Discover the most beautiful interior door handles with a design lock!

Interior door handles come with their design locks

The design door handle has become a decorative accessory in its own right. Far from being reduced to a simple piece of door hardware, designers have turned the interior door handle into an original, beautiful and chic product that adds a touch of style to your interior layout. 

To accompany it in this decorative role, locks too have been transformed into luxury accessories that fulfil their key function with flair and aesthetics. The finest door handles come with their matching locks, equally exceptional.

Are you looking for new design handles for a room you wish to be able to lock, such as your bathroom or bedroom, while showcasing your new décor? Discover a selection of door handles with design locks that you will not be able to resist!

A lock is a door closing device operated with a key. There are several types of locks. It is important to know their characteristics in order to choose the door furniture that suits you. Door handles have become true decorative accessories. We are going to show you that even their matching original locks reinvent themselves to form a design ensemble!

1. How to choose your door lock?

Before choosing your new door handles, it is worth considering whether or not a closing system is needed. In order to choose your door lock wisely, several criteria should be taken into account.

Criteria for choosing your door lock   

Each lock has its own characteristics. To choose the right model, you need to know what it will be used for, by whom, and how.

Which door?

The first criterion is knowing which door is concerned.

Is it an exterior door such as a garage door, a gate, an armoured door or an entrance door, for which a high-security lock will need to be considered?

Is it an interior door such as a bedroom door, a bathroom or a toilet, for which a standard lock is sufficient? The lock furniture will then be lighter than for a door leading to the exterior. The type of lock will depend on the room involved.

What use?

Who will use this lock: the whole family including children? What opening system is desired: a key, a code, a magnetic card or a home automation system? This short list of questions will determine the choice of door furniture to be installed.

The lock installation method is also a criterion to take into account: will it be possible to cut into the door to accommodate a mortice lock? Will a professional need to be called in to install the handle and lock kit?

Its price 

The budget required for a lock varies greatly depending on its security level and the complexity of its installation. Some products are available at promotional prices, while others, more sophisticated, are priced higher. It is best to check that the cost of the planned closing system fits your budget before making your final choice.

This list of criteria should be considered when choosing the most suitable lock.

2. The different types of lock

a. How a lock works

The way a lock works is almost identical for all types of models. To put it simply: an element fixed to the door (the handle bolt) comes to block against or into another element (the strike plate) fixed to the door frame.

In addition to the bolt and strike plate mentioned above, you will generally find components common to all lock furniture models, such as the lock cylinder, the cylinder guard or the lock faceplate (non-exhaustive list).

Locks can be distinguished by their installation method and the level of security they offer.

b. The installation system   

There are two main methods for installing a lock

Mortice lock (also known as a sash lock or rebated lock)

Installing a mortice lock requires cutting into the door to conceal it. With the steel hardware thus inserted into the thickness of the door, only the end of the lock cylinder where the key is inserted remains visible.

The main advantage is that this lock is very aesthetically pleasing, but it is difficult to install. A professional (locksmith or skilled DIYer) will need to be called in.

Surface-mounted lock

If your door is too thin to mortice a lock, or if you do not wish to carry out any work, opt for a surface-mounted lock. The lock is visible: one part is fixed to the door while the other is mounted on the door frame. Easy to install on all types of doors, this product offers the same level of security as a mortice lock. Its drawback is that it is visible and therefore not very aesthetically pleasing.

Please note: the shrouded lock is a surface-mounted multipoint lock concealed beneath a vertical casing. 

c. The security levels of the lock 

The level of security depends on the chosen lock model: the concept of multi-point locking is worth detailing.

Whether mortice or surface-mounted, locks can be:

 single-point, that is to say with a single closing point, which is suitable for interior doors,

or

multi-point: with a single key, it is possible to lock from 3 to 5 security points. This type of lock is generally installed on entrance doors as it guarantees a higher level of security.  

3. The interior door lock on rose

Door handles on a longitudinal plate incorporate the lock. For door handles on a rose with a hidden plate or even without a plate — consisting solely of the lever (the elongated part of the handle that is gripped to operate the door opening) — it is possible to add a closing rose.

