What are the different styles of door handles?

A door handle for every decorating style!

We sometimes wrongly overlook the decorative role of the interior door handle. Yet it allows you to enhance your décor right down to the finest details!

The door handle, a functional hardware fitting, 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 transform your interior décor. 

So don't overlook the benefits of door handles! Choose these simple products with care — they will elevate your interior to a whole new level.

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

Thanks to the wide range of interior door handles, you will be able to easily find 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 best 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 it downwards with the hand.

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

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

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

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

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

. the handle without a backplate: with an ultra-modern design, this type of door handle offers an unmatched look. The privacy turn is also a model of perfect aesthetics that enhances the pair as a whole.

The knob door handle 

Long overlooked, the door knob 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 just an oval of porcelain but can be 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 with no protruding parts into the pocket sliding door (which slides into the wall) or the surface-mounted door. 

The cremone, the window handle

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

The pull handle (or baton de maréchal)

The pull handle is often installed 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, and also the material used to make it.

Let's take a look at the main materials used for door handles!

A zamak door handle

An alloy of zinc, aluminium, magnesium, and copper, zamak is very often chosen to make door handles as it is a durable and virtuous alloy, being infinitely recyclable. Furthermore, zamak is an entry-level material that has the advantage of allowing design door handles to be made at a very affordable price. 

An iron door handle 

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

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 parts, keys, and decorative elements for furnishings such as locks or hinges. Its malleability makes it possible to create handles and locks in original shapes that enhance furniture and doors throughout the home.

An antique solid bronze door handle

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

A stainless steel door handle 

Stainless steel, or inox, is an alloy of chromium and nickel. It has many advantages: it is very lightweight, aesthetically pleasing, hygienic, and long-lasting. Its corrosion resistance 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 light, 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

Door knobs were traditionally made from porcelain. Classic white lacquered or plain grey door knobs now give 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 both light, robust, and healthy. 

Traditionally rustic in style, natural products are reinventing themselves and fitting perfectly into contemporary interiors, bringing comfort and authenticity to your décor.

 A nylon (polyamide) door handle

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

2. What is your door handle style?

There is such a wide variety of original models and products that you will have no trouble finding the door handle of your dreams! For every style, its own 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 defined by clean geometric lines and a minimalist yet ultra-functional look. Like furniture, modern door handles favour smooth finish materials such as steel metal or a lacquered varnish effect. 

Ref model Cosmo – the ultra-design handle

Ref Line Ligne 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 creates a very on-trend effect!

The contemporary door handle 

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

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 refined design of these essential handles!

Ref Verum – sleek and elegant contemporary handles

The classic interior handle 

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

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

Ref Warna – the handle that is both classic and modern at the same time   

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

The vintage door handle  

Want to create a vintage atmosphere? It's all 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 that gives it a distinctive character. 

This beautiful door handle with old-world charm is made from 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 decorating solution between modern and contemporary. You can create a loft feel by installing a steel-framed glazed partition or a sliding door, combining metal, glass, or even concrete. Opt for door handles that will bring out 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 effect. This product meets the codes of industrial style through the combination of modern and contemporary.

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

The fantasy 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 exceptional interior designer!

Ref Juno – the concrete door handle

Ref Polaris – multicolour door handles 

The locking system on this model (privacy turn) enhances the whimsical effect of this shimmering product!

Modern door knobs

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

The "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 give your doors a completely fresh and dynamic touch!

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

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

Thanks to these products, you can 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 Poignées online shop, which offers one of the widest selections of design-quality door handles at reasonable prices! 

Draw inspiration from this guide and the articles on our Milla Poignées blog, which cover the entire world of door handles: technical aspects (centre-to-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!