How to choose the best door handle for your living room?

Discover the criteria you need to know to choose your new living room door handles!

The living room is the central living space of your home. An ideal cosy retreat for relaxing, receiving friends and family, the living room must combine comfort and conviviality as well as functionality. Its atmosphere is paramount and its decoration deserves careful attention.

Whether your living room needs a small refresh or you are considering a complete renovation, decorating this room will command your full attention. But sometimes it only takes a few things to achieve a successful interior decoration! A new piece of furniture, a design mirror… and any minor accessory will have an impact on the result. Discover the decorative power of door handles! These small hardware accessories will enhance your décor just as much as stylish ornaments, rugs or cushions!

The door handle, a functional fitting, will help you enhance every room in your home, from the kitchen to your living room. Installing this small accessory, made up of a backplate, a lever and a rose, will add a stylish decorative touch to your interior. Choose your new door handles with care! Don't settle for the first dull grey stainless steel handle you come across! Make the most of the new design door handles that will elevate the decoration of your living room. 

How to choose the right door handle for your living room?

Thanks to the extensive range of design interior door handles and knobs, you can now easily find the on-trend door handle or modern door knob that will perfectly complement the atmosphere of your living room.

1. The cosy living room décor: generous door handles

Creating a cosy living room means making this living space welcoming and warm. You'll find a comfortable sofa covered with a cosy throw and velvet cushions, or a thick rug. 

Trinkets and decorative objects are very much in evidence. Candles and delicate fragrances add to the ambient sense of well-being!

Accessorising is essential for well-being and decoration. Discover the door handles that will perfectly complement this cosy atmosphere!

Design copper interior handle: ref. model Jacob

Opt for warm colours such as brass or copper. This designer copper door handle stands out with its oval backplate, which creates an original and delicate effect. The slender lever creates an ultra-modern and on-trend look that will accentuate the cosy feel of your living room.

If you love the shape of this original door handle, please note that this product is available in three other finishes: brushed chrome, polished chrome and matt black. 

The closing rose (lock) to be paired with the handle also has an oval-shaped rose so that the two pieces form a perfect decorative pair on your door. 

The handle is made from zamak, a fashionable and virtuous material (infinitely recyclable). This alloy of zinc, aluminium, magnesium and copper guarantees the resistance and durability of the lever and ensures that these design door handles have the strength needed to fulfil their primary function: opening and closing your doors!

Vintage interior door handle – Ref. model FADO

Ideal for creating a cosy atmosphere, this handle with its generous and soft shapes is a pure product of luxury craftsmanship.

Its delicately shaped lever, whose curve echoes the round backplate, gives way to a slender handle displaying perfect symmetry of knobs at each end. Thanks to its high-end finish, this handle is ideal for pairing with antique furniture in a classic living room or modern furniture in a cosy living room. 

This model is made from zamak (an alloy of aluminium, copper and zinc), whereas one might have expected brass or chrome steel.

Don't hesitate to complete this handle with its matching closing rose (key lock or privacy bolt)!

2. The modern industrial-style living room: ultra-design door handles

Designing a modern living room in an industrial style means working with wood and dark grey, parquet flooring and a metal-framed glass partition with industrial accents, solid wood furniture on dark rugs.

The New York loft-inspired living room also plays on large openings to the outside, which illuminate the dark brick walls and raw wood furniture.

Anthracite grey is the dominant colour. Enhance the industrial atmosphere by dressing your doors with handles that will echo this ultra-modern look. 

The design brass door handle – Ref. model Stinger

This door handle with an industrial look offers a simple, ultra-stylish profile that will perfectly enhance the doors of your living room! The elegance of its lever mounted on the square backplate, highlighted by the anthracite grey colour of the solid brass, reveals a remarkably perfect design. 

To perfect the overall look, you can add the closing rose (key lock fitting or privacy bolt system for bathroom or toilet) with a backplate of the same dimensions and the same design.

The industrial door handle – Ref. model Etna

The clean, structured lines of this modern door handle will perfectly echo your glass partition or your chairs with metal legs! The titanium finish reinforces the raw lines of the cleverly cut lever, fixed on its square backplate. In ashen chrome, it becomes a decorative "showstopper" for your modern living room! In silver stainless steel finish, this product gives an industrial character to your doors.

An industrial living room loves to play with space and light. The glass partition, as well as the sliding door, is often chosen to optimise space or create a resolutely contemporary décor. Tucked into the heart of a living room, this movable partition adds new dimensions to the architecture.

Sliding door handles have evolved considerably and now offer undeniable decorative solutions!