The interior door handle is generally fitted with a simple lock. There are two main types of closing hardware: the key lock function and the privacy bolt.

a. Roses with key lock 

Closing roses come in three different models:

•The rose with an L-key lock: locking is done using a key inserted into a straight-edged slot. This lock model is ideal for a bedroom door. 

•The rose with an I-key lock: like the L-key lock, the I-key door handle is distinguished by its rounded top. It accommodates a key whose shape matches the keyhole.

To activate the lock mechanism, the key must be inserted into the barrel, also known as the cylinder or plug. When the key is turned, the cylinder moves the bolt, which triggers the opening of the door by releasing it from the strike plate.

b. The privacy rose 

Locking is achieved via a bolt integrated into the rose. This product is often preferred for a toilet door. 

The bolts are designed with elegance and flair to complement their original door handle as closely as possible. The door privacy bolt is both beautiful and design!

For all three closing systems, fitting is very straightforward: you simply need to identify the centre-to-centre distance (the distance between the handle hole and the lock hole) in order to fix the rose in the appropriate position.

Please note: special offer on this handle model ref Roll — the closing rose is included with the handle! You only need to choose the closing model from the three products available! 

A latch door handle is a door handle without a lock. The handle (with or without an escutcheon plate) is operated by pressing down the lever, which withdraws the bolt from the strike plate (the strike plate being the recess cut into the door frame into which the handle bolt inserts). This handle model is installed on a living room door, dining room door or kitchen door — rooms that do not need to be locked. 

4. The advantages of design door handles and their locks

The lock furniture enhances the style of the door handle.

Contrary to what one might think, adding a lock takes nothing away from the design of the handle! In fact, quite the opposite! The closing roses add to the final look, echoing the style of the lever handle. By mirroring the design of the handle and playing with the symmetry of the plate, they add to the character of the ensemble.

The design of interior handles stems from the combination of several factors. Shapes, materials and finishes combine their strengths to create exceptional products.

a. The shapes of door handles 

Round or square, rectangular or oval, they are increasingly diverse and design-led.

The shape of the closing rose is dictated by the shape of the handle plate. Designers compete in creativity to conceive original handles in highly varied shapes. The round plate, square plate or rectangular plate form the basis of the handle's style. Of variable thickness, some roses sometimes achieve incredible degrees of finesse! As an aesthetic echo, the closing rose follows the same design codes as the handle. 

b. The materials of handles and their closing rose    

Just like their matching handle, lock roses are made from various quality materials. Zamak (an alloy of zinc, aluminium and copper) offers beautiful designs.  

In addition to zamak, you have access to a wide range of handles in brass, wrought iron, stainless steel, bronze, wood, aluminium, glass, nylon and even concrete. All these materials guarantee durability and resistance for interior handles, which above all have a very practical function: the opening and closing of doors. Your handle will retain the brilliance of its finish and its shine from day one. 

Each material brings its own character, contributing to the desired style: stainless steel and aluminium add modernity; iron or brass create a rustic touch; zamak is able to blend into every style.

c. The colours of handles and locks 

Interior door handles are available in a wide range of colours. The black handle is ultra on-trend. The white handle is favoured for minimalist interiors. Brushed chrome, brushed chrome, gold, anthracite and satin nickel are among the colours available to you. Such a choice removes all limits to your creativity: you will find the model that meets your decorating needs, from the most classical to the most eccentric! 

List of the most common colours: matt black, white, brushed chrome, satin chrome, matt gold, satin gold, bronze, anthracite, etc.

d. The finishes of interior door handles 

The choice of finishes is equally impressive! Lacquered, chrome, polished, matt or satin — each will produce a distinctive result. The same door handle model becomes entirely different depending on the chosen finish. Matt black gives the door handle an avant-garde look. Brass and iron finishes evoke a more classical style. A wood finish brings a warm feel to door handles.

