entry-level material that offers the advantage of crafting designer door handles at a very affordable price.

It comes in several finishes. The black door handle on square plate is particularly popular. Zamak is ideal for designer interior handles and will adapt to every room in your home, from bedroom to kitchen. The rose with lock and key will complete the set for your security. Finally, zamak is used to manufacture the door stop, also called doorstop or knocker, used to block the maximum opening of your doors so as not to hit the wall, your furniture or glass display cabinet. The type of zamak handle will be adapted according to the room to be fitted.

EASY TO MAINTAIN: Door handles with their zamak lever require no special care. Marks can be cleaned with water and a soft cloth. For zamak handles covered with a protective varnish, detergent products should be avoided. Find cleaning methods in our article.

    2. A designer door handle in stainless steel, resistant to moisture

Stainless steel is an alloy of chromium and nickel. It offers many advantages: it is very lightweight, aesthetic, hygienic and has a long lifespan. Its resistance to corrosion makes it a particularly suitable material for wet rooms such as the bathroom or kitchen. Its contemporary appearance adds a modern touch to designer interiors.

Small downside: over time, its initial shine tends to fade and it can get scratched. There is an "anti-fingerprint" treatment which is highly recommended. Another tip: opt for satin or matt stainless steel which will be perfect for handles or pull handles that are frequently used!

EASY TO CLEAN: The stainless steel door handle requires no special care.

If, despite this, rust marks appear, they would probably be superficial rust particles generated by the ambient air. These, like all other marks (grease for example), can be easily cleaned on stainless steel using a soft cloth and a non-aggressive household cleaner. 

    3. A brass door handle, flexibility and security

An alloy of copper and zinc, brass is flexible and easy to machine. It is used to manufacture precision instruments, clock parts, keys or decorative elements for furnishing such as locks. Its malleability allows the creation of brass handles and locks in original shapes that beautify furniture and doors throughout the home.

However, it is fragile and tends to tarnish. To prevent oxidation, most brass door handles are covered with a protective varnish. This varnish is found on the rose, lock and key.

Brass is also widely used for recessed handles for sliding doors with a very trendy design, as well as for hinged doors of your cupboards and kitchen units.

FOR CLEANING: It is naturally antibacterial and easy to maintain. Marks can be removed with water and a soft cloth. For any brass handle or lock covered with a protective varnish, detergent products should be avoided.

4. An antique solid bronze door handle, nobility par excellence

Bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) is among the most beautiful and authentic materials. Very hard, bronze is extremely resistant. It develops a beautiful natural patina. 

It will therefore not be treated or varnished. Its price reflects its quality as it is among the most expensive alloys for interior door handles. 

EASY TO MAINTAIN: Bronze handles and door knobs require no special care.

    5. An aluminium door handle, lightweight but resistant metal

Aluminium is a lightweight, malleable metal with a silvery colour that is particularly resistant to oxidation. Solid, it offers great longevity to door handles.

The surface of the aluminium door handle is treated by anodisation or by applying a powder coating. This layer protects the handle from external aggressions such as hand perspiration or ambient humidity.

Aluminium is particularly interesting for all the colour finishes offered. Indeed, thanks to epoxy coatings (oven-baked), the paint is very durable and can therefore be highly varied.

LOW MAINTENANCE: Aluminium requires no special treatment. Water and a soft cloth are sufficient to remove any marks.

    6. A vintage door handle in iron, ultra-resistant

Wrought iron, a traditional craft, gives a vintage and chic touch to door handles. Very resistant, iron is suitable for both interior handles and exterior door handles. It is often used for exterior window security grilles for a complete insulation system.

Often on a longitudinal plate, the handle is easily installed on doors thanks to the standard PZ measurement. Designers use iron to create beautifully chrome-plated iron handles such as the chrome door knob shown below.

The weak point of iron, however, remains corrosion. Some models are sold already rusted to accentuate the retro style. However, it is advisable to treat the iron handle regularly, especially if it is placed outdoors and exposed to precipitation. To maintain its attractive appearance, there are several tips such as beeswax patination which will slow down oxidation. 

CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Wrought iron handles or knobs can be cleaned with water using a soft cloth. 

    7. A porcelain door handle or knob, the traditional model

Knob handles were traditionally made of porcelain. This ancestral art brings nobility and a handcrafted touch to your doors. Classic white lacquered or plain grey door knobs give way to colourful and modern models, giving this quality ceramic a new lease of life. DIY idea: install an oval white porcelain door knob as a furniture handle or window handle!

NO MAINTENANCE: Scratch-resistant and easy to maintain, porcelain handles and door knobs require no special attention. 

    8. A wooden door handle, for an ecological interior

Wood is a noble, natural and ecological material. Lightweight, robust and healthy, this material provides magnificent wooden door handle models!

It's making a strong comeback in interior design thanks to its durable qualities. Traditionally rustic in style, wooden lever handles now adopt much more modern design shapes that integrate perfectly into contemporary interiors, offering comfort and authenticity to your décor.

MAINTENANCE ADVICE: Wooden handles require no specific care, most being protected by a varnish layer. 

    9. An original door handle in nylon (polyamide)

Nylon, a plastic material, is economical and highly resistant to wear. While it's not the most aesthetic product, it's easy to machine, allowing decorators' creativity free rein. Nylon is suitable for both interior door handles and exterior PVC door handles. Many sets consisting of a plate on rose and its lock are available in several finishes. 

MAINTENANCE METHOD: The nylon door handle can be cleaned with water or a standard household cleaner.

10. A crystal door handle - luxury within reach!

Crystal is a material of nobility and elegance that particularly enhances a door handle.

To conclude this overview, you'll see that there's no shortage of choice. All you have to do now is choose the most beautiful model of interior door handle whose finish will enhance your contemporary décor. Each material offers its advantages in terms of quality, security and maintenance. It gives a very particular style to each handle or door knob you choose to dress the door of your bedroom or your furniture drawers.

Also consider installing furniture handles, a knob on your patio doors as well as on your cupboard and wardrobe drawers or modern window handles (in short, on all your openings) matching your door handles. Your designer interior depends on the decorative harmony created: it can be in a single finish of polished, matt or satin brass, or combine several colour ranges such as matt black, lacquered white, chrome or brushed stainless steel. Even sliding or hinged door handles have a role to play in decoration. As for your exterior doors, dare to choose satin nickel or aged solid brass for your roses, latch and locking systems.

Whether you opt for a sleek or authentic design, ultra-modern or vintage, with concealed plate or matching rose, door handles will be valuable allies for styling your interior! 

Other articles on door handle materials: 

Door handle in zamak or stainless steel?

Bronze door handle: sculpt your décor

Zamak door handle: eco-friendly décor