We think of sliding doors when we need to save space. The kitchen and the living room are the rooms that lend themselves perfectly to this, both for the entrance door and for furniture and wardrobe facades. The recessed handle can be used as kitchen and living room furniture handles. Combinations of materials, such as a modern stainless steel handle fitted on a glass or raw pine door, produce striking decorative effects.

Recessed handles – ref. Colombo models

Available in 10 colours, this round handle is ideal for the sliding door of your living room. Made from zamak, this quality product is perfect for dressing a pocket sliding door (or surface-mounted) in your contemporary living room.

3. The ultra-modern minimalist living room: sleek door handles

The modern living room is distinguished by its pure geometric lines and its minimalist character. The materials have a smooth finish, such as a lacquered varnish effect or steel metal. Few trinkets or decorative objects — the minimalist living room is designed to be ultra-functional and uncluttered. The wide choice of door handles allows you to find the model that will perfectly integrate into this minimalist décor. 

The play of colour contrasts enhances the clean lines of the furniture. White, which brings brightness and purity, is often favoured.

The minimalist white door handle – Ref. model Verum WIND  

White is a common colour for door handles, but this model is so avant-garde that you will be surprised by the effect it creates! The plateless white door handle embodies absolute modernity! The latest creation from Italian craftsmen, this pure product of Italian craftsmanship will dress your doors with purity and design. This futuristic door handle surprises with its sleek lines, which feature a slight recess below the lever so that fingers rest comfortably.

This backplate-free door handle is the perfect decorative accessory to enhance the doors of a contemporary interior. It will also find its place in a classic setting if one chooses to play on contrasts of styles by pairing it, for example, with a period piece of furniture. 

Black is also a colour that reinforces the sleek side of the décor.

Ultra-slim black interior handle - without backplate - Verum Lieve

This ultra-slim black interior door handle, without an escutcheon plate, sports an atypical shape and its slightly cut line gives it a unique character. 

Capable of fitting into every room of your home, from the living room to the kitchen, this sleek door handle complements any décor. This model is made of zamak, a material that guarantees your handle unrivalled solidity. Without a backplate, its installation takes only a few minutes.

4. The contemporary living room: elegant door handles

Contemporary and convivial, this type of living room plays on contrasts by mixing materials such as aluminium and glass. The rectilinear shapes of the furniture are softened with dark colours such as the gunmetal or black finish. Brightness is brought by light shades such as white or polished chrome.

Let your imagination run free to decorate your contemporary living room! Opt for the modern and elegant shapes of door handles that you will find in a wide range of modern finishes!

The elegant door handle - model TWEE

This elegant door handle, with its distinctly asymmetric geometric lines, was born from the imagination of Italian designers, known for their artistry and elegant style.

Ideal for dressing a design living room door, this futuristic interior handle will elevate your contemporary decoration!

It is crafted from solid brass: this quality alloy (copper and zinc) is chosen to manufacture precision instruments and clockwork components, just like this luxury handle.

If you also wish to use this product in your office or bedroom, you can add the lock escutcheon (key or turn-and-release) available in the same finish (identical backplate), which will create a harmonious set.

The modern door handle with voluptuous shapes - Ref. Pétunia 

Here is a modern door handle that stands out for its original aesthetic, the roundness of its shapes and, of course, the slight twist of its lever. 

The designers chose to make it from zamak (an alloy of zinc, copper and aluminium), a material that is not only modern and resistant but, above all, environmentally friendly as it is infinitely recyclable. 

Make your decorative choice from the three modern finishes on offer — polished chrome, gold and matt gold — according to the atmosphere you wish to bring to your interior. The matt gold finish handle adds nobility and elegance, while the brilliance of polished chrome will accentuate the modernity of your contemporary living room. The bright gold door handle will reveal its full brilliance and luminosity on a raw wood door.

Complete your door furniture with the matching closing rose, which will form a harmonious decorative pair. Several locking systems are available depending on the rooms you wish to equip (key lock in I, in L, or bathroom/privacy bolt).

5. The classic living room: a chic door handle

The classic living room offers a reassuring and warm atmosphere. The furniture, more visible and imposing, is designed to be comfortable and elegant. The classic style is distinguished by the richness of its forms and materials. Gold or brass door handles integrate perfectly into this setting.  

The elegant gold door handle: Ref. model AZALIA – bright gold finish

The gold finish offers a true decorative treasure! Gold adds a luxurious and luminous touch to your classic living room doors. 

This golden door handle, with its soft line and very fine round backplate, offers a product of rare elegance. Capable of enhancing the doors of your classic living room, this model can also be chosen to add a touch of modernity. You can choose between the intense brilliance of the shiny gold handle or the discreet chic of the matt gold finish!