5. A design door handle and lock for every decorating style 

The wide range of interior handles caters for every decorating style.

The closing rose comes in the same style as its handle: classic, modern or futuristic. 

Every design interior door handle has its matching stylish lock. Handle and lock unite to form harmonious sets.

Here are some examples of design handle and lock sets to suit every interior decorating style.

a. Door handles and locks in a retro style

Interior handle with closing rose in a retro style - model Ref Luxor: a vintage look for this classic door handle, on a round plate, inspired by Egyptian art. Its polished metal bronze finish makes this door handle, designed in stainless steel, a timeless product. The sculpted scrolls and other motifs are echoed on the rose that houses the lock. 

b. Door handles in a modern style

Door handle and modern lock - Model Ref Luna   

The originality of this door handle lies in its hidden-plate design. The part that separates the handle from the door surface (the plate or rose) is invisible, creating a feeling of purity and elegance. The satin nickel finish of the zamak produces a chic look. Such a design deserves an equally subtle closing rose that enhances the contemporary character of this unique handle. 

Contemporary door handle and rose: Ref Apollo

The square plate asserts the modernity of this handle, perfectly complemented by the decorative lock. The simple yet bold shapes of this set suit every room in the home. 

Whatever the chosen finish (matt black, polished chrome or titanium steel finish), this handle and closing hardware set is particularly successful. Designed in zamak, this interior door handle is a pure achievement. The chic and perfection of shapes emanate from this handle of elegant simplicity!

Wood-effect door handles ref Line Glamour: a touch of fantasy for your doors!

This interior door handle is aptly named: the glamour comes from the combination of aluminium and the wood effect that brings light with its modern and chic style. Its square plate and straight lines make it a modern handle.

In addition to the wood effect finish, this original handle is available in matt black with star-shaped crystal inlays and in polished chrome with star-shaped crystals. Whatever the chosen finish, this luminous door handle brings a touch of fantasy to your doors.

You can complete it with its privacy lock, also made of aluminium. The chrome finish is a perfect match. Aluminium is a light, durable and economical material. Its good plasticity allows a wide variety of shapes to be produced.

c. Door handles and their locks in a futuristic style

Design door handle and its futuristic lock: Ref Dom Polaris 

The luminous colour combined with the steel finish, and the rounded shapes tapering at the end of the lever, make this door handle an exceptional product. Designed in zamak, this original interior door handle comes close to perfection! 

Luxury and voluptuousness are found in the closing rose, which adds to the contemporary style of this perfect ensemble — ideal for bringing boldness and character to your interior décor.

The jewel of the door handle and its luxury rose: Ref DOM PIRA 

It is impossible to remain indifferent to this remarkable interior door handle! Cut like a diamond with star-shaped angles, this model is highly futuristic. Available in two finishes — lacquered chrome or lacquered nickel — it enhances every decorating style. One might think it is made of stainless steel or aluminium, but it is zamak, a virtuous material, that shapes this wonderful door handle with its luxurious finish.

The privacy closing rose adds to the luxury of the handle, forming a rich ensemble. The finish will be equally successful with the I-key or L-key model.

A true design jewel, this set will beautify the door of your living room or bedroom.

The plateless door handle and its revolutionary lock: Ref model WIND 

The plateless handle embodies absolute modernity and originality! This atypical handle is a true work of art that will dress your doors with purity and design. Its finish surprises with its sobriety and simplicity taken to the extreme.  

Its many finishes open the way to your decorative creativity! You can play on contrasts: fit a black design door handle on a white door, or a white finish handle on a dark wood door. You can also choose a bronze or brushed chrome finish handle. Finally, you can highlight the brilliance of polished chrome by fitting a handle on a white lacquered or glass door. 

The closing rose must meet this aesthetic requirement. For this particular product, even the closing roses that complement the handle are of extraordinary shapes! The oval-shaped knob is particularly successful and serves to highlight this design ensemble. 

