How to choose the ideal door handle for every room in the home?

Practical guide to choosing the right handle for every room in the home

It is best not to get it wrong when deciding to change your door handles! Choosing the right interior door handle is crucial not only for aesthetics but also for functionality, safety and comfort in every room of the home.

Here is a complete guide to help you make the right choice based on the specific needs of each space.

The living room: Design and refinement

The living room is an important room in the home, a convivial space where aesthetics play a major role. As the central living area of the home, with no particular technical constraints, the priority is to favour design and interior decoration when choosing the right model.

For a contemporary look, opt for modern and refined handles in polished brass with a gold finish, brushed stainless steel or chrome zamak. These materials add an elegant touch whilst being durable. Designer door knobs will bring a clean-lined style. For a rustic interior, choose handles in solid wood, wrought iron or porcelain. Door hardware offers a wealth of models to suit every interior style!

Main criterion: aesthetics to complement the interior design

  * Type: Lever handles, ideal for an ergonomic grip, or designer door knobs.

  * Colours: Gold, silver, matt black or white to blend harmoniously with the décor.

  * Finishes: To be matched to the style of the living room. Satin, chrome or lacquered for a contemporary look, matt for a vintage effect…

The kitchen: Practicality and durability

Kitchen handles need to be both sturdy and easy to maintain. Materials such as stainless steel or zamak (an aluminium and zinc alloy) with a fingerprint-resistant coating are ideal. A black handle on a white door adds a modern touch to your kitchen! 

Main criterion: ease of maintenance

  * Type: Ergonomic handles for frequent use. Consider the pull handle, also known as the marshal's baton, which makes opening a hinged door easier. You can match your kitchen cabinet handles to your door handle thanks to the wide range of models available. Your decorative finish will be beautifully enhanced!

  * Maintenance: Choose models resistant to water and cleaning products.

  * Finish: Stainless or anodised for optimum durability.

Bedrooms: Comfort and safety

For bedrooms, opt for handles that ensure a degree of privacy whilst remaining comfortable to use.

Main criteria: Comfort and privacy

  * Materials: Brass for a warm look or zamak for a modern style. 

  * Type: Handles with integrated privacy lock or turn-button.

  * Colours: Soft tones such as bronze or satin nickel.

* Ergonomics: Easy grip for everyday use.

  * Finishes: Chrome or patinated for a decorative touch.

The bathroom and toilet: Privacy and resistance

Toilets and bathrooms, being wet rooms par excellence, require waterproof and moisture-resistant handles. The handle material is the key criterion to prioritise.

Main criterion: Moisture resistance.  

  * Materials: Stainless steel or zamak treated against corrosion.

* Type: Privacy handles to ensure intimacy (rose with privacy turn or with key lock)

  * Recommended finishes: Satin or polished for easy maintenance.

Exterior doors: Safety first

Handles for exterior doors, particularly the front door, must be both aesthetically pleasing and robust.

Main criterion: Security and weather resistance

  * Materials: Stainless steel, zamak or brass treated against the elements.

  * Type: Backplate handles with multipoint lock.

  * Colours: Black or silver for a contemporary look.

  * Finishes: Chrome or anodised for increased durability.

The office: Functionality

An office should inspire concentration and organisation. Choose handles that are understated yet functional.

Main criterion: Functionality

  * Style: Contemporary or industrial.

  * Materials: Anodised aluminium or satin stainless steel. Bronze and wood bring classic charm.

  * Type: Tubular handles or with lock rose (rather than lever) for greater confidentiality.

  * Finishes: Satin or matt for a professional look, polished finish for a classic private office

The conservatory: Harmony with the outdoors

For a conservatory, handles must integrate with the glazed opening surrounds whilst withstanding temperature variations. French windows or sliding bay doors contribute greatly to the light and atmosphere of the room: all the more reason to dress them with functional and attractive handles! 

Main criterion: Resistance to climatic variations.

  * Materials: Aluminium or stainless steel for optimum resistance.

  * Type: Handles for sliding or hinged doors.

  * Finishes: Satin or polished to reflect the light.

  * Colours: Lacquered white or grey for a contemporary style, matt black for a modern look

 Children, DDA users and elderly people: Safety and accessibility

For households with children, people with reduced mobility (DDA) or elderly people, choose ergonomic and easy-to-use handles.

Main criteria: Ergonomics and safety

  * Type: Lever handles, ideal for those with weak hands or for children. Door hardware offers DDA handles that make daily life easier for people with disabilities whilst ensuring designer doors

  * Safety: Models without sharp edges to prevent injury.

  * Standards: Compliance with DDA standards to ensure accessibility.

Summary table

Maintenance tips

A handy reminder for maintaining your door handles according to their material:

  * Brass: Clean with a soft cloth and a specialist product.

  * Stainless steel: Maintain with a microfibre cloth and soapy water.

  * Zamak: Regular cleaning with a dry cloth to avoid marks.

  * Lacquered finishes: Polish with a mild product to preserve the shine.

With these tips, you will be able to select the ideal handles for each room, taking into account aesthetics, practicality and the specific needs of your home. All you have to do is make the right choice! Find all our handles on the Milla Handles website to bring your project to life.