Other finishes such as black, satin chrome and polished chrome, or even copper, produce a completely different yet equally elegant result.

You can add a closing rose with an L-shaped key lock or bedroom key, I-shaped key, cylinder lock or privacy bolt if you are considering this same handle for the door of your bedroom or study.

The bronze-finish door handle – ref. Mandelli Fusilla

Made in Italy from 100% Italian brass, the bronze colour with its aged patina particularly enhances this classic model with a strong personality. Thanks to its refined finish, this door handle adapts perfectly to classic interiors.

Finely chiselled with dark and silver grooves, this interior handle is particularly irresistible. Several materials are used for door handles such as stainless steel, aluminium or zamak. Brass was chosen to create these door handles with a quality finish, designed for lovers of chic decoration. 

You can add the rose with the matching lock if you intend this premium product for the door of your bedroom or study.

The chic door handle – Dom toro QR

Here is another model of chic interior handle for your classic living room! In a bronze or lacquered chrome finish, this door handle will add a classic note to your living room.

The major advantage of this model is its price! You can enhance your interior decoration without breaking the bank! This luxury handle is without doubt the eco-friendly decorative solution!

6. The rustic chic living room: wooden door handles

Despite the enthusiasm for modernism, the rustic living room, with its raw wood furniture and its old tiles or cosy parquet, holds its own and adapts to contemporary decoration trends. The Scandinavian style is always popular for the warmth and conviviality it exudes. Furniture colours combine neutral tones such as brown and beige. Rugs, throws and cushions are light to create a trendy look or, on the contrary, in vivid red to energise the warm feel.

For dressing the interior doors of your rustic living room, consider a wood finish for your handles.

The chic door handles – Ref. models "line Glamour"

The combination of aluminium (for the backplate and the surround of the lever) and the wood effect produces a look that is both modern and classic, ideal for a rustic living room.

Available in several wood tones, from the lightest to the darkest, these handles can easily fit into all types of interior decoration. They will pair wonderfully with the vintage furniture of your living room or a more modern piece in your study.

You can complete them with their lock, also made of aluminium. Aluminium is a lightweight, durable and cost-effective material. These handles offer excellent value for money.  

The bi-material wood-aluminium handle – Ref. model Roll

Prefer to pair oak with aluminium thanks to these two-tone door handles that embrace the codes of contemporary design, ideal for adding a modern touch to your rustic living room! This product combines modernity and authenticity, two qualities that perfectly suit your rustic chic living room!

7. The vintage living room – retro door handles

Vintage decoration is making a strong comeback in our interiors. The vintage style consists of mixing objects from the 1930s to the 1970s with contemporary items. In short, vintage refers to second-hand pieces that we enjoy bringing back into fashion.

Pay attention to every detail by completing this retro décor with vintage door handles!

The retro door handle – Ref. model ERIS

Here is a retro door handle, perfect for enhancing your rustic living room.

The finely sculpted scrolls decorate the handle riveted onto its round backplate. Its colour is reminiscent of bronze or brass, but it is a modern material that brings a contemporary twist to this retro interior handle: zamak (an alloy of zinc, copper and aluminium), which is often chosen by designers as it offers the flexibility essential to their creativity. It also guarantees them the strength required of any door handle, a fitting that will be operated hundreds of times a day.

This vintage handle model suits every room in the home, from the kitchen to the bedroom, through the living room or a classic office. Its atypical character also allows it to blend into a modern décor. This vintage door handle offers numerous possibilities.

The vintage door handle - Model ref. MALTA

This vintage door handle is a true work of art that will delight lovers of the retro look! The shape of the lever evokes a wave with three slender stripes in alternating dark and light colours. The round backplate and the matt bronze finish accentuate its baroque character. This original door handle will find its perfect place in your vintage living room.

This door handle is made of aluminium, a durable, lightweight and cost-effective material: aluminium offers a plasticity capable of shaping a wide variety of forms.

Beyond its remarkable aesthetics, this door handle offers a major advantage: its affordable price! Design is within everyone's budget! 

Remember to complete the handle with a matching closing rose of the same finish (with key lock or privacy bolt): the pair will form a harmonious ensemble.

8. What material should you choose for your living room door handles?

Let us spend a few moments on the very concrete criteria that are of great importance when choosing your new handles or door knobs.

Durable and easy-to-maintain door handles

Each room has a different use and a different level of traffic. The living room, like the kitchen, is a central room of the home. We relax there, welcome friends and family, and spend long comfortable hours lounging around…  

It is better to avoid choosing handles made from fragile materials or those susceptible to marks and corrosion. It is better to select materials that are resistant and easy to maintain! Zamak, aluminium or brass are often chosen for their many advantages. However, other materials offer good alternatives.