This plateless door handle, with its futuristic look, is an essential ally for your interior décor. It brings originality and refinement to the doors of your home.

d. Atypical door handles and locks 

Door handles Ref Verum: avant-garde handles

These plateless handles are of exceptional simplicity and elegance. This handle stands out through its aesthetics but also through its ultra-design and atypical bolt that completes it.

Designed in zamak, this matt black set is particularly graceful. Fitted on a light-coloured door, the black reveals the purity of this contemporary plateless handle.

The brushed chrome finish produces its finest effect on dark doors. The ultra-slim lock follows the refined codes of the handle to enhance your entire interior.

The concrete door handle: ref Mandelli Juno

The originality of this handle lies not only in its refined shape but also in the chosen material: concrete. The finish is of incomparable purity, as the concrete — at once hard and soft — creates a velvety sensation one is eager to touch. The colours (powder, graphite, sand...) are inspired by earthy tones and offer possibilities beyond matt black or stainless steel.

The satin gold-coloured lock enhances the finish of the round plate at the base of the handle. This luxury product is of singular rarity and will personalise your interior.

e. Recessed handle and lock for sliding door: interior handle Ref MANDELLI 

The sliding door, whether surface-mounted or pocket-style, which has found considerable success among interior designers, also features design handles and decorative lock roses! Many recessed handles, also known as cup pulls, in all shapes, finishes and colours, can dress modern sliding interior doors. In zamak, stainless steel, brass or aluminium, in a matt black or aged brass finish, these handle models clearly enhance this type of original door. 

It is perfectly feasible to fit a lock to match the recessed door handle. 

Once again, the lock is designed in the same style and finish as the cup pull handle, creating a cohesive set. Let yourself be tempted by all the decorative innovations!

f. Locks for design door knob handles

The knob handle is an ideal handle for harmonising your interior décor. Indeed, this handle model can be installed not only on the doors of your living spaces but also on the doors or drawers of your furniture and kitchen drawers. Why not opt for the matt black knob, which instantly modernises your entire interior? Do you prefer the satin stainless steel finish knob to enhance your doors? Whatever the model, the knob is a handle that is easy to fix on doors or windows and is available at a reasonable or even promotional price!

You can match your door knob to its design lock. All three types of lock (I-key, L-key or privacy bolt) are perfectly suitable. The matt black zamak, brushed stainless steel, iron or matt gold finish is available for both types of model. Like door handles on plate with lever, door knobs are now manufactured in all materials: white porcelain competes with brass, stainless steel, iron, aluminium and steel. The door knob has been completely reinvented to offer a modern and design alternative to the plate-mounted handle. Finally, the door knob remains an affordable product in terms of price: whether in brass, stainless steel, zamak or aluminium, there is no need to spend a fortune to acquire the most beautiful design knobs!

To summarise: the door handle is design right down to its lock. Even a functional piece of hardware becomes a decorative ally to enhance a design interior. Door handles are admirably complemented by their closing roses. Whether key-operated or privacy, they form perfect combinations to enhance your interior doors.

Some handle models (such as the ref Roll) are even offered with a matching lock. The harmony of the set adds to the sought-after design style. The door handle is no longer reduced solely to its function but makes the most of its strengths in the service of decoration enthusiasts.

Every detail of the metal or PVC door furniture is carefully studied and crafted for an impeccable result. You have a wide range of door handle models to meet the demands of every style. It is up to you to choose the model that will enhance your home! Whether in matt black zamak or polished brass, the door handle with its design lock will personalise your interior. 

This is not about establishing a ranking of the best products in the manner of a comparison site, but rather about showing you door handles with their design lock, exceptional products with a perfect finish that combine the useful with the pleasurable! Today, door hardware offers elegant and design products to accompany all your decorating projects. Steel metal, stainless steel plate or brass inspire designers; polished chrome or matt black are finishes among many others: nothing can limit your creativity!  

Enjoy all the advantages of design door handles and locks. Easy to install on your doors, models at affordable prices, the many 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 shop or by visiting its showroom. 

NB. All models (ref handles) featured in this article are available from the Milla Handles shop.