What are the different styles of door handles?

A door handle for every decorating style!

The decorative role of the interior door handle is sometimes wrongly overlooked. Yet it allows you to boost your décor right down to the finest details!

The door handle, a functional piece of hardware, will help you highlight every room in your home. Installing this small functional accessory, made up of a backplate, a lever and a rose, will completely boost your interior décor. 

So do not overlook the advantages of door handles! Choose these simple products carefully — they will enhance your interior.

To make the best choice, discover the different styles of interior door handle to choose the model that will best suit your décor!

Thanks to the wide range of interior door handles, you will be able to easily choose the on-trend handle or modern door knob that will perfectly complement your furnishings.

1. Which interior door handle should you choose?

Before making a choice, it is better to know the various types of door handles.

The lever door handle

The lever door handle on a backplate is the most common product. The lever, also called the handle, allows the door to be opened by pressing the hand downwards.

Mounted on a backplate, the lever handle comes in several versions:

. on a longitudinal backplate: the backplate extends along the full length. It gets its name from the idea that it helps reduce any marks and fingerprints on doors. (ref Tosade: handle on a longitudinal vintage backplate)

. on a round backplate which serves to fix the lever handle, produces softness and harmony. The closing system is provided by the rose comprising the key lock or privacy bolt. (ref Luxor handle with privacy bolt)

. on a square backplate: less classic than the round one, the square backplate gives an original look to door handles. Ref Ninféa

. on a rectangular backplate: this handle model is very contemporary and perfectly dresses your modern interior doors. (ref Prisme)

. the plateless handle: of an ultra modern design, this type of door handle offers an unparalleled look. The privacy lock is also the subject of perfect aesthetics that enhances the pair thus formed.

The knob door handle 

Long overlooked, the knob door handle is making a strong comeback in our interiors. Traditionally round in shape, the knob handle is operated by turning the knob to the side to open or close the door. 

Designers have greatly evolved this type of door handle. Nowadays, the knob is no longer simply an oval of porcelain but becomes square or even ultra flat! 

Like lever handles, door knobs become very useful decorative allies! 

Certain knob models known as "American-style" incorporate a lock. 

The recessed handle

The recessed handle or cup handle dresses sliding doors. These handles are designed to integrate flush into the pocket door (which slides into the wall) or into the surface-mounted door. 

The cremone, the window handle

Like the door knob, the cremone is experiencing a revival among decorators thanks to its vintage look! Available in all colours, this window handle adapts to all interior decorating styles.

The pull handle (or marshal's baton)

The pull handle is often fitted on exterior doors. As its name suggests, it is used to pull the door open. 

What materials should you choose for your door handle?

The style of a handle depends on its type, its shape but also on the material used to craft it.

Let's review the main materials used for door handles!

A zamak door handle

An alloy of zinc, aluminium, magnesium and copper, zamak is very often chosen for making door handles as it is a durable and virtuous alloy since it is infinitely recyclable. Furthermore, zamak is an entry-level material that offers the advantage of crafting design door handles at a very accessible price. 

A wrought iron door handle 

Wrought iron immediately adds a vintage and elegant touch to door handles. Very resistant, iron is perfectly suited to exterior door handles as well as interior handles. It is often used for window security grilles. Its weak point, however, is corrosion: it is better to treat your handles, especially if they are on the outside.

A brass door handle

An alloy of copper and zinc, brass is flexible and easy to machine. It is used to make precision instruments, clockwork components, keys or decorative elements for furnishings such as locks or hinges. Its malleability allows the creation of handles and locks with original shapes that enhance furniture and doors throughout the home.

An antique door handle in solid bronze

Bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) is one of the most beautiful and most authentic materials. Very hard, bronze is ultra resistant.  

A stainless steel door handle 

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

An aluminium door handle

Aluminium (or alu) is a lightweight, flexible metal, particularly resistant to oxidation. Strong, it offers great longevity to door handles. Its silver colour is popular for modern interiors.

A porcelain door handle or knob

Knob handles were traditionally made of porcelain. Classic white lacquered or plain grey door knobs are now giving way to modernised and colourful models with original shapes, which is reviving the trend for this quality ceramic. 

A wooden door handle

Wood is a noble, natural and ecological material. It is at once lightweight, robust and healthy. 

Traditionally of a rustic style, natural products are reinventing themselves and integrating perfectly into contemporary interiors, offering comfort and authenticity to your décor.