What materials for living room door handles?

The living room door handle must be made from a quality and resistant material, as it will operate the opening and closing of the doors of your home's central living space hundreds of times a day. 

The most commonly preferred material is zamak (an alloy of zinc, aluminium, magnesium and copper). This alloy is not only resistant and malleable but also virtuous as it is recyclable. It also allows the creation of beautiful design door handles at affordable prices. 

Stainless steel (inox) or aluminium are naturally hygienic materials. 

Brass is also a very high-quality material reserved for the most finely crafted pieces. You will also find more traditional materials such as wood, ceramic or wrought iron (for exterior doors), which also offer good performance.

The modern materials used guarantee quality and strength for your door handles.

Of course, price will play a part in your choice of living room door handle. Take the time to find the product of your dreams from a vast range of design and quality door handles at affordable prices! Take advantage of the wide choice offered by online shops, which offer a very extensive range of design products at accessible prices (fast delivery)! Draw inspiration from reviews and decorating trends. You will save money and elevate your interior decoration! 

9. Matching door handles, window handles and furniture knobs

Decoration is all about the small details and harmony. These hardware accessories give you the advantage of being able to match the handles on your doors, your windows and even your furniture!

Several types of door handles lend themselves perfectly to this game!  

The door knob 

Another type of handle, the door knob is now available in all colours: matt black, shiny gold, stainless steel metal or polished brass. The materials have diversified (stainless steel, zamak, brass or aluminium). The shapes of this minimalist door handle adopt a more geometric style. The door knob even allows for all kinds of whimsy, such as models in porcelain with star motifs! The knob is easy to install on a front door, and a piece of living room furniture such as a chest of drawers can be fitted with one in no time!

The square door knob – Ref. model Aegis

This modern knob, available in a wide choice of finishes (black, white, matt gold, polished chrome, brushed chrome), shows just how important colour is in the type of decoration you are looking for! 

The knob in matt gold finish adds a touch of luxury, while the brushed chrome knob gives a contemporary industrial feel. The black knob, meanwhile, will suit all decorating styles!

Why not match the satin chrome knob with the handle of the same finish (ref. Arabis)

Design window handles

Certain door handles have matching window handles. Your living room decoration will be perfect! 

Window handle – Model Aqualung

The bâton de maréchal 

Also known as a pull handle, this door handle opens by simple pulling. Traditionally made in brass or bronze, this door handle model is now available in modern materials such as zamak or aluminium, which offer resistance and quality of finish.

This door handle allows you to create creative decorative combinations: placed vertically on a front door, it can also be installed horizontally on the drawer of a piece of living room furniture.

Recessed handles

If you have sliding doors, don't forget to also match the recessed handles, which you will find in many finishes such as aged brass, satin stainless steel or chrome steel. You can thus create a harmonious and refined decoration. 

Here is an example of a set of black door handles: round recessed handle and door handle on round backplate ref. Péonia 

You can also add the roses with locks of the same finish as the cup handle to your sliding door.

All types of door handles are formidable allies for perfecting your interior decoration!

The last aspect to address is the technical side of handle installation. 

If you are a DIY enthusiast, the question doesn't arise as it will be straightforward for you to fit your new door handles. However, if you have never heard of centre-to-centre distance, backplate, escutcheon, latch hole or cylinder, don't worry! Fitting a pair of handles is within everyone's reach! Furthermore, you will find the instructions in the installation manual (included with the delivery of your products), which explains, in a few steps, how to fit your new handle. Some articles on our blog also describe how to install a door handle. You will find that fitting your new decorative accessories takes only a few minutes, even for a complete DIY beginner!

Whatever the style of your decoration, take the time to carefully choose the door handle for your living room, as its quality and design will enhance this central room of the home. The living room is without doubt the most frequented and most social space: it deserves a comfortable, welcoming and warm arrangement!

The door handle is an essential decorative accessory. At an affordable price, this design hardware accessory adds a decorative touch to your home.

The extensive product range (lever handle, knob, pull handle or recessed handle) as well as the wide choice of finishes (shapes, colours, materials) allows for all decorating styles to be considered, from the most classic to the most modern. It is up to you to find the best combinations according to the rooms to be fitted or renovated, and to choose the decorative accessories that are design door handles and knobs. 

Find all the door handles featured on the Milla Poignées shop!

Finally, take advantage of the décor tips in our blog articles: the best vintage handles, designer door knobs, the top black or gold door handles… Feel free to browse the more technical articles explaining how to fit your new handles. And don't forget to visit the Milla Poignées showroom to see the quality of our designer door handles for yourself!