 A nylon (polyamide) door handle

A plastic material, nylon is lightweight, economical and very resistant to wear. Nylon is suitable for both interior and exterior door handles.

2. What is your door handle style?

There is such a variety of models and original products that you will have no trouble finding the door handle of your dreams! For every style, its door handle!

The futuristic door handle 

The futuristic style favours bold and clean shapes. Here are some examples of door handles for an interior looking towards the future.

Ref Dom Pira: the avant-garde interior handle

Ref Snake: the door handle with a snake silhouette

The modern door handle

A modern interior is distinguished by clean geometric lines and a minimalist look while being ultra functional. Like furniture, modern door handles favour smooth finishing materials such as steel metal or a lacquered varnish appearance. 

Ref model Cosmo – the ultra design handle

Ref line R – the modern door handle

The wood-finish handle

Decoration often plays with contrasts of colours and materials. A handle with an oak or acacia finish combined with chromed steel produces a very on-trend effect!

The contemporary door handle 

Contemporary décor plays on contrasts by combining materials such as steel and glass. Straight lines are softened by neutral colours such as a matt nickel or polished chrome finish. 

As an alternative to matt black, the stainless steel handle is an ideal decorative product for contemporary kitchens or living rooms. 

Admire the charm of a polished chrome handle on an oak door! Appreciate the finesse of the design of these must-have handles!

Ref Verum – sleek and elegant contemporary handles

The classic interior handle 

The classic trend handle is ideal for creating a reassuring and warm atmosphere.  

As the following interior handles demonstrate, classic does not mean outdated! 

Ref Warna – the handle that is both classic and modern   

Ref Line Venus R – the door handle with a polished chrome finish 

The vintage door handle  

Want to create a vintage atmosphere? It's about combining antique furniture, items sourced from flea markets and finishing it all off by choosing retro door handles!

Ref HINON – the authentic vintage handle 

This handle with retro curves will win you over with its rust finish, which gives it an atypical character. 

This beautiful door handle with old-world charm is made with a combination of ZAMAK and steel, which gives it strength and quality. 

Ref Eris – the retro interior handle

This model inherits its retro look from its finely chiselled scrolls and its patina reminiscent of bronze. 

The industrial-style handle

The industrial look is the intermediate decorative solution between modern and contemporary. You can create a loft feel by installing a glazed partition or a sliding door combining metal, glass or even concrete. Opt for door handles that will enhance the industrial side of your décor!

Ref Kuki – the door handle with an industrial look 

The round rose contrasts with the lever's clean lines and silver chrome appearance. This product meets the codes of the industrial style thanks to the combination of modern and contemporary.

Think about matching closing roses (key lock or privacy bolt) for the privacy of your bedroom or bathroom.

The novelty door handle 

If you prefer to go off the beaten track, here are some original and creative models that will make you look like an outstanding decorator!

Ref Juno – the concrete door handle

Ref Polaris – multicolour door handles 

The locking system of this model (privacy bolt) enhances the fantastical effect of this shimmering product!

Modern door knobs

Door knobs are completely reinventing themselves and many original products offer exceptional decorative solutions!

"Semi-handle" knobs – Ref Tupai models 

These door knobs are particularly original as they are halfway between a knob and a lever door handle! Available in three finishes (black, polished chrome or brushed chrome), these knobs will energise your doors by bringing them a totally unique touch!

All these door handles can be complemented with their closing rose (key lock or privacy lock) offered in the same finish. Security and privacy are ensured by ultra design roses that reinforce the style of your handles.

Whether you wish to add a contemporary touch or create a more industrial loft, the different door handle styles are here to help you bring your decorating projects to life.  

Thanks to these products, you will easily boost your décor, without major works and at a reasonable price. Handles are now available in all colours: matt black, bright gold, white, copper, chrome metal stainless steel or polished brass. Materials have diversified (wrought iron, stainless steel, brass, zamak) and the shapes of interior handles suit all decorating styles.

Take the time to find the product of your dreams on the Milla Handles online shop, which offers one of the widest selections of design and quality door handles at reasonable prices! 

Take inspiration from this guide and the articles on our Milla Handles blog, which cover the entire world of handles: the technical aspects (centre distance, locking function, cylinder lock, etc.) and decorating tips (30 door handle ideas, the most beautiful black handles, etc.)

Trust the specialist in design door handles to realise your decorating